Be a Savvy Cyclist!

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Savvy Cyclist is a free, one-day "introduction to cycling" program for adults and mature teens who want to improve their cycling skills. This class is ideal for new cyclists who want to learn the basics, those returning to cycling from a long hiatus, people who want to be more independent on their bike, and those who feel a little nervous while cycling in traffic. [Savvy Cyclist Profile >]

If you do not know how to ride a bike (that is, start, stop, balance and steer without falling down), this is not the right class for you. Participants must know how to balance and control a bicycle. (Don't know how to ride yet? Click here [PDF] for learn-to-ride instructions to try on your own--the method works for adults and children alike.)

Course Content
  • Adjusting your bike and helmet for a comfortable fit
  • Performing a safety inspection on your bike to make sure everything is working properly
  • Fixing a flat tire
  • Using your gear system
  • Locking your bike
  • Bike handling skills
  • Cycling safely and confidently in traffic

The class is mostly hands-on and bike-riding activities, though it includes some classroom learning. Participants will receive literature and accessories to ensure continued safe and enjoyable riding.

Savvy Cyclist is a League of American Bicyclists Road I class, and it fulfills the pre-requisite for entering the training and certification seminar to become a League Cycling Instructor.

Class Schedule: Unless otherwise noted, the classes are held on Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Recycle-A-Bicycle training center in Long Island City, Queens. 2008 dates:
  • March 22
  • Sunday, April 6 (NYCC members and family only;)
  • Sunday, April 13, Trek Bicycle Store, Midwood, Brooklyn
  • April 26
  • May 10
  • Wednesday, May 14, in Manhattan
  • May 17
  • Sunday, June 1 (Achilles Tandem Bike Program captains only)
  • June 7 (LCI candidates only)
  • June 21
  • July 12
  • July 19
  • August 2, in Hoboken, NJ (full)
  • August 9 (full)
  • Sunday, August 24, in Manhattan (full)
  • September 13
  • September 20
  • October 4
  • October 18
  • November 1, in Manhattan

Registration Details: Savvy Cyclist class is free, but pre-registration and a fully refundable $50 deposit* are required to secure your spot. Click here (PDF) for the application form. Fax it to Bike New York at 212 932 3206 or mail to: Bike New York, Bicycle Education Program, 891 Amsterdam Ave., New York, NY 10025. No day-of-class walk-ins, please!

*Deposit: To guarantee a place in the class, and to help ensure that registrants show up, we require a refundable $50 deposit by check or credit card. (Please do not send cash.) Your registration will not be considered complete without the deposit, meaning you will not receive class details or the advance course packet. We will not process the deposit of participants who attend the class. Deposits from any no-shows will be used to help defray program costs.

Cancellation policy: If you register and must cancel for any reason, we will not process your deposit provided you notify us at least a week prior to the class. If you wish to change to a different class date, you may do so up to a week in advance of the class you were registered for without losing your deposit. To cancel or change the date of the class, contact the Bicycle Education Program (see below). Anyone who cancels or reschedules at any point during the seven days prior to the class will be charged the $50 deposit fee, as will registrants who do not attend the class. We will not process the deposit of participants who attend the class.

Any questions? Contact the Bicycle Education Program Director, Rich Conroy.

Schedule a Class for Your Group: Bike New York's certified League Cycling Instructors also lead Savvy Cyclist classes for groups of engineers, urban planners, transportation management associations, public health officials, and others. Individuals are welcome to coordinate a free Savvy Cyclist course for their co-workers or community group (minimum 12 participants) in the New York metro area. Simply contact Bike New York's Bicycle Education Program staff to set a date and location.

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Watch this video to learn more about the Savvy Cyclist class (4:25, produced and edited by Clarence Eckerson Jr.). Larger View >

photo: smiling class participant Not sure whether you'll fit in? Click here to read a profile of a Savvy Cyclist student.

photo: RBA Group class The RBA Group, a New Jersey-based engineering, architecture, and planning firm, hosted a Savvy Cyclist class for its bike/pedestrian planning staff as well as NJ DOT and Rutgers' Voorhees Transportation Center staff. The attendees pictured above are all active in the New Jersey Safe Routes to School movement.