Bicycling Basics

Bicycling Basics teaches the essential skills that are the foundation for smooth, confident cycling:

• Adjusting your helmet for a comfortable, effective fit
• Choosing the right size bike and adjusting seat height for a comfortable ride and a strong pedal stroke
• Performing a simple bike inspection
• Smooth, powerful starting
• Controlled stopping
• Riding in a straight line
• Using shifters and gears efficiently
• Using hand signals and scanning without swerving
• Maneuvering around common road hazards

*Students who choose to bring their own bicycle must be sure that the bicycle fits and is in good working order (i.e., wheels spin freely, brakes function).

Did you just graduate from our Learn to Ride–Adults class? Are you coming back to cycling after a long absence and feeling a little shaky? Ever wonder what those funny levers on your handlebars do? Don’t feel like you’re ready to mix with traffic yet? If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, then Bicycling Basics is the class for you.

Bicycling Basics is open to adults and mature teens who are able to mount, balance, pedal, start, and stop a bicycle.

Have you already mastered the basics? Consider attending Savvy Cyclist: Traffic Skills 101.

Bicycling Basics classes are canceled in the event of rain; please check the Education department’s Weather Hotline at 212 870 2080 ext. 2 if in doubt. Those registered for a class that is canceled due to rain will be invited to register for a later class date within the established season schedule.

Once you attend a Bicycling Basics class and can start, ride in a straight line, and stop with control, you may be ready to attend Bike New York’s free Traffic Skills 101 class, where students learn how to ride comfortably and confidently in urban street traffic. Loaner bicycles are not available at Traffic Skills 101 classes.

Are you thinking of buying a bike of your own but are not sure where to begin? Attend Bike New York’s free, one-hour How to Buy a Bicycle class for a full explanation.

If you are interested in private instruction, visit the League of American Bicyclists website to find a certified cycling instructor in your area.

Also consider paying it forward! Many of the volunteers who help you at a class started out on the student side of the handlebars. Find out how you can help others become more competent cyclists here.