Learn to Ride – Adults

Learn to Ride teaches the fundamental elements of cycling to those who never learned to ride or who haven’t been on a bike in a long while. Each class covers:

• Adjusting your helmet for a comfortable, effective fit
• Balancing on a bicycle
• Pedaling
• Steady starting and stopping
• Steering with control

Class duration:	2 hours
Class location:	Controlled, outdoor environment
Class size:	Up to 30 adult and mature teen students
Instructors:	One trained class captain and volunteers
Instructor to student ratio:	1 to 8, on average
Equipment necessary:	Bicycle and helmet (provided to those who register online for space in the class)*
Registration policy:	Advance registration is required of all participants; walk-in students are not allowed

*Bike New York has 15-20 adult bicycles and helmets available while supplies last to those who register online. Once each bicycle has been reserved, the class will be listed as “full” and online registration for that particular session will close. 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). You must be able to rest your feet flat on the ground while sitting on the bicycle seat. Please note: Indoor classes cannot accommodate students who bring their own bicycle. Students must register online and use a Bike New York loaner bicycle, while supplies last.

If you never learned how to ride a bike as a child or if you did learn but haven’t ridden since, the Learn to Ride class is for you.Learn to Ride—Adults is open to adults and mature teens who are at least 14 years old. Participants between 14 and 18 years old must attend with a legal guardian. Already know how to balance and pedal but want to work on improving your bike handling skills? Consider attending Bicycling Basics.

Upon registration, students will be required to enter a credit card number.  If a student registers and attends her class, her credit card will NOT be charged.

However, any of the following actions will result in a $50 fee:

1. If a student cancels his registration during the business week (Monday through Friday) immediately leading up to his class date.

2. If a student switches class dates or times during the business week immediately leading up to her class date.

3. If a student does not show up to his class at all.

Students who cancel more than one week in advance will not be charged any fee.

Indoor Learn to Ride classes are held rain or shine.

Outdoor Learn to Ride—Adults 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 Learn to Ride–Adults class and get a handle on balancing and pedaling a bike, you may be interested in attending Bike New York’s free Bicycling Basics class, where students learn the essential skills that are the foundation for smooth, confident cycling. Now that you know how to ride, are you thinking of buying a bike of your own? Not sure where to start? 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 learn to ride here.