Confident City Cycling classes teach safe methods of riding on the road and in traffic. They build your skills and your confidence. Classes cover the fundamental principles of riding your bike on the road effectively, predictably, and confidently. About half the instruction occurs on-bike, both in a parking lot drills, and on the road. The course is based on a nationally recognized curriculum and the instructors are certified by the League of American Bicyclists.Classes: Basic, Basic/Commuter, Extended Class for Certification, and Beginner (and classes for kids). For more information, call ABC at (404) 881-1112.
The Spring 2008 schedule of classes is being developed. Get your name on the list: email bikeclass@atlantabike.org
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Click here for tips that will help keep you safe while riding.
But I've Been Riding a Bike Since I Was a Kid. What Could I Possibly Learn?
Confident City Cycling will help you improve your skills. Whether you have completed thousands of miles on your bicycle or only a few miles around the neighborhood, confidence and knowledge of bicycle handling skills do not come naturally. Knowing how to execute suitable defensive maneuvers may help prevent serious injury. Just because you have been commuting for years or participating in group training rides does not necessarily mean that you have learned to operate your bicycle as a vehicle, or how to protect yourself from the foolish actions of other vehicles. EC is much more than a set of rules on how to ride, it's about developing a framework from which to work and handle situations. Having the skills to handle any situation that may arise is beneficial to the cyclists' confidence, and riding with more confidence will make any cyclist better, regardless of where you have been on your bike in the past.
Here's what graduates of our classes have said:
"The class I attended was so much more than I expected and every time I go on a ride now I think about the material we covered... I felt I had a really good grasp of where I should be and why at any given moment on the ride. [The class] is the best investment in cycling that I have ever made." - Bob C.
"It was enough to give me the confidence to bike to work. Now I bike commute all the time using effective cycling techniques." - Nancy W.
"I was an experienced rider but was still able to learn much. I guarantee I am a much safer rider." - Neil N.
More About the Effective Cycling Program
"Effective Cycling," the basis for our Confident City Cycling classes, was developed by renowned bicycling advocate John Forester. From it, a national curriculum, now known as "Bike Ed" was developed through the League of American Bicyclists. It is the nation's leading program in teaching the principles of vehicular cycling. The philosophy behind Effective Cycling, vehicular cycling, and responsible riding forms the foundation for safe riding for any cyclist.
Want to know even more about Effective Cycling? Visit the website for the League of American Bicyclists Bike Ed Program.
Brief Descriptions of ABC's Course Offerings
Basic Class -
Adult
Length of Course: 5 hours
Cost: $35
Pre-requisites: You must
have a working bicycle and a helmet; you should be able to ride a bicycle for
a minimum of 3 miles on a variety of terrain.
This class focuses on the principles of vehicular cycling, positioning on the roadway and at intersections, laws pertaining to bicyclists, bike handling skills, and emergency maneuvers. It also covers bicycle fit, helmet use, and gear shifting. It includes approximately 2 hours of on-bike time, both in parking lot drills as well as guided practice on the road in real traffic. Students taking this class have the option to attend a Session II for Certification at another location at no extra charge.
Session II
for Certification - Adult
Length of Course: 5 hours
Cost:
$0
Pre-requisites: You must have completed the Basic or Basic/Commuter course.
This class is the optional follow-up to the Basic class; it completes the League of American Bicyclists Road I curriculum. The class covers bicycle anatomy, basic bicycle mechanics (including tire repair), road hazard avoidance, riding in adverse conditions, and group riding etiquette. It includes both a written and on-road test. Those who complete the extended class with passing scores are considered "certified Effective Cyclists" and will receive a League of American Bicyclists certificate.
Bicycling Beginners Class -
Adult
Length of Course: 5-1/2
hours
Cost: $35
Pre-requisites: You must have a working
bicycle and a helmet.
This class is for adults who have just learned to
bicycle, have not been on a bike for many years, or do not have a fitness
level that allows them to bicycle at least 3 miles on Atlanta terrain. The
class covers: bicycle selection and fit; helmet fit; equipment and clothing;
mechanical checks; tire repair; gear shifting; bike handling skills, emergency
maneuvers, and principles of bicycling in traffic. It includes parking lot
skill practice and a short on-road guided practice.
Basic/Commuter Class -
Adult
Length of Course: 6 hours
Cost: $35
Pre-requisites: You
must have a working bicycle and a helmet; you should be able to ride a
bicycle for a minimum of 3 miles on a variety of terrain.
This class covers the same material as the Basic class, but includes a one-hour Commuter session as well. The Commuter session covers types of bicycles for commuting; equipment; night-time riding; seasonal and inclement weather riding; choosing a commute route; connections to transit; and bicycle parking and security. Students completing this class have the option to attend a Session II for Certification at another location at no extra charge.
Sign up to request a kids bike class: email bikeclass@atlantabike.org
Kids Confident Cycling Classes
Read about how Confident Cycling can change the world for a kid!
Kids classes cover bicycle and helmet fit, mechanical safety checks, bicycle handling skills, emergency maneuvers, awareness of traffic, and rules of the road.
For Kids ages 10 to 14 - An eight-hour class, held in two or three sessions $25 per student
For Kids ages 8 & 9 - A six-hour class, held in two or three sessions $20 per student
For Kids ages 6 & 7 - A two-hour Family Class (parent and child) $20 per family
For Parents of Kids ages 4 to 8 - A one-hour seminar focusing on accident prevention $10 per parent
* Kids classes are offered to groups by request. To schedule a class email us or call (404)881-1112.
Please email us with your questions, or call us at (404) 881-1112.