Most of us learned by the "shove down the driveway" method of instruction. From there, we were taught that "it's dangerous out there."
Not necessarily true!
Are you interested in developing skills that would increase your confidence while bicycling in traffic? How about helping others learn about bicycling? If you're interested in becoming more involved in bicycling as an individual or through an outreach effort, please read on. Cyclists of all skill and experience levels have found our bike classes a valuable learning experience.
Currently, we are not offering this class.
"I've been road biking for some time but I took this class thinking I might brush up on some skills. The class did far more than that! I learned new and useful techniques for riding in traffic and in groups and found the learning environment extremely congenial." s.e.
"Although I was an experienced cyclist when I signed up for the class, riding in traffic made me nervous and fearful. Taking this class, I learned a lot about the right way to cycle in traffic and gained the knowledge to ride confidently, visibly and courteously in any traffic conditions." - m.b.
"This class taught me many useful skills that I find myself using often when riding here in Ithaca, on roads and off road as well." - m.m.
"This is an excellent class for both new and experienced cyclists. Lois and Sue provide lively lectures and hands-on rides to improve your skills and knowledge about biking, safety and repairs." - d.d.
"The class gave me the skills and confidence I needed to join my husband on bike rides. Our bike rides have been great fun, great exercise and I've seen beautiful countryside! The class taught me practical things about safety, maneuvering in traffic, and how to adjust my bike for proper and comfortable posture. It was a great combination of lecture and hands on. I highly recommend the class!" - j.m.
"I highly recommend the "Bikes Skills Class" sponsored by the League of American Bicyclists. We are fortunate to have certified trainers in Ithaca that offer the course locally. After many years of riding my bike on city streets in multiple states I learned much that will help me be a safer bicyclist. The course was also fun and I enjoyed meeting my classmates." f.d.
“Now I can bike on busy streets with confidence, and remember when the cars are honking at me, that I have the right to share the street too.This class will give you the skills, confidence and motivation to start taking those long bike trips around the NYS countryside – because you know you’ve always wanted to!” j.p.
Most of us have not had the opportunity to take a bike skills class that truly helps you get a handle on basic bike handling skills, proper fit of a bike, and how to safely and confidently deal with traffic. We have spent the last 15 years developing and modifying our class offerings to provide participants with the best learning opportunity possible. As you can see from the comments above, our students have enjoyed the experience and have improved their skills, traffic savvy, and confidence. We offer two levels of classes primarily to encourage you to self-select into a group you’d be most comfortable in. Both classes are based on the same materials, but it’s easier for all involved if the class is comprised of those with a similar skill level.
In class, we'll discuss some of the common myths about the "dangers of cycling" and you'll be introduced to some basic skills and traffic strategies you can employ to make your cycling experience safer and more enjoyable. We'll spend some time in a parking lot practicing some fundamental bike maneuvers and we'll take short rides on public streets with an eye toward understanding how to better fit into the traffic flow.
Participants must be at least sixteen years of age, provide their own bicycles, helmets, water bottles and weather-appropriate clothing (cool weather, rain gear). The bicycle must be tuned up (by yourself or a mechanic) - ride ready. All group instructional rides - one per class meeting - are tailored to the skill level of the participants and are usually just a few miles long.
The Beginner's Class is for those who haven't been on a bike in a long time, are timid about bicycling, or are new to bicycling. This two-session class will be offered on Thursday April 14 and 21 (you come to both) from 5-8 PM in room B-15 of Riley Robb Hall on the Cornell campus (easy access - details provided). This class includes classroom instruction and bike handling practice in a nearby parking lot. An optional ride on the street around the block is included. Only participants feeling confident to go on the road rides will be expected to do so. Cost is $25 which includes handouts and a certificate of participation. Class size is limited due to the necessity of keeping the student-instructor ratio low for the on-road sessions. Preregistration is required. Cost - $25.
Traffic Skills 101 is for those who have been doing some regular bicycling (could easily bike 10+ miles) and would like to improve their ability to handle their bike and to ride more confidently with traffic. Maybe you're thinking about commuting. (If you're interested in becoming an instructor through LAB, TS 101 is a pre-requisite.)
This class includes a healthy mix of classroom instruction with on-the-bike practical in parking lots and on local streets. Cost for the course is $25 which includes a student manual, a certificate upon successful completion. Class size is limited due to the necessity of keeping the student-instructor ratio low for the on-road sessions. Preregistration is required. Cost - $25.
Contact Lois Chaplin for an application.
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Course Instructors are Susan Powell and Lois Chaplin. and Steven Powell. The League of American Bicyclists' Smart Cycling progam, is the only nationally-recognized bicycling education program with certified instructors. Its hallmark is on-the-road training with an emphasis on learning to ride safely and effectively in all conditions of road and traffic.
Andrejs Ozolins and Mary Bouchard are League certified instructors. As additional classes are scheduled by any of us, we'll be sure and post the information.