In 2023, Maryland’s Highway Safety Office awarded WABA a grant to establish a Vision Zero Youth Leadership Institute in Prince George’s County, MD. This Institute is dedicated to empowering youth to become Vision Zero and transportation safety ambassadors in their communities through hosting youth focused events, highlighting the critical importance of achieving Vision Zero in Maryland. To implement this project, WABA has a dedicated Youth Organizer who oversees the institute. Additionally, WABA has four paid youth interns who are part of the inaugural cohort. 

The students work to develop a youth friendly Vision Zero Toolkit to teach other youth about transportation safety, and how to implement transportation safety projects in the community, such as how to host a walk audit, or how to contact an elected official about transportation safety. Additionally, the cohort worked with PGCPS schools to host a trail ride at Bladensburg Waterfront Park as part of the PGCPS Environmental Alliance Summit in April ‘24. Throughout the year, the cohort met with Prince George’s County elected officials, county planners, Maryland Department of Transportation staff, and transportation safety advocates to fully understand how these different entities work together to create safer infrastructure in the county. Finally, the cohort held a WABA first- Youth Transportation Safety Town Hall in April ‘24, at the Hyattsville Library. At the town hall, the cohort addressed the audience on Vision Zero, the benefit of pedestrian and bicyclist infrastructure, and transportation and the environment.

WABA's Adult Learn to Ride class is for participants 18 and older. Our experienced Instructors break the skills down step by step to get you on a bike and rolling in no time. Participants learn to start and stop, balance, glide, pedal and steer a bike and progress at their own pace.

Have any questions? Email us at education@waba.org.

Click here to view WABA’s Code of Conduct for event participants.

This class is for you if:

• You have never been on a bicycle before
• You have not ridden a bicycle in many years
• You have previously tried to learn how to ride a bicycle, but were unsuccessful

Equipment:

• A bicycle and helmet will be provided for all class participants
• You will be asked to provide your height in the registration portal so that we can reserve a properly sized bicycle for you.

Adult Class Details

Class Duration: 3 hours

Equipment: Bicycle and helmet provided for all participants

What to Expect:

• Learn to Ride is a group class of up to 25 participants. Our 1:5 instructor to participant ratio will help to ensure that all participants receive individualized attention and tailored feedback from our experienced instructors.
• Please arrive at least 15 minutes before class begins so that you have enough time to check in and receive a bike.
• Learning how to ride a bike is exercise. The group will take plenty of rest and water breaks throughout the class. Please be sure to eat and drink water before you arrive to class. Wear comfortable, athletic clothing and bring plenty of water and snacks with you!

Adult Class FAQ

Is this class right for me? 

• This class is for adults (18+) who have never learned to ride a bike or who have not ridden a bike in some time.
• Adult Learn to Ride classes can host up to 25 students at a time. If you prefer one on one instruction, check out our Individual Lessons page.

Are you sure I can learn to ride in 3 hours? 

Our Adult Learn to Ride classes are broken down into safe, easy to follow steps. Instructors will work with you to offer tailored feedback and guidance to improve your practice. Over 80% of participants last year were riding by the end of a 3 hour class. If you need a little extra instruction, we will work with you to get you signed up for another Learn to Ride.

Can I bring my own bike? 

We recommend that participants use the bicycles provided during class. The bikes we use are properly sized for each participant and are in good working order. WABA does not offer on site bike maintenance for personal bikes.

What should I bring with me to class? 

Water, close-toed shoes, athletic clothing, appropriate outerwear, snacks, and sunscreen!

How do I confirm my registration? 

After you register, you will receive a confirmation email with details about the class. We will send you a reminder email two days before class with all the information you need (including google maps directions!).

I learned to ride! Now what?

Check out a Basic Skills Clinic or a Trail Riding Basics class.

WABA’s Youth Learn to Ride class breaks learning how to ride a bike down into 3 steps: gliding, pedaling and riding. This class is for children aged 6-12 who have never ridden a bike before or have tried to learn and have not been successful. Our League Cycling Instructors (LCIs) take students through a progressive curriculum, with the goal of riding with two pedals by the end of the session.

This class is right for your child if:

• They are between the ages of 6 and 12 years old
• Your child has never tried to learn how to ride a bike
• They have tried to learn and have not been successful

Equipment:

• Participants can request a bike rental or bring their own bike to class.
• All students are required to wear a helmet for the duration of the class.
• Please watch this video and check over the bike that will be used for class to make sure it is in proper working order before class.
• Also, check out this video on how to fit a child’s bike to make sure it is the right size before coming to class.
• Your child should be able to sit on the saddle with their feet on the ground. If their bike is too big or too small for them, it will be a challenge to teach them to use it. Contact us at youth@waba.org if you have questions!

Youth Class Details

Duration: 2 hours

Equipment: All students are responsible for bringing their own bicycle and helmet. All students are required to wear a helmet for the duration of the class.

What to Expect:

• Youth Learn to Ride is a group class for up to 10 students. WABA’s 3:1 instructor to student ratio ensures that all students receive individualized attention and personalized feedback.
• Please arrive at least 15 minutes early so that you and your child have enough time to check in with the Lead Instructor.
• All parents/guardians are expected to stay for the duration of class. We encourage adults to make note of the skills that the students are practicing so that you can help your child continue to practice their biking riding skills at home.

This class is for you if you've recently taken a Learn to Ride class and want some more practice!

Class Duration: 2 hours

Equipment: Bicycle and helmet provided. Participants may bring their own bicycle and helmet for this clinic so long as they are in good working order.

Cost:

• $10.00 – Bring your own bike registration
• $50.00- Rent a bike registration
• FREE for WABA members

Registration Policy: Advanced registration is required for Basic Skills Clinics. Registration closes at 1:00 pm the Friday before class.

FAQ

Is this class right for me? 

• This class is reserved for adults ages 18 or older.
• This class is for participants who have previously taken a Learn to Ride class and would like to continue practicing their bike handling skills.
• Basic Skills Clinics can host up to 25 students at a time. If you prefer one on one instruction, check out our Individual Lessons page.
• Don’t have a bike? No worries! Sign up using the “Rent a Bike” registration link, provide your height and we will reserve a bike for you. Your bike and helmet will be available when you arrive to class.

What if I haven’t practiced riding since I took my Learn to Ride class?

No worries, if you need to take off the pedals and start over again the Instructors will help guide you through each drill. This class is not structured like a regular Learn to Ride class and will not be helpful for those who have not previously taken a Learn to Ride.

Can I bring my own bike? 

Yes! You may bring your own bicycle and helmet as long as they are both in good working order. WABA does not offer on site bike maintenance for personal bikes. Sign up using the “Bring Your Own Bike” registration link.

Does this clinic include a group ride?

No, the entirety of the clinic takes place within a parking lot. Participants may ride around the parking lot but there is no group ride component to this class.

What should I bring with me to class? 

Water, close toed shoes, athletic clothing, appropriate outerwear, snacks, and sunscreen!

How do I confirm my registration? 

After you register, you will receive a confirmation email with details about the class. We will send you a reminder email two days before class with all the information you need (including google maps directions!).

New and experienced bicyclists alike can benefit from WABA’s continuing education classes. Take a look at the class descriptions below to find the one that is right for you.

This class is for you if:

You know how to ride a bike and have experience riding on trails

You know how to ride a bike and would like to learn how to ride safely in traffic

You have experience riding in traffic but would like to learn more about traffic law and how to navigate tricky traffic situations

Have any questions? Email us at education@waba.org.

Class Details:

Class Duration: 3 hours

Equipment: Participants are required to bring their own bicycle and helmet for this class. Bikes must be in good working order. Use a Capital Bikeshare bike and WABA will reimburse your usage fee for the duration of the class! Email education@waba.org for more details.

Cost: $10, Free for WABA members

FAQ

Do I have to wear a helmet if I am riding my personal bike? 

Yes! All WABA class participants are required to wear a helmet for the duration of class. Don’t have a helmet? Email education@waba.org and we will provide you with one!

What should I bring with me to class? 

Water, close-toed shoes, athletic clothing, a bike, helmet, appropriate outerwear, snacks, and sunscreen!

This class is for you if; you already know how to ride a bike but do not have much experience riding on trails; you have experience riding on trails, but would like to learn skills that will help improve your ride; you have recently taken a WABA Basic Skills Clinic; or you have recently taken a WABA Learn to Ride class and were riding confidently with 2 pedals by the end of class.

Class Details:

Class Duration: 3 hours

Equipment: Participants are required to bring their own bicycle and helmet for this class. Bikes must be in good working order. Use a Capital Bikeshare bike and WABA will reimburse your usage fee for the duration of the class! Email education@waba.org for more details.

Cost: $10, Free for WABA members

FAQ

Do I have to wear a helmet if I am riding my personal bike? 

Yes! All WABA class participants are required to wear a helmet for the duration of class. Don’t have a helmet? Email education@waba.org and we will provide you with one!

What should I bring with me to class? 

Water, close-toed shoes, athletic clothing, a bike, helmet, appropriate outerwear, snacks, and sunscreen!