Adult Education

We can answer them!

Our bicycling classes and group rides help you learn new skills and develop confidence! We offer sessions for adults of all skill levels in DC, Arlington, Alexandria, and Montgomery County. 

Questions about classes? Email us at education@waba.org.

Our Classes:

October and November class registration will open later this season. Click here to add yourself to our listserv to receive emails about our upcoming classes!

Learn to Ride

This 3 hour class is for adults who have never ridden a bike before or have not been on a bike in some time. You’ll learn the basics of balancing, gliding and pedaling, with the goal of riding by the end of class!

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For Adults & Children

Basic Skills Clinic

Sign up for this 2 hour clinic if you have recently taken an Adult Learn to Ride class and would like to continue practicing basic skills like starting and stopping, turning, weaving and gradual braking.

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For Adults

On-Street & Trail Riding

These classes are for those who would like more confidence riding on trails or in traffic. Both Trail Riding Basics and Confident City Cycling include a bike handling skills component and a group ride in traffic or on a trail.

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For Adults

Community Rides

WABA’s Community Education Ride series is an inclusive space for riders of all levels to explore the city. Each ride tackles a different topic that urban riders use to get around the region.

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For Adults

FAQ

COVID Health and Safety

Due to the ongoing effects of COVID-19, all participants are expected to adhere to WABA’s health and safety guidelines for in-person events.

  • Participants should not attend in-person events if they feel sick or show symptoms of illness. WABA will refund registration fees to individuals who cannot attend because they are sick on the day of an event. If you are sick and unable to attend an in-person event, contact WABA for a refund.
  • WABA Adult Education classes are mask optional. WABA does not require participants to be vaccinated in order to attend class although we strongly encourage all participants to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Those who have not been vaccinated are required to wear a CDC approved facemask for the duration of class. Anyone who has received the COVID-19 vaccine may choose to forgo masks and social distancing. WABA respects anyone’s decision to wear a mask and encourages all people to advocate for themselves. If you would like to wear a mask during class and would like to maintain social distancing we highly encourage you to do so! WABA will not tolerate any disrespect towards WABA staff or participants who choose to wear a mask for their own safety and peace of mind.
  • Participants will provide their contact information at event registration. Participants consent to WABA contacting them and/or releasing their contact information to necessary authorities if there is a need for contact tracing following an event to contain an outbreak of COVID-19.

Cancellations & Refunds 

If you need to cancel your class registration, please contact education@waba.org. Refunds will be issued to those who cancel 48 hours or more in advance of the class. 

How to Reschedule a Class

Email education@waba.org with your current registration date and your preferred reschedule date. 

Weather Policy

If WABA cancels a class or ride due to inclement weather, participants will be notified by 9 am the morning of the event. In the event of cancellation, participants will have the option to reschedule to a future date or receive a refund. 

One on One Instruction 

All WABA Instructors are League Cycling Instructors certified by the League of American Bicyclists. Many Instructors teach privately outside of WABA and offer individual lessons for adults and children. Visit waba.org/individual-lessons to find the Instructor that is right for you. 

Age Requirements 

Adult Learn to Ride, Basic Skills Clinic, and Confident City Cycling participants must be 18 or older. Children and adolescents are welcome to participate in Community Rides with a parent or guardian present on the ride. 

Helmets

All participants are required to wear a helmet while attending WABA classes, even while riding a personal bike. Don’t have a helmet? Email education@waba.org and we can provide one for you! 

Using Capital Bikeshare Bikes

Interested in using a CaBi for a City Cycle class or Community Ride? WABA can provide you with a coupon for a free bike. Email education@waba.org for details. 

Code of Conduct

WABA’s first priority is to provide a fun, inclusive and safe environment for all participants. All event participants are expected to follow the WABA Code of Conduct.

Youth and Family Education

Check out our entire schedule of Youth and Family programming, including Youth Learn to Rides at waba.org/youth-education. 

Contact us

For questions about WABA’s adult education programming email education@waba.org. 

Interested in teaching with us? Find out how to become a WABA Instructor. 

WABA’s education initiatives are supported in part by your membership dollars. Join or donate to WABA today and help our programs reach further.