Road Riding Basics

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.

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!