We teach adults how to safely and confidently commute by bike!
Studies show that bike commuting can improve mental and physical health while also connecting you to your community, saving you money and helping the environment.
Interest in bicycle commuting is growing by the day, and we are working to make Colorado the best place to ride through infrastructure and legislation that make this choice safer and more accessible. Bicycle Colorado wants adults to feel confident while riding. That’s why we developed our Confident Commuting curriculum.
When you’re ready to get started, gather some co-workers or friends and let’s get pedaling!
This three-part, hands-on program can be implemented anywhere—workplaces, community centers or even your local brewery during happy hour.
Participants learn essential traffic, safety, navigation and maintenance skills to increase their confidence while bike commuting, and everyone who takes our Confident Commuting course pedals away with a full manual to dive deeper into topics of interest.
We know all organizations, businesses and communities have a unique culture and set of opportunities and needs, and we’re happy to customize the Confident Commuting program for each client. Sessions are available individually or as a package. Below is a sample program that could be conducted over three lunch sessions.
For more information about scheduling a Confident Commuting program, email bikeschool@bicyclecolorado.org.
Day 1: Bike gear, laws, safety and route-finding
A comprehensive introduction to bike commuting. Topics include choosing the right bike and fit, clothing and gear and how to clean up and be presentable for work. Later, we shift to rules of the road and traffic scenarios. This involves an in-depth discussion of safety tips, bike laws, etiquette, infrastructure and lane positioning.
Day 2: Basic bike maintenance
Participants are guided through the basics of taking care of a bicycle, including fixing a flat, adjusting brakes and maintaining a chain. All participants will get the opportunity to change a flat tire. In addition, participants will learn the “ABC Quick Check”–an easy way to make sure your bike is ride-ready that will help prevent crashes due to bike malfunction.
Day 3: Group ride
Bicycle Colorado will lead a group ride for all Confident Commuter participants interested in gaining first-hand experience on the road and applying what they have learned while boosting their confidence. The route will take participants through a diverse sample of intersections, streets and infrastructure to reinforce content from previous days and allow for more discussion related to rules of the road, lane positioning, etc. Participants will receive feedback on their riding as well as practice bike maneuvering skills to further build confidence and decrease the chance of being involved in a crash. The group will travel at a comfortable pace to accommodate different riding levels.
