Learn — Bicycle Education

No matter which level are you at - new to bikes or experienced rider - we have classes to help you become more confident and capable with bikes.

Our classes are provided at no cost to attendees thanks to 2016 Measure B and Valley Transit Authority (VTA), Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC), Peninsula Clean Energy, Lyft Bay Wheels, and Bay Area Air Quality Management District.

If you have questions after reading about our classes below, please email learn@bikesiliconvalley.org.

Below our class schedule and descriptions, there are also pre-recorded webinars and many additional educational resources in the SF Bay area.

Class Schedule

Sunnyvale Library Bike Repair Clinics

In person with bike, 10:30 am - 12:30 pm

Sat Apr 27, 2024

Sat Jun 8, 2024

Class Descriptions

For ages 14+.

Not sure if you know how to ride safely for transportation?

This 3 hour online classroom session is like Driver’s Ed for bicycling and covers all the essentials of bike safely on roads and streets in various conditions. It is one of the most comprehensive transportation bicycling classes in the United States along with Part 2, which we recommend you sign up for alongside Part 1 so you practice all the knowledge you gained with new safe riding skills.

We will cover:

  • Preparation for a safe, comfortable ride

  • Strategies for parking securely

  • The 5 layers of bike riding safety

  • Lane choice, positioning, and merging

  • Navigating intersections

  • And more!

Smart Cycling Part 2 (On-bike with helmet)

The Smart Cycling Part 2 (On Bike) class is a 6-hour outdoor workshop where you will practice all the different techniques and situations that you learned in Smart Cycling Part 1 (Classroom) while working in small groups with our certified League Cycling Instructors (LCI) to improve your bicycle handling skills, ride defensively to avoid crashes, and practice navigating most any transportation cycling challenge you may face. Before taking this class you should be able to ride with one hand (so you can use your other to signal with) and be able to look behind you while riding in a straight line. This class is free for participants thanks to VTA and 2016 Measure B and would cost $300 per student if you had to pay for it yourself, so don’t miss out! This class is for anyone 14 or older and you must bring your own well maintained bicycle. If you are not certain about your bike, have a bike shop check it over before you attend or take your bike to one of our Basic Bike Maintenance classes. The Part 1 class must be completed first before you take Part 2. Part 1 can also be completed online by taking all of the modules of the League of American Bicyclists (LAB)'s online series of courses including the online exam. If you completed Part 1 online or took Part 1 from some other organization, please send your exam certificate of completion or photo of your written exam to learn@bikesiliconvalley.org when you register for Part 2.

Basic Bike Repair (In person with your bike)

SVBC and/or Community Cycles of California will teach you all the basics of fixing your bike so it is safe to ride! This 3 hour class is a hands-on, in-person, skill-building workshop that empowers you to repair and maintain your own bike including fixing flats, tires, brakes, gears, and chains. You should bring a bike to this class but a bike is not required. This class is for anyone 14 or older. This class is free for participants thanks to VTA and 2016 Measure B and would cost $150 per student if you had to pay for it yourself, so don’t miss out!

Learn To Ride (In person with a bike)

Learn to Ride a two-wheeler! This in person 2-3 hour class for anyone 14 or older who wants to learn how to ride but has never ridden before (or has forgotten how to ride). You can rent a bike from us for the duration of the class or you can bring your own. The class itself is free for participants thanks to VTA and 2016 Measure B and would cost $150+ per student if you had to pay for it yourself, so don’t miss out!

Biking Basics - Classroom

Are you new to bicycling and want to learn more about road safety and navigation? Has it been awhile since you’ve gotten on your bike and you’re itching to get ‘back in the saddle?’ Then you’re a perfect fit for SVBC’s Biking Basics one-hour class!

This introductory class is great for folks who are new to bicycling or are experienced and interested in learning more about how to enjoy safe and comfortable biking on roads. Experienced commuters and new riders are encouraged to attend! You’ll learn things like:

  • How to stay safe on a road with motor vehicles

  • Choosing the right bike for you

  • Helmet and bike fitting

  • How to verify your bike is safe to ride

  • How to lock your bike

  • How to find the best bicycling routes

Básicos de Ciclismo - Aula

¿Eres nuevo en el mundo de la bicicleta y quieres aprender más sobre seguridad vial y navegación? ¿Ha pasado un tiempo y estás ansioso por volver a montar?

En esta clase de una hora aprenderás cosas como:

  • Cómo mantenerse seguro en una carretera con vehículos de motor

  • Elegir la bicicleta adecuada para ti

  • Ajuste de casco y bicicleta

  • Cómo verificar que su bicicleta es segura para andar

  • Cómo bloquear tu bicicleta

  • Cómo encontrar las mejores rutas en bicicleta

Biking Basics - On Bike!

Bicycling Basics - On Bike is a 3-hour outdoor workshop where you will learn and practice all the different techniques and situations that you learned in Bicycling Basics - Classroom while working in small groups with our certified League Cycling Instructors (LCI) to improve your bicycle handling skills and ride defensively to keep you safe on roads with traffic.

This class is open to anyone 14 and older. Attendees must bring a well maintained functional bicycle they can ride and their helmet. This class is a half-sized version of our full length Smart Cycling class.


One-hour Classes

The classes below may be offered in person or online.

Bike Commuting

Learn the ins and outs of bike commuting — how to get wherever you are going safely and not break a sweat. Experienced commuters and new riders are encouraged to attend! SVBC staff will cover ride prep, gear, route planning, and road navigation. See below for a Youtube recording of this class.

Bike Repair Talk

Learning bike repair in person with your bike is best but if you cannot do that, this quick 1 hour class covers the essentials of our longer in person Basic Bike Repair workshop in a lecture/classroom format.

Bike Security

Bike theft is a big problem. Learn the ins and outs of excellent bike security so yours is less likely to get stolen.

Intro to E-Bikes

Thinking about getting an e-bike? Wondering about what all the fuss is about? Not sure what kind of e-bike might be right for you? Did you buy an e-bike, but you're feeling a little intimidated about riding it? Join Silicon Valley Bicycle Coalition for an evening about e-bikes!

During this 1 hour class, we explore the following:

  • Types of e-bikes

  • Benefits of e-bikes

  • The right e-bike for you

  • Safety and security

  • Navigating bike facilities

Family Biking

Learn how to bike safely with kids of any age in this 1 hour class that can be done in person or online. We’ll cover gear and equipment options to help you have safe and enjoyable riding adventures! Presentation followed by time for Q & A with experienced family riders who are ready to share their experiences. See below for a recording of this class.

Finding the Best Bike for You

Are you in the market for a new bicycle? Unsure of where to start? Join us for an engaging and interactive presentation on, “Finding the Best Bike for You – Tips for Any Budget.” We will explore different types of bikes at varying budget levels. Get informed and empowered with information on choosing the best bike for you. Presentation followed by time for Q & A. See below for a recording of this class.

How to Haul Anything by Bike

Think you need a car to haul stuff? Think again! Using a bicycle you can move more than most people can haul in their car. Join us for a 1 hour in person or online class to learn how. We go over the details of all the equipment and techniques you need to haul small loads (1 grocery bag or less), medium loads (up to 2 grocery bags), and large loads (3 grocery bags or more). Presentation followed by time for Q & A. See below for a recording of this class.

Winter Biking - Stay Warm, Dry, Visible

Are you comfortable riding in fair weather and would like to continue riding even when it’s dark, cold, or rainy? Get tips for staying warm, dry, and visible during this 1 hour class to enjoy bicycling when the days get shorter, the weather gets colder, and the rain starts coming down. See show-and-tell of clothing/ lights solutions, videos, and comprehensive Q&A. This class covers the weather and conditions we experience when riding the roads of Silicon Valley during the winter. Watch a recording of this training below.

For dates of upcoming classes, see our schedule above as well as our overall events calendar.

Request Class(es) for Your Community or Organization

Do you want to have Silicon Valley Bicycle Coalition (SVBC) come to your organization and teach your community or organization members to become more confident and capable riders?

SVBC is offering bicycle classes intended for 10+ attendees to be hosted by organizations and agencies (e.g. libraries) in Santa Clara County and San Mateo County.  Learn more about our classes above.

Webinar Recordings

SVBC staff and other experts cover topics to empower you to be a more confident rider. The following videos were created through partnerships with Commute.org and VTA.

Bike Safety & Rules of the Road

Finding the Best Bike for You

Family Biking

Bike Commuting

Winter Biking - Warm, Dry, Visible

Biking and the Law

How to Haul Anything by Bike

 Quick Videos

These short VTA videos (funded by 2016 Measure B and co-authored by SVBC and VTA) provide key tips on a few hot topics.

Taking Your Bike on VTA Bus or Light Rail

Cómo usa tu bicicleta en VTA

VTA Bicycle Safety - How to Navigate Bike Infrastructure

E-Bike Safety

 Additional Educational Resources in the SF Bay Area

Many other organizations and businesses offer bicycle classes in the San Francisco Bay Area.

 Free:

Pay As You Go:

  • Bicycle Solutions
    – Learn to Ride, Bicycle Handling Skills, Ride Along Coaching, and custom private bicycling classes (all ages) in the 9 county SF Bay Area.

  • BikeTeacher.com
    – Bicycle repair classes in San Jose from beginner to pro bike mechanic certification.

  • CyclingSavvy
    – Online bicycling classes and also some in person classes held around the United States.

  • League of American Bicyclists
    – Classes for youth, families, adults, and bicycle instructors around the United States. Some for free, some you must pay for.

  • Savvy Bike
    – Bike fit, clinics, high performance riding, personal coaching, and camps in the SF Bay Area.

  • Wheel Kids
    – Classes and camps for kids and families in the SF Bay Area including Cupertino, Palo Alto, Menlo Park, and Los Gatos.

Any other bicycling classes you would like to take?

Let us know at learn@bikesiliconvalley.org.

Also if your organization would like to fund any of these classes, please email programs@bikesiliconvalley.org