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. They would otherwise cost $100 - $700 to each individual based on the class, so take advantage of and sign up for all that you are interested in learning about today!

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 - more will be added over time

Basic Bike Repair

In person with bike

Sat Jan 4, 2025 in San Jose

(More coming later in 2025)

Adults and Teens (14+) Learn to Ride

In person with bike

Sat Apr 26, 2025 in San Jose

(More coming later in 2025)

Sunnyvale Library Bike Repair Clinics

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

Sat Jan 11, 2025

(More coming later in 2025)

Class Descriptions

Want to how to ride safely for transportation essentially everywhere?

Whether it is commuting, riding in wet weather, riding with cars, or helping other be safer riders, this is our most comprehensive bicycling class for everyday use (off-bike; 3 hours). This is like driver’s education for bicycling. We recommend signing up for Part 2 (Part 1 is a prerequisite) as well so you practice all the knowledge you gained with new safe riding skills.

We will cover basic and advanced bicycle riding techniques and topics including:

  • Preparation for a safe, comfortable ride, including for riding at night and in inclement weather

  • Safe habits for group riding

  • The 5 layers of bike riding safety

  • Lane choice, positioning, and merging

  • Navigating intersections

  • And more!

What past attendees said about the class:

  • "I’m now more comfortable using my bike for commuting" - Ben P.

  • "Helped me understand strategies to bike better on the street." - Anna C.

  • "It made me feel better about cycling and safer on the road so I have increased the percentage of trips I make by bike." - Terry B.

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.

Class flow:

  1. Introductions, practicing bicycle handling skills and emergency maneuvers. (will be in a covered area in case of rain).

  2. Teaching ride and lunch break.

  3. Practice leading ride with coaching.

  4. Road riding review, written exam (optional), questions and answers, closing.

Before taking this class you should be able to ride with one hand for 3+ seconds while riding in a straight line. 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 Repair classes.

What past attendees said about the class:

  • "Amazing! Very helpful instruction and fun and supportive instructors. Well structured!" - Cathy T. (there was rain during her class)

  • "Gave me more confidence in riding in the street. Experience is the best and sometimes only true teacher." - Christopher G.

  • "Made me more confident on the road, taking the lane, and being a defensive cyclist." - Francisco M.

  • "I am more careful about lane changes and looking for obstacles in my path." - John C.

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 - Ages 14+)

Worried that your bike is not working properly? Maybe it has gotten harder to ride over time? Join us at this 3-hour class to learn all the basics of fixing and maintaining your bike so it is safe and smooth to ride!

This is a hands-on, in-person, skill-building workshop where you will get to practice repairing and maintaining your own bike with others like you and with guidance from experienced instructors. We will cover fixing flats, checking tires, brakes, gears, and chains. Bring your bike to get the most out of the class.

What past attendees said about the class:

  • "Loved being able to practice tube patching. Loved that you had so many staff who were knowledgeable." - Melissa P.

  • "I felt more capable of fixing my bike which made me want to bicycle more!" - Frankie E.

  • "Made me more aware of how wear-and-tear affects the mechanics of my bike, and how often I should be prioritizing basic maintenance - also led me to purchase a few new tools to keep my ride in good shape" - Lauren B.

  • "I liked becoming more comfortable with repairing my bicycle." - Isabel E.

Learn To Ride (On bike - Ages 14+)

Learn to ride a two-wheeler without needing to fall with friendly and patient instructors who have taught over 300 people to learn to ride! This in-person 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.

What past attendees said about the class:

  • “The instructors were amazing, patience and very reassuring!” - Zim M.

  • “I loved the competence and care of the instructors which made me and everyone attended to go from zero to being able to ride a bicycle.” - Hasini G.

Biking Basics Part 1 - Classroom

Are you new to bicycling and want to learn more about road safety and navigation? Or are you new to biking for transportation in the Bay Area?

This introductory class is great for folks who are new to bicycling or interested in knowing more about the essentials of riding safety and comfort and becoming more confident riding more. 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 Part 2 - 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.

Bicycle Security

Bike theft is a big problem in the Bay Area. Learn how you can cut your risk of bike theft by over 80%.

We will cover:

  • Bicycle security principles

  • 4 steps to bike security including registration, where to park, what locks to get, and how to lock.

  • And more.

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