Class Descriptions
Are you looking for a class that isn't yet on the Class Calendar, or you would like to work with NCAT to set up a class for a group in New Haven? First, check the Class Calendar to see if there is already a class that would fit your needs. If not, send an email to Elias, NCAT's Education Coordinator, and we'll get back to you with options.
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Adult Learn to Ride:
This series of classes is ideal for adults and mature teens who do not know how to ride a bicycle and want to learn. NHCAT provides the bicycles and all participants who need one will receive a new free bike helmet.
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With the pedals of the bike removed and the seat lowered, you will learn to balance on a bike without fear of falling because you can easily stop by putting your feet on ground. Once you learn to balance on the bike, the pedals will be re-installed and off you go!
This class covers helmet fit, balancing on a bicycle, pedaling, starting, stopping, and steering. Classes are usually 60 to 90 minutes and most people learn to ride in one session. If not, you and the instructor will arrange another session.
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Classes are usually private but never include more than 3 people. To schedule a date and time for your class, please send an e-mail to classes@ncat-ct.org.
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Smart Cycling 1:
This is class for cyclists who know how to ride a bike but may be hesitant to ride in the streets. It offers instruction in helmet fit, ABC Quick Check, responsibilities and etiquette of cycling on the streets, basic bike handling skills, lane positioning, and signaling.
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There will be a group ride to practice riding on the streets. Over the course of this session you will develop your knowledge, expertise, and ability to use a bicycle safely and confidently for utility, health, and recreation. Ages 16 and up; 16-17 must be accompanied by an adult who is also registered in the class and remains with the youth at all times.
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Email us if you would like to discuss setting up a Smart Cycling course or series of courses, but first check the Course Calendar to make sure there isn't already a course that would fit your needs.
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Smart Cycling 2:
Smart Cycling 2 is a class for cyclists who know how to ride a bike and either completed Smart Cycling 1 or have experience riding on the streets and want a higher level of instruction and practice.
There will be a focus on proper helmet fit, pre-ride checklist, responsibilities and etiquette of cycling on the streets, scanning, lane positioning on challenging roads, crash avoidance, and starting and stopping smoothly and quickly. There will be a group ride to practice skills learned in class.
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Over the course of this class you will increase your knowledge, expertise, and ability to use a bicycle safely for commuting, utility, health, and recreation. Ages 16 and up; 16-17 must be accompanied by an adult who is also registered in the class and remains with the youth at all times.
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Email us if you would like to discuss setting up a Smart Cycling course or series of courses, but first check the Course Calendar to make sure there isn't already a course that would fit your needs.
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Group Cycling:
This class is for cyclists who would like to learn and practice the benefits of riding in groups. Riding in a group is fun and enjoyable but there are a few basics you need to know so every rider practices behavior that is safe for them and the group.
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Participants will learn the dynamics of group cycling which include communication while moving, personal and group etiquette, bike handling skills, positioning, and problem solving. This class will be a combination of riding on the Farmington Canal Greenway and on nearby streets.
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Email us if you would like to discuss setting up a Group Cycling course or series of courses, but first check the Course Calendar to make sure there isn't already a course that would fit your needs.
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Bike Maintenance:
Get your bike and head over to The Devil’s Gear Bike Shop, a Bicycle Friendly Business (BFB) for a basic bicycle maintenance class. This class is for cyclists who know how to ride a bike and would like to learn and practice hands-on basic repairs and adjustments on their bicycles, as well as the essentials to carry on a ride.
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Even if you are only out for a quick ride, you don’t want to have to push your bike home after getting a flat tire! The class will be offered by the owners of The Devil’s Gear, who are also League Cycling Instructors (LCIs). Depending on Covid-19 restrictions and the need for social distancing, the venue will either be at The Devil’s Gear or outside.
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Email us if you would like to discuss setting up a Bicycle Maintenance course or series of courses, but first check the Course Calendar to make sure there isn't already a course that would fit your needs.
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Youth Cycling Skills
At NCAT's youth cycling clinic, participants will inspect their bicycle, adjust their helmet, and then practice skills such as starting and stopping, scanning and signaling, avoiding hazards, and turning and yielding. Participants will of course have plenty of fun in activities supervised by certified League Cycling Instructors (LCIs) and their assistants. All youth under 18 are welcome. The clinic will take 60-90 minutes and participants will receive a certificate of completion at the end. Please note that this is NOT a learn-to-ride class. Participants must be able to ride, at least at a beginner level.
Email us if you would like to discuss setting up Youth Cycling Skills course or series of courses, but first check the Course Calendar to make sure there isn't already a course that would fit your needs.
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Custom Courses
NCAT's League Cycling Instructors and Mechanics can design a bicycle safety, road riding, or maintenance course to fit the needs of your group. NCAT can let you know what funds, resources, and logistics are needed to make your course a success.
Email us if you would like to discuss setting up a custom course or series of courses, but first check the Course Calendar to make sure there isn't already a course that would fit your needs.
Class Guidelines
Instructors
All our instructors are certified League Cycling Instructors (LCIs) who live in the New Haven area.
Fees
NCAT wants everyone in New Haven to ride a bicycle safely and with confidence and does not charge for its classes. Please register at least 3 days in advance of the chosen class.
Equipment Requirements
Each participant is required to bring
a bicycle in good working condition and
a bike helmet. New helmets will be available at no charge for those who need one.
Food/Water
Please bring your own snacks and water as NCAT does not provide either.
Age Requirements
Please see the individual class descriptions.
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NCAT's classes are based on the Smart Cycling curriculum of the League of American Bicyclists, the only nationally recognized cycling education program with trained and certified instructors.
