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.  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.  Come to mActivity, a Bicycle Friendly Business (BFB) for this class.

General Instructions for all NHCAT Bike Education Classes.

Improve your bike handling skills, learn the rules of the road, and build confidence when riding your bike!

New Haven Coalition for Active Transportation (NHCAT) offers bike education classes for people of all ages and abilities.  There is no charge for individuals who register for classes through the NHCAT website.  Free new helmets will be available for all who need one.  All classes are taught by instructors who have been trained and certified by the League of American Bicyclists.

NHCAT charges a modest fee for businesses, organizations and universities that want classes specifically for their constituents and not open to the public.  New free helmets are given to all participants who need one.  For information, please send an e-mail to: info@nhcat.org.

Requirements for All Participants (see below for Learn to Ride and the Bike Maintenance classes).

• Must be able to ride a bicycle for at least one mile
• Bring a bicycle in good working condition
• Bring a properly fitting bicycle helmet if you have one.  Free new helmets will be given to all who need one.
• Sign the NHCAT waiver
• Bring a bottle of water, light snacks or fruit, and sunblock
• Bring a face mask in case you are asked to wear one while indoors

Learn to Ride classes

Learn to Ride classes are usually 60 to 90 minutes and most people learn to ride in one session.  If not, you and the instructor can arrange another session.  Classes are usually private but never more than 3 people.  The instructor will bring a bike for each participant and new free helmets are available to every participant who needs one. Participants must sign the NHCAT waiver and should bring a bottle of water, a light snack, and sunblock.  They should wear comfortable pants and lace-up shoes—no sandals or flipflops. To schedule a date and time for your class, please send an e-mail to info@nhcat.org.

Requirements for Minors 14-17

Minors ages 14 to 17 are welcome but must be accompanied by a parent or adult guardian for the duration of each class, including any group ride.  Parents/guardians must sign a waiver for the minor(s).