Santa Barbara Bicycle Coalition

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Street Skills for Cyclists Classes

photo of Street Skills class

Here a participant in one of our CycleSmart classes is improving his "looking back" skills while navigating a straight course.

Our Street Skills classes are for those who want to use a bike for fitness, recreation, or for just getting around town, but don't feel comfortable sharing roads with motor vehicles. In our class, you will learn how to look at streets and intersections, and know the best place to ride depending on your speed, the street layout, and traffic conditions. Knowing how to ride safely gives you the confidence to bicycle anywhere you want.

Each class consists of two parts. It starts off with a Thursday evening classroom session from 5:30-8:30 PM, and is followed by a Saturday session 8:30 AM-3:30 PM. The sessions take place at Bikestation Santa Barbara, 1219 Anacapa Street, in Santa Barbara. Here is what you will learn:

Part 1, Thursday Class

  • We will review your legal rights and responsibilities as a bicyclist in California. We'll consider why crashes occur, and how you can foresee and avoid them. You will learn how to be visible in traffic both day and night, what the best lane position for you is in different situations, and lots more. No bicycle is needed for this classroom session.

Part 2, Saturday Class

  • For this class, you will need a bicycle in working order, plus a helmet. You will learn basic bicycle maintenance, a number of bike handling skills including emergency manuevers, bicycle choices, and clothing selection. Finally, the group will practice riding on roads with certified LCI League Cycling Instructors.

Anyone 16 years of age or older is welcome to participate. Teens 14 or 15 years old can attend with an adult. There is a $30 class fee that goes to the instructor and the Bicycle Coalition to continue our community advocacy work. Scholarships are sometimes available, email CycleSmart@sbbike.org to inquire.

How to register for the class

  • Just fill out the form below, then click on Send. Bring your registration fee of $30 to the Thursday class. Cash or a check payable to the Santa Barbara Bicycle Coalition are both fine. Note: if you make a reservation by clicking Send, this is a commitment that you will come to the class. A place will be reserved for you. If you must cancel later, please do so by Tuesday before the class begins; email your cancellation to CycleSmart@sbbike.org.
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