Santa Barbara Bicycle Coalition

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Street Skills Clinics

photo of class

Here is one of our group rides pausing for a discussion of conditions and behavior.

We offer four Street Skills Clinics 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 clinics, 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.

You'll learn basic bike maintenance so your bike performs well and you don't get stuck miles from home. Knowing how to ride safely gives you the confidence to bicycle anywhere you want.

Each clinic is $20. Pick the ones you want. Anyone 16 years of age or older is welcome to participate. Teens 14 or 15 years old can attend with an adult. They take place at Bici Centro, 601 East Montecito Street, Santa Barbara. Here are our four clinics:

  • Get your bike ready to ride
  • Offered the second Thursday of every month, 7:30-9:00 PM. Are you tired of walking your bike home when you get a flat tire? Do you want to know how to trouble shoot and fix basic problems to keep your bicycle running well? In this clinic, you will learn all the important aspects of basic and responsible bike maintenance: fixing flats, locking up, basic adjustment and keeping your bike clean. No experience is necessary. Bring your bike or work on one of ours. Be ready to get your hands dirty and have fun. Register here.
  • Rights and responsibilities to become a confident rider
  • Offered the third Thursday in Jan, Mar, May, Jul, Sep, and Nov, 7:30-9:00 PM. Build the confidence to ride anywhere you want. In this clinic taught by a League Cycling Instructor, you will review your legal rights and responsibilities on the road. You will learn how to be visible and predictable in traffic, how to choose the best lane position and much more. No bicycle is needed for this classroom session. Register here.
  • Bike handling skills on a parking lot
  • Offered two days after the above clinic, Saturdays in Jan, Mar, May, Jul, Sep, and Nov, 10:00 AM-12:00 noon. Learning good bike handling skills is key to becoming a safer, more confident cyclist. On a parking lot, you will learn a number of handling skills to have a better control of your bike. You will practice hazards and crash avoidance techniques (emergency stop, quick turn and much more). A bike in working condition and a helmet are required. Register here.
  • Group ride around Santa Barbara
  • Offered the fourth Saturday in Jan, Mar, May, Jul, Sep, and Nov, 10:00 AM-12:00 noon. Prerequisite, the above two clinics. You will practice your knowledge and show a full understanding of vehicular cycling during a managed group ride around Santa Barbara with a League Cycling Instructor. A bike in working condition and a helmet are required for the ride. Register here.