The Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) offers adult bicycling classes this fall in partnership with the Washington Area Bicyclist Association (WABA).
Montgomery County residents can participate in the class for just $10 and advanced registration, according to a press release. WABA and Capital Bikeshare for All members may participate for no fee.
Two classes offered include an Adult Learn to Ride class and an Adult Basic Skills class. Bicycles and helmets will be provided for the Learn to Ride course and can be rented for the Basic Skills course.
Participants completely new to biking should start with the Learn to Ride class, where they will learn how to start, stop, pedal, and steer. The Basic Skills class will review bicycling practices. Participants should know how to ride a bike prior to the course.
Residents 18 or older are eligible to register for the bicycling classes.
Adult Learn to Ride Bike Class Schedule
- Sunday, Sept. 10. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. (Spanish Class). Wheaton Ice Arena (back parking lot), 11717 Orebaugh Dr., Wheaton. *Free scooter class to follow.
- Saturday, Sept. 30. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Upper County Recreation Center, 8201 Emory Grove Road, Gaithersburg. *Free scooter class to follow.
- Saturday, Oct. 14. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Davis Construction at Twinbrook Metro Center I, 12530 Parklawn Drive, Rockville.
- Sunday, Oct. 22. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Westfield Montgomery Mall (former Sears parking lot), 7101 Democracy Blvd., Bethesda. *Free scooter class to follow.
- Saturday, Oct. 28. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Montgomery College (parking lot 13), 850 Hungerford Drive, Rockville. *Free scooter class to follow.
- Sunday, Nov. 5. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. GEICO Chevy Chase Building, 5260 Western Ave., Chevy Chase.
Adult Basic Skills Bike Class Schedule
- Saturday, Sept. 16. 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Bethesda Rescue Squad parking lot, 5020 Battery Lane, Bethesda.
- Saturday, Nov. 11. 10 a.m.-noon. Burtonsville Park & Ride Lot (behind Burtonsville Crossing Shopping Center), 15701 Columbia Pike, Burtonsville.
Rain dates for all the adult bike and e-scooter classes will be one week after the original class date and time. Register online for Learn to Ride and Basic Skills classes.
“Biking is a lot of fun and good for the environment as an alternative to using a motor vehicle. However, it is important to learn how to bike safely and responsibly,” County Executive Marc Elrich said.
MCDOT and WABA will also offer four free scooter classes following the bike classes on Sept. 10, Sept. 30, Oct. 22, and Oct. 28. The classes require no equipment or registration. Participants must have a valid driver’s license.
The release points out the county continues to grow as a bike-friendly area. There are 112 miles of bike lanes and bike-friendly areas across the county.
“We have seen a great demand for adult bike classes,” Chris Conklin, MCDOT director. “We expect this interest to continue to grow. We are actively expanding our bike network.”
Learn more about the adult bicycling courses on WABA’s website.
