Great Bike Classes here in Pima County!

The Pima County Department of Transportation’s (PCDOT) Bicycle & Pedestrian Program will offer mountain bike classes, mechanics, women’s mechanics, and Bicycle Information for Kid’s Education classes.

Instructors certified through the League of American Bicyclists will lead the courses, most of which are limited in space. Call 724-BIKE (2453) to find out more about the classes and to sign up.

Participants must bring their own bikes.

The following is the class schedule, provided by the PCDOT:

Get Back on Your Bike classes: an easy 2-hour ride where we get you set up and ready to ride,
discuss basic bike topics, and ride local streets to familiarize yourself with how to operate your bike safely within the city. Participants must be able to already ride a bike and bikes in good condition with at least one functioning handbrake or coaster brake are required. Recommended for adults and youth ages 16 and up; 13-15 okay with a parent. You’ll receive a choice of one free item: a free helmet, front & rear light set, or bicycle U-lock! Call 724-BIKE (2453) to sign up.

All classes will be at the same location Himmel Park Library (1035 N. Treat Ave.) at the same time each session – 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. on the following dates: August 17, 31 and September 28.

MOUNTAIN BIKE classes: New riders will learn the basics of mountain biking: body position, bike set up & skills to gain confidence on the trail. Experienced riders will learn more efficient techniques to ride faster with more control. After a series of skills drills to fine tune the basics, riders will hit the trail, applying what was learned to the trail. We will analyze lines and take the time to get over/through the various features at Sweetwater. Ages 16 plus, 13-15 okay with a parent. Class size is limited to 8 riders. Riders need to bring a bike in good working condition, bring enough
water to last 3 hours in bright sun and wear a helmet. Sunglasses and gloves are highly recommended. Participants will receive a choice of one free item: bike helmet, front & rear light set, or bicycle Ulock! Call 724-BIKE (2453) to sign up.

All classes will be at the same location Kory Laos BMX Park (5510 N. Shannon Road) from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. On the following dates: August 10 and September 14.

CONFIDENT and CAPABLE CYCLIST classes (Traffic Skills 101): This course is a primer for those cyclists who wish to gain a full understanding of how to safely operate a bicycle in a variety of situations. The class includes learning how to perform a quick safety check, fix a flat, and do minor mechanical adjustments. It also includes review of state and local laws and on-bike skills. All sorts of bicycle topics including route selection and riding gear will be discussed. Recommended for adults and youth ages 16 and up, 13-15 okay with a parent. Bikes in good ridable condition with at least one functioning handbrake or coaster brake are required. You’ll receive a choice of two free items: free helmet & light set; helmet & bicycle U-lock; or light set & U-lock! Call 724-BIKE (2453) to sign up.

Parts one and two of the classes take place at the same location Ward VI Council Office (3202 E. 1st Street). Part one classes take place from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. on the following dates: August 28, September 19, 25. Part two classes take place from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the following dates: August 31, September 21, 28.

CONFIDENT and CAPABLE CYCLIST Class for WOMEN (Women’s Traffic Skills 101): This course teaches the same skills as the regular Traffic Skills 101 class, but in a supportive all-woman atmosphere. In addition to the regular topics, this class will delve into the history of women and the bicycle, cover women-specific bicycle fit, talk about clothing options if you’re just not into that flashy look, and touch on personal security issues while riding alone. Recommended for adults and youth ages 16 and up, 13-15 okay with a parent. You’ll receive the same free items as the Traffic Skills 101 class! Call 724-BIKE (2453) to sign up.

Parts one and two of the class will take place at the same location Perimeter Bicycling (2609 E. Broadway)

Part one of the class will take place from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. on the following dates: August 15, 26.

Part two of the class will take place from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the following dates: August 17, 28.

MECHANICS classes: This class will focus on basic mechanics of the bicycle and will include repair and adjustment of the most common problems. Bring your bikes and plan on getting your hands dirty! Class size is limited to 10 people. You’ll receive a free flashing LED leg band and a choice of a free U-lock or bike light set! Call 243-BIKE (2453) to sign up.

The classes will take place at the same location Ward VI Council Office (3202 E. 1st St.), and time from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the following dates: August 17 and September 14.

WOMEN’S MECHANICS CLASS: This class will focus on basic mechanical aspects of the bicycle and will include repair and adjustment of the most common problems. Includes flat tire repair, changing & lubing chains, brakes & derailleur adjustment, changing & adjusting cables, wrapping handlebar tape, spoke tension, and recommendations for assembling a tool kit. Bring your bikes and plan on getting your hands dirty! Class size is limited to 10 people. You’ll receive a free flashing LED leg band and a choice of a free U-lock or bike light set! Call 724-BIKE (2453) to sign up.

The classes take place at the Ward VI Council Office (3202 E. 1st St.) at the following time from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on the following dates: August 10, September 28.

BIKE! BICYCLE INFORMATION for KID’S EDUCATION (for children ages 8-10): A class designed for parent and child to come together and learn on-the-road bicycle safety. The class will be one 4-hour session held on Saturday morning. Class will be broken into two parts: an indoor session to learn about laws and safe cycling principles and an outdoor session to practice safety maneuvers and other on-the-bike skills. Course will also teach some basic mechanics such as fixing a flat tire. Children will need to have a bicycle in good ridable condition and parents may bring their bikes too. Class size is limited to 10 children ages 8 through 10 so sign up early to get your preferred dates. Kids will receive a helmet & safety reflective tape! Call 724-BIKE (2453) to sign up.