Cycling Classes
Nervous about riding on the road? Not sure about the Rules of the Road? Then our Ride with Confidence is the class for you! A fun and informative course to get you feeling more confident riding on the road.
Already a pro? Then consider becoming a Can-Bike certified instructor with our advanced classes.
Ride with Confidence
Duration: 4 hours
Sunday May 5 10am – 2pm
Tuesday May 7 5pm – 9pm
Cost: $35 for Bike Windsor Essex members or $45 for non-members
Ride with Confidence is a fun 4-hour course that will prepare hesitant cyclists to ride safely on the road. The course is designed for cyclists who are comfortable riding on multi-use trails and within quiet urban neighbourhoods who wish to become comfortable riding on the road with motor vehicles.
Classes take place in the classroom and on the road. Participants will learn how to make safe and informed decisions while cycling in simple urban traffic scenarios. Topics will include safe cycling basics including lane positioning, lane change procedures and collision-avoidance strategies. See requirements below.
CAN-BIKE Level 4 Certification
Duration: 12 hours
2019 Dates:
April 19 and 20, May 3 and 4.
Friday 6pm – 10pm
Saturday 9am – 5pm
Cost: $180 (Limited to 6 participants)
Prerequisites: “Ride with Confidence” recommended though not mandatory
CAN-BIKE Level 4 is an advanced 12-hour course taught over two days – Friday evening in the classroom and Saturday on road. This course is designed for experienced cyclists who are comfortable riding on arterial roads with motor vehicles. There will be in-class, on-road, and online learning components. The aim of this course is to provide students with the information, skills, and knowledge required to make safe and informed decisions while cycling in complex urban traffic environments. This will include an in-depth look at safe cycling conventions such as lane positioning, lane change procedures, road hazard recognition, collision-avoidance techniques, and risk mitigation strategies. Upon completion of CAN-BIKE Level 4, students must complete an online learning component—available through CAN-BIKE—to receive their certification.
CAN-BIKE Level 5 (Instructor) Certification
Duration: 24 hours
2019 Class Schedule TBA (Let us know if you’re interested).
Cost: $200 (Limited to 6 participants)
Prerequisites: CAN-BIKE Level 4
CAN-BIKE Level 5 is required to become a Certified CAN-BIKE Cycling Instructor. In 2016, Bike Windsor Essex trained and certified six CAN-BIKE instructors who will teach our initial Cycle Smart courses. There are currently six spots reserved for CAN-BIKE Level 4 graduates who are keen cyclists interested in becoming instructors within the Cycle Smart Program. Instructors will have an opportunity to be hired to teach CAN-BIKE 4 courses.
Safety Equipment Requirements
Students must have the appropriate safety equipment to satisfy the requirements in the Highway Traffic Act and those recommended by CAN-BIKE:
1. A reliable bicycle in good working order. This means:
- Tires inflated;
- Wheels spin freely;
- Handlebars and seat are tight; and
- Lubricated chain and functioning gear system.
2. A bicycle with the required safety equipment as described in the HTA:
- Bell or horn;
- Rear brake capable of skidding the rear wheel on dry, level pavement; and
- Rear red reflector and front white light for riding at night or in low visibility.
3. A bicycle helmet. The bike helmet must be approved by the CSA, ASTM, the Snell Foundation or ANSI. Check inside your helmet for the appropriate sticker and expiry date.
4. Closed toe shoes (no sandals) and appropriate clothing.