Street Savvy Cycling - Parts A & B

Street Savvy Cycling is divided into two parts. We start with learning and practicing bike handling skills in the controlled setting of a parking lot to build your skills and confidence. Then we take it out on the road to practice defensive riding techniques, effective communication, recognition and avoidance of roadway hazards while applying street savvy cycling strategies for stress free riding. You will be amazed by the places you will feel comfortable riding your bike!

A- Bike Handling Skills (2hrs.)

Conducted in a parking lot to review fundamental bike handling skills, explore advanced techniques and intentionally practice emergency maneuvers, (before they happen in real life), to build competence, confidence and expand your comfort zone. Key Street Savvy riding strategies will be discussed to add context to the skill building drills. We will also cover bike maintenance basics to be sure your bike is road ready before every ride and how to effectively use your gears. You are welcome to limit your participation to the parking lot session only.

B- Street Savvy Cycling Road Ride (2hrs.)

We will travel as a group to various roadway features, stopping to survey and discuss our options.  After observing each feature, discussing the traffic dynamics and the best strategies for safe and easy passage, each participant will ride through individually and regroup to debrief before moving on to the next feature. We will address when it is appropriate to share the lane and when “controlling the lane” is the better option to keep you safe. Learn how to properly get around parked cars, deal with left or right turn only lanes, integrate into intersections, manage 4 Way Stops, left turn options, street savvy route planning for stress free riding and more. The skill building session must be successfully completed in order to participate in the road ride.

Please direct any questions to Paul Mickiewicz at                   education @bikewalkmontclair.org