The City Is Offering Free Bike Riding Classes To Adults This Summer
By Rachel Cromidas in News on Jun 2, 2017 8:17PM
The city is going to be offering free bicycling classes to adults this summer, in parks on the South and West sides of the city.
The classes are taught by the Bike Ambassadors program and are courtesy of the city's Department of Transportation, the Divvy bike share program and its sponsor, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois, and Divvy is providing bikes meaning you can come learn how to ride even if you don't have a bike.
Transportation officials said in a press release that the classes would be good for people who have never ridden before or have taken anywhere from a couple years to a couple decades off. They also noted that it makes sense for the city to offer classes to novice riders in tandem with its effort to expand bike sharing and other bike resources and infrastructure around the city—it's all with the goal of making it easier for people to choose to ride rather than drive.
"Chicago has been working hard to connect more neighborhoods by building new and better bike lanes, and expanding the Divvy bike sharing network into the South and West Sides," CDOT Assistant Comissioner Sean Wiedel said. "Free adult riding classes are a natural fit with the City’s efforts to get more people on bikes."
The classes run from 6 to 8 p.m., and participants will get a free helmet to wear and take home with them. Children can also attend, but those under 16 must bring their own bikes due to Divvy's age restrictions. Classes will be held at the following dates in two locations:
the Chicago Center for Green Technology, 445 N. Sacramento Blvd., and Kennedy King College, 710 W. 65th St. People must RSVP for the class in advance by calling 312-744-8147.
Chicago Center for Green Technology - 445 North Sacramento Blvd.
June 12, 6 - 8 p.m.
June 26, 6 - 8 p.m.
July 10, 6 - 8 p.m.
July 24, 6 - 8 p.m.
August 7, 6 - 8 p.m.
August 21, 6 - 8 p.m.
Kennedy King College - 710 West 65th St.
June 19, 6 - 8 p.m.
July 3, 6 - 8 p.m.
July 17, 6 - 8 p.m.
July 31, 6 - 8 p.m.
August 14, 6 - 8 p.m.
August 28, 6 - 8 p.m.