CHICAGO — The city will bring back free bike riding classes for adults and children this summer at four Park District locations.
The Learn to Ride program from the Chicago Department of Transportation will offer classes for people of all experience levels, from those who have never ridden a bike to people who want to learn how to better navigate and stay safe on busy city streets, according to a city news release.
Classes are two hours long and offered in English and Spanish.
The courses fill up on a first-come, first-served basis, according to the city. Registration is required.
Those who pre-register will get a free bike helmet while supplies last.
Bike Riding Classes For Adults And Teens
Courses for people 13 and older kick off June 1 and will be offered weekday evenings and in the mornings and afternoons on weekends at city parks, according to sign-up sheets.
People are encouraged to bring their own bikes to class. Bikes will be provided to those who don’t have them.
Beginner and Skill-Builder classes will be at Washington Park, 5531 S. King Drive; Seward Park, 375 W. Elm St.; McKinley Park, 2210 W. Pershing Road; and Piotrowski Park, 4247 W. 31st St.
The advanced Road Ride classes taught on city roads will start at Seward Park, according to the news release.
The classes are open to teens ages 13-17 who come along with a parent or guardian.
You can sign up in advance here.
Learn To Ride Classes For Kids
Courses to teach kids ages 6-12 how to ride their bikes start June 13 and end Aug. 1, with priority given to families enrolled in Park District day camps, according to the news release.
Classes are 5-7 p.m. Tuesdays in a closed section of the parking lot at Washington Park, 5531 S. Martin Luther King Drive, and at the soccer field in McKinley Park, 2210 W. Pershing Road.
Classes are 5-7 p.m. Wednesdays at the soccer cage area in Portage Park, 4100 N. Long Ave.
Classes are 5-7 p.m. Thursdays at the soccer cage area in Humboldt Park, 1440 N. Humboldt Blvd., according to sign-up sheets.
Parents or guardians signing up a child will need to bring their bicycle with them, according to the news release. Each child will receive a helmet and an individual helmet fitting.
Due to the popularity of these classes, there is no guarantee everyone who signs up will get a spot. Confirmed participants will be limited to one class, although people can choose multiple classes and dates when signing up.
You can sign up a child here.
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