“It’s just like riding a bike”
Cycle Toronto’s Learn to Ride program recognizes that the saying “It’s just like riding a bike” doesn’t mean the same thing for everyone. We all have different starting points and everyone learns on their own timeline. That’s why our unique Learn to Ride program focuses on building confidence on two wheels.
All ages: Our program gets you rolling in a supportive, judgement-free environment for learners of all ages, and follows a curriculum developed around creating a safe space.
We lead with empathy: We understand the foundation to learning a new skill is rooted in patience, care and encouragement. Our knowledgeable and experienced Cycling Educators have facilitated the Learn to Ride program in communities across Toronto and have helped build confidence in over 150 new riders.
Program Overview
The Learn to Ride program consists of four 1-hour sessions and typically takes place in a paved open area that is free from pedestrians, traffic or other obstacles. We enjoy hearing about your experience with cycling and start by understanding what you want to get out of the program - no previous cycling experience is required! Our Cycling Educators are CAN-Bike certified and take nothing for granted. The Learn to Ride curriculum includes exercise drills that ramp up from walking alongside your bike to pedalling with confidence. So gear up and join us for the ride!
Addressing barriers to cycling: Cycle Toronto’s mission for the Learn to Ride program is to promote equitable access to cycling. If you do not own or have access to a bike or a helmet, we will provide a bike and helmet for you to learn with.
Community Learn to Ride
Cycle Toronto offers a limited number of complimentary Learn to Ride programs in collaboration with organizations supporting communities facing barriers to participation. Community Learn to Ride programs are delivered with support from the City of Toronto through the StreetSmartsTO initiative.
Corporate Learn to Ride
The Learn to Ride program is also available for businesses and other private groups. Reach out to us at [email protected] to book a session.
“As a Sustainability Coordinator who is always looking to engage our staff in sustainable transportation, I found the Learn to Ride course a helpful and approachable way to get folks exposed to cycling. Most of our attendees had never ridden a bike before, but the instructors were patient and encouraging, and the sessions were well-paced and well-organized. It was great to see colleagues from all over the organization learning together in a supportive environment.
By the end of the course, most participants felt comfortable enough to start biking on their own time. The program made cycling feel more accessible and less intimidating, and it’s been a great step toward more active, sustainable commuting at our organization. Most importantly, everyone had a great time! The instructors were all awesome.”
-Nicole S., Sustainability Coordinator
Hear about Learn to Ride firsthand:
“I just want to say thank you again for this whole experience… I am truly in awe of how quickly you can teach someone to ride a bike!”
“Thank you for organizing such an amazing Learn to Ride session! A big thank you to all the instructors…. They were all fantastic!”
“I’m writing to express my gratitude for the incredible opportunity to participate in the Learn to Ride program. Over the weekend, I went on my very first ever bike ride with my kids! It was a moment I had long dreamed of. It was truly special.”
“Thank you so much for including me in this program! It’s a wonderful initiative. Everyone has been so supportive and I can’t wait to start riding! (Just waiting until I get the helmet) lol.”
“All the instructors were very patient and paced the class excellently with great guidance I was able to ride a bike after the first session.”
Need a bike after Learn to Ride? For more information on how to get connected with a free bike, please visit the Women’s Cycling Network’s Bike Match Program powered by Cycle Toronto.
Want to check out Learn to Ride program availability? Click on a neighbourhood below.
