We helped new riders learn to balance, build confidence, and discover the joy of biking
“I feel like I’m flying!” said DaJuan, a 25 year old adult participant, as he pushed down on his leading pedal and steadied himself on two wheels, finally pedaling after several tries and decades of not being able to.
DaJuan had brought his niece to Learn 2 Ride this past weekend and decided it was time to take a class himself. DaJuan’s feeling of triumph was shared by many participants of all ages who found balance on two wheels this summer at our free Learn 2 Ride events thanks to the The Neighborhood Assistance Program funded by The Hammel Companies and support from Edgar Snyder and Associates.
Despite a rain cancellation in July, seventy-nine learners practiced balancing and pedaling with us at three events, the majority of which mastered pedaling by the end of their one-hour group classes. However, every participant made strides on their two-wheeled journeys this summer!
The success of our Learn 2 Ride events was due in no small part to our team of League Cycling Instructors (many from our 2026 class!) who utilized The League of American Bicyclists’ Learn to Ride curriculum. The curriculum’s “Balance First” approach, first developed by Bike NY, has learners start without training wheels or pedals to develop their balance and momentum before proceeding to pedals. Learners who could balance in a straight line with their feet off the ground for fifty feet got to “earn their pedals.” This technique works equally well with children and adults because even though balance bikes are typically only available in children’s sizes, any bike can become one by removing its pedals with a pedal wrench.
Even riders who didn’t have their own bicycles or helmets could learn with ours- all free of charge! Another crucial aspect to Learn 2 Ride’s success was the venue, Pittsburgh’s Bud Harris Cycling Track in Highland Park. Known to many for its high-speed weeknight races, “Bud Harris” provides acres of smoothly-paved and shaded infield space that is ideal for beginner riders. The banked outer track is also great for intermediate to advanced riders developing a need for speed. We thank CitiParks for once again letting us use this excellent venue for our events!
If you missed out on Learn 2 Ride this year or want more bike riding practice from our professional instructors, you can contact us here. To all our new riders, we look forward to seeing you out on two wheels soon!
NEWSLETTER