Building Confidence
Since 2014, BikePGH has taught hundreds of bike riders how to be confident on Pittsburgh streets by effectively utilizing bike infrastructure and best practices inspired by The League of American Bicyclists Smart Cycling curriculum. Every class is taught by a pair of rigorously trained League Cycling Instructors who must shadow two classes before teaching their own. In 2026, 22 participants aged teen through adult completed Confident City Cycling classes with BikePGH held at the Pitt Bike Cave in Oakland. This fantastic venue provides access to the student run bike shop as well as its public pump and tools. It’s also situated along the Posvar Passage with a large, sheltered off-street area for biking practice before graduating to the street. So what did our participants learn during their two-hour classes there?
Helmet and Bike Safety Check
First, we teach participants how to size their helmets and check for damage or expiration – did you know helmets expire? They do! Helmet’s styrofoam structure begins to deteriorate after about five years at which point replacement is recommended. We then teach participants how to safety check their bikes with the ABC Quick Check:
Air: squeeze the tires with your hand to make sure tires are inflated to the appropriate pressure. The tire should feel firm like an apple, not squishy like a banana.
Brakes: Squeeze the brake levers to make sure the wheels stop and there is a thumb-width gap between the brake lever and handlebars. If the brake lever contacts the handlebar then the bike is not safe to ride until the brake system is adjusted or maintenanced by a mechanic.
Chain: Perform a visual inspection of the chain to make sure it is not rusty, bent, broken, or off the gears. Slowly pedal the bike backwards with the kickstand up to make sure the chain winds through the gears smoothly.
Quick Release: Check any quick releases on wheels or seatpost to make sure they are in the closed position and firmly secured. If wheels use a bolt-on or thru-axle make sure those are properly secured.
Check Yourself: Make sure your shoes are tied and any loose clothing, straps, or bags are secured before riding. Double check that your helmet is adjusted and buckled. Do you have your phone, keys, and enough water and food for your ride?
Did you know? BikePGH allows street legal (Class 1-3) E-Bikes to all of our Confident City Cycling classes so that riders can learn the best practices for using E-Bikes along with traditional ones.
Skills and Drills:
Starting and Stopping: Did you know there’s a right way to start and stop? Start by standing off the saddle in the “tripod position” with one foot flat on the ground and one foot on the pedal with the pedal in the “power position” roughly aligned with the downtube of the frame. Look forward and squeeze the brakes and then release while pushing down on the power pedal, ease your backside into the saddle and start pedaling! To stop, reverse the steps by gently applying the brakes and stepping one foot onto the ground while sliding off the saddle as the bike comes to a complete stop.
Emergency Stop: For when you don’t have time to stop gradually, squeeze both brakes firmly while pushing your backside behind the saddle and pressing your feet down onto your pedals to increase your traction with the ground. Don’t put your feet on the ground until the bike comes to a complete stop.
Scan, Signal, and Turn: When riding in traffic (even on the bike trail) you must be aware of your surroundings and be able to communicate your intentions with other road users. While riding, look backwards to scan, and if the cost is clear, use your right or left hand to signal your turn, scan again to confirm, and then make your turn or merge.
Shifting: Shifting gears can be complicated, but is an essential skill in a hilly city like Pittsburgh. Low gear ratios make it easier to start and climb while high gear ratios make it easier to maintain speed or descend. Gears on the rear of the bike are controlled by the right shifter and offer smaller changes to the ratio while gears on the front are controlled by the left shifter and offer larger changes to the ratio. In either case, lower numbers on the shifter indicate an easier gear and larger numbers indicate a harder, faster one. To practice, start in an easy gear and slowly increase the gearing as you accelerate. Shift into lower gears before you stop to give yourself an easier start!
Learning the Rules of the Road
Every Confident City Cycling class culminates with a group ride to practice skills in real world conditions. We start by introducing our short (1.5-2.5 mile route) and reminding participants of the League of American Bicyclists Five Rules of the Road:
- Follow the Law
Your safety and image of bicyclists depend on you. You have the same rights and responsibilities as drivers. Obey traffic signals and stop signs. Ride with traffic; use the rightmost lane headed in the direction you are going.
- Be Predictable
Make your intentions clear to everyone on the road. Ride in a straight line and don’t swerve between parked cars. Signal turns, and check behind you well before turning or changing lanes.
- Be Conspicuous
Ride where people can see you and wear bright clothing. Use a front white light, red rear light and reflectors when visibility is poor. Make eye contact with others and don’t ride on sidewalks.
- Think Ahead
Anticipate what drivers, pedestrians, and other people on bikes will do next. Watch for turning vehicles and ride outside the door zone of parked cars. Look out for debris, potholes, and other road hazards. Cross railroad tracks at right angles.
- Ride Ready
Check that your tires are sufficiently inflated, brakes are working, chain runs smoothly, and quick release levers are closed. Carry tools and supplies that are appropriate for your ride. Wear a helmet.
Hitting the Street
Every Confident City Cycling class group ride has an instructor to lead and set the pace and another to sweep and monitor the group for any concerns that may arise. Participants learn how to navigate in and out of bike infrastructure such as bike lanes, two-stage turn boxes, and counterflow bike lanes. Participants also learn how to handle streets without infrastructure and to position themselves out of the “door-zone” of parked cars and to “take the lane” when necessary to prevent unsafe passing.
Upon completion, most participants feel a confidence boost that can help them tackle a daunting commute or an upcoming ride that they may have felt nervous about. Many parents of teens who take the class feel that their child is better equipped to ride to school or work safely. Lastly, every participant takes home a copy of the Pittsburgh Bike Map to find the best routes across town and information on how to stay connected with BikePGH throughout their journey!
We look forward to seeing you at Confident City Cycling next year, so stay tuned for to our Classes and Lessons page for all our upcoming classes in the spring of 2027! Need lessons sooner? Our private instructors provide lessons all year round- contact us to schedule!
NEWSLETTER