Chicago Bicycling Lessons
Welcome to the Learn to Ride and Traffic Skills 101 courses at Pedal America.
Ira David loves teaching adults and children how to ride bicycles when he's at home, in Chicago. "When more people learn to ride, we build healthier bodies and a healthier world, reduce carbon emissions, and experience the simple joy of being out with friends and family. It's just plain fun!"
FAQ's
Please read this page before registering below
What is Learn to Ride?
These private lessons teach children (12 and older) and adults how to ride a bike. Ira David teaches you how to balance, start, pedal, stop, turn, and shift gears successfully. Individual sessions are one to two hours long.
Learning to ride a bicycle is fast and easy, especially for adults. Learning time varies from person to person, but typically students learn to ride in two to three hours.
Please call or email at pedalamerica@gmail.com before registering for LEARN TO RIDE lessons.
What is Traffic Skills 101?
This course refines and refreshes your bicycling skills so you can ride with confidence. If you ride for fitness, commuting, touring, or for leisurely enjoying your local multi-use trail, these skills will prove helpful.
Whether you are a beginner or experienced cyclist, Traffic Skills 101 offers something for everyone. Some topics covered:
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Finding the right bike for you
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Properly adjusting your bike
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Clothing and equipment
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Pre-ride safety check
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Basic maintenance and fixing flats
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Shifting for comfort and safety
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Avoiding crashes
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Riding safely in traffic
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Trail etiquette
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Essential bike handling skills and emergency maneuvers (in-class and on-bike)
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Traffic cycling practice (supervised on bike)
Why Learn From Ira David's Pedal America?
Pedal America promotes bicycling as an all-inclusive, accessible activity. We create opportunities for people to learn and ride together! Plus, Ira David is a certified LCI and offers a safe and fun learning environment.
What is an LCI?
LCI stands for League Cycling Instructor. Ira David has gone through extensive training and passed the intensive LCI course administered by The League of American Bicyclists (LAB), in Washington, D.C.
Ira David is also affiliated with ChicagoBicycle.org and Ride Illinois. Both offer classes and all instructors are certified to teach both children and adults.
All LCI's are covered by The LAB's liability insurance.
Lesson Times and Costs
Learn To Ride
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Ira David typically teaches Learn To Ride classes Saturdays and Sundays between May and October as long as he's in town and temperatures reach 60 degrees and higher.
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Cost: $85/hr. Two-hour minimum for an adult first lesson; one-hour for children under 12.
Traffic Skills 101
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Classes held throughout the year when enough students register as a group. Classes typically run through ChicagoBicycle.org.
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The course includes two parts: an in-class lesson; plus, an on-bike handling skills lesson and group road ride.
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On-bike classes held April through mid-November as weather permits. Ira David does offer private on-bike classes to teach safe street riding.
Cost
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Part I only: Live 4-hour in-class: $85 per student; 6-12 students (includes $10 each for printing of materials)
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Part II only: On-bike: $85/hr (solo) for 2-hour street ride; $75/hr per person (two riders) for 2-hours; $60/hr per person (3-5 riders) for 2-hour street ride.
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Parts I and II:
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After completing Part I, pay only $65 for Part II / 3-12 students per class.
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Students should plan to register at least two weeks prior to taking the course.
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Dates: TBD. Interested groups can also inquire about setting up dates and times.
Location
Learn To Ride: University of Illinois campus
Traffic Skills 101: University of Illinois campus and other locations throughout Greater Chicago
Policies
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No refunds for no-shows or cancellations.
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Rain-outs are rescheduled.
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At least one parent must attend lessons for any student younger than 18.
How To Register and Pay
Ira David prefers you call (312-255-8050) or email from the Contact Us page before completing the registration form.
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To complete the form first, click here.
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Complete the form, but DO NOT pay until you confirm a lesson date and time with Ira David.
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You will receive a detailed email confirming your date and time. Once confirmed, pay before the lesson via PayPal or Zelle.
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Once payment is made, you will receive a confirmation email or text. Ira David will connect with you 12-24 hours before the lesson to confirm the weather looks good.
