This month, CDOT is rolling out a new pilot course, Advanced Learn to Ride, designed for adults who’ve mastered beginner-level bike riding and are looking to add to their skills.

Registered participants can either use their own bike or use a Divvy bike for free.

“These lessons may be more timely than ever before, as the Covid-19 pandemic continues to create a surge in popularity for bike riding,” said CDOT Commissioner Gia Biagi. “Act now to reserve a spot if you are interested!”

The advanced class will be offered on July 18, and August 15 and 29, from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Greater West Town Training Partnership, 500 N. Sacramento Ave.

The Chicago Department of Transportation’s SAFE Ambassadors are skilled bicyclists who will work with anyone who wants to learn. The Ambassadors will cover topics such as the best position when riding in the bike lane, how to plan the safest route, signaling and more. This course aims to increase riders’ confidence about riding on the streets of Chicago.

Reservations are granted on a first-come, first-serve basis and there are three ways to sign up:

Complete the Google form at this link: https://forms.gle/XdB2SugfDtsNTjss7
Email [email protected]
Or leave a voicemail at 312-736-2534

New bike cleaning and safety protocols are in place in response to the Covid-19 global pandemic. Instructors will wear face coverings throughout each session and will practice social distancing from each other and attendees. Participants will also be expected to bring and wear a face covering, and CDOT will make hand sanitizer available.

The classes are supported by sponsorship revenue CDOT received from Divvy, the City’s bikeshare partner. CDOT has announced plans to expand the Divvy system to cover the entire City of Chicago by 2021. Divvy currently has nearly 600 stations and 6,200 bikes serving two-thirds of the city’s population and covering more than 100 square miles. Chicago has more than 280 miles of protected, buffered and other on-street bike lanes, giving the City a total of network of 318 miles of on- and off-street bikeways.