The Chicago Department of Transportation has opened up registration to the public for its popular Learn to Ride program, taught by Chicago’s SAFE Ambassadors. The summer series kicks off on June 7. Fill out the form here to register.

The free, two-hour classes allow adults and children to learn, based on their experience level, the skills they need to be comfortable riding a bike. This year the SAFE Ambassadors will offer classes in both English and Spanish to better meet the needs of city residents and serve more people. There are three class levels for summer 2022:

Beginner Learn to Ride is for those who don’t yet know how to ride a bike, as well as people who learned long ago and would benefit from a refresher course. Classes are taught on a car-free course.

Skill-Builder Learn to Ride is for people who have completed the beginner course and those who already have basic riding experience. These lessons will support development of skills such as signaling, turning and interacting with other people biking or walking. This class will also be conducted on a car-free course.

Road Ride is the top-level class during which SAFE Ambassadors ride with students on city streets to help them experience everyday situations and build confidence. Topics covered include how to plan routes to your destination, the different types of bike lanes, and how to position yourself on the street in various traffic situations.

Registration is open for all three Learn to Ride classes. Fill out the form here to register.   

Below are the dates, times and locations of the first set of 2022 Learn to Ride classes (later dates will be added as the early classes fill up):  

Beginner Learn to Ride

• Tuesdays at La Villita Park, 2800 S. Sacramento Avenue: June 7, 14, 21, 28 from 6 to 8 p.m.
• Thursdays at 500 N. Sacramento Boulevard, next to the Greater West Town Training Partnership: June 9 & 23 from 6 to 8 p.m. (meet at the Divvy Station).
• Saturdays at CAN TV, 1309 S. Wood Street: June 11 and July 2 from 10 a.m. to noon or 1 to 3 p.m. 
• Tuesdays and Thursdays at Piotrowski Park, 4247 W. 31st Street: July 5, 7, 12, 14, 19, 21, 26, 28 from 6 to 8 p.m.
• Saturdays at Harmony Community Church, 1908 S. Millard Avenue: July 9, 16, 23 from 10 a.m. to noon. 

Skill-Builder Learn to Ride 

• Wednesdays at La Villita Park, 2800 S. Sacramento Avenue: June 22 and July 6, 20 from 6 to 8 p.m.

Road Ride

• Saturdays at Seward Park, 375 W. Elm Street: July 9, 23; August 6, 20 from 1 to 3 p.m.

Free use of a Divvy bike is offered to students over age 16, although you can use your own bike for all courses. Reservations are required and granted on a first-come, first-serve basis for all courses.

The easiest way to register is by filling out this form. If there are problems with the form, email 312SAFEbike@gmail.com, or text or call 773-312-3283.