Skills Course
Learn to bike to work safely and confidently.
The Bike to Work Skills Course takes you through all of the most common traffic situations you’ll face on your commute. It also provides you with the tips you need to make cycle commuting a fun and regular part of your life.
This free 7.5 hour course combines classroom and on-road training and is designed for participants aged 18 and over.
Downloadable Poster for Fall Courses 2010 (PDF)
Course Description Back to Top–Register
A 7.5 hour course that combines classroom and on-road training and is taught by nationally certified cycling instructors. It is intended to build traffic cycling proficiency for adults who want to ride to work.
You will learn how to:
- Ride comfortably and safely in heavy traffic
- Manoeuvre your bike effectively
- Fit your bike properly and do your own bike safety check
- Be prepared to ride at night and in the rain
- Choose equipment and clothing
- Route planning
The day is comprised of in class and on-road training, with an easily-paced 12 km route around Victoria’s core.
Morning:
- Classroom: traffic theory, bike fit, cadence and gearing, helmet fit
- Parking Lot: bike inspection, bike-handling exercises
Afternoon:
- Classroom: traffic theory, review of on-road ride
- On-Road: a 12 km ride through traffic, with frequent stops to debrief
- Classroom: lighting, reflectivity, riding in the rain, route planning, clothing & gear, Q&A
An Introductory course is also available for those that are getting back into cycling after a long hiatus, are a bit wobbly, or scared - or all of the above!
What To Bring Back to Top–Register
- Your commuting bike, in safe working condition*
- Bike lock
- Helmet (of course!)
- Bag lunch & snacks for the road ride
- Full water bottle(s)
- Raingear or other appropriate clothing for the weather (layers are good)
*NOTE: It is very important that your bike is in safe and good working condition. If it is deemed unsafe to ride, you will not be allowed to participate in the ‘on-road’ component of the day. If in doubt, visit your neighbourhood bike shop.
At the class you will receive:
- Bike Sense: BC’s Bicycle Operator’s Manual
- Victoria Cycling Map (2004 edition)
- Commuter Guide, containing valuable information on route-planning, clothing, equipment, bike fit, etc.
- BC Transit bus tickets
For more information contact marsha@biketowork.ca.
Dates & Locations*Back to Top–Register
Register on-line:
Please contact marsha@biketowork. or call 920-5775 if you have any questions..
*All courses will be held downtown unless otherwise noted.
Downtown Classes
- Location: TBA
- Time: 9:00 am to 4:30 pm (please arrive by 8:45 am)
The cost to put on the course is $100 per person, but it is free for you, sponsored this year by the CRD Traffic Safety Commission and the University of Victoria.
Age Restriction Back to Top–Register
You must be at least 18 years old to take this course.
Cost & Deposit Back to Top–Register
FREE! To ensure attendance, however, we require a $30 advance deposit. This will be returned to you—in full—at the class.
- The $30 deposit must be in the form of a cheque or cash (no credit cards - sorry.) Please consider donating all or part of your deposit to support ongoing courses in the community.
- Cheques should be made payable to the "Greater Victoria Bike to Work Society"
- In order to complete your registration, payment must be received at the latest by 5pm on the Wednesday before your class.
- Cheques will not be cashed if you attend your class; they will be returned to you upon your completion of the class.
- If you need to cancel your spot, you must do so by 5 pm on the Wednesday before your class, or your deposit will be forfeited.
- If we have to cancel a class, we will notify you by 5 pm on the Wednesday before your class, and return your deposit.
Please mail your deposit to:
Bike to Work Victoria
PO Box 8837
Victoria BC
V8W 3S3
