CDOT Announces Free “Learn to Ride” Bike-Riding Classes for Adults and Kids in 2026

The Chicago Department of Transportation is opening the 2026 summer season of its popular Learn to Ride program, which offers free bike-riding classes for adults, teens and children. The classes are led by the SAFE (Streets Are for Everybody) Ambassadors, the outreach and engagement team within CDOT providing direct education and encouragement to Chicagoans regarding traffic safety and active transportation options. There are multiple classes designed for all experience levels-from Chicagoans who have never ridden a bike to those who want to increase handling skills and gain confidence.

"Alongside investments in Chicago's growing bikeway network, CDOT is committed to making cycling a safe and convenient option for more people," said CDOT Acting Commissioner William Cheaks, Jr. "Whether it's your first time on a bike or you're looking to build your skills, Learn to Ride offers a welcoming way to gain confidence and experience Chicago by bike."

Register here: SAFE Learn to Ride Class Request Form

Adult/Teen Learn to Ride
The summer series for adults and teens starts May 7 and will be available throughout the summer at three Chicago Park District locations and one Chicago Public School Location.

Participants can register for one of three class types based on skill level:

• Beginner Learn to Ride - For people who don't know how to ride or want a refresher. Taught on a car-free course.
• Skill-Builder Learn to Ride - For riders with basic experience looking to improve skills like signaling, turning, and biking near others. Facilitated in a car-free setting.

• Road Ride - A guided ride on city streets focused on real-world navigation, bike lane types, positioning, and route planning.

Beginner and Skill-Builder classes will be held at Portage Park, McKinley Park, Washington Park, and Percy Julian High School. Road Ride classes will continue at Seward Park with new ride locations in development.

Classes at Percy Julian High School are presented in partnership with the Major Taylor Trail Keepers Chicago, Trust for Public Land, and 21^st Ward Alderman Mosley. Together, the partners are continuing efforts launched in 2025 to expand Learn to Ride programming on the Far South Side and connect more residents to safe, accessible biking opportunities.

Classes will be offered in both English and Spanish, and pre-registered participants will receive a free helmet, while supplies last. Adults and teens aged 13-17 may participate (teens must be accompanied by a parent or guardian). Bicycles are available for all participants to use at no cost; however, students may benefit from practicing on a personal bike if they have one. Reservations are required for all classes and are granted on a first-come, first-serve basis. Walk-ins cannot be accommodated.

Fill out the following form to view class options and request a spot: SAFE Learn to Ride Class Request Form.

For assistance, email [email protected], or text 773-312-3283.

Kids Learn to Ride

In partnership with the Chicago Park District, the SAFE Ambassadors also offer Learn to Ride classes for children aged 6-12. Each two-hour class will be facilitated by peer-to-peer educators known as Junior Ambassadors, who are Park District recreation leaders.

Starting June 17th and ending August 6th, classes will take place for nine weeks at the following locations and dates:

• Portage Park
• Humboldt Park
• McKinley Park
• Washington Park

Children already enrolled in the Chicago Park District's Day Camp programs will get priority when signing up for classes. Once slots have been filled with Day Camp participants, we will open registration to others. Parents must provide a working, appropriately sized bike for their child. The Ambassadors will provide and custom-fit a free helmet for every child. Each class can accommodate 8 children, and parents must stay onsite during the lessons. Reservations are required and granted on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Fill out the following form to view class options and request a spot: SAFE Learn to Ride Class Request Form

For assistance, email [email protected], or text ‪(312) 775-2801.

The Learn to Ride program is one of many ways CDOT is working to make cycling a safe, accessible, and affordable transportation option for more Chicagoans. Since 2023, CDOT has added over 100 miles of bikeways, 77 percent of which are low-stress neighborhood greenways and protected bike lanes. Chicago's cycling network now includes over 500 miles of bikeways, and 42% of the city's network is low-stress.

Chicago is continuing to invest in more and better bike infrastructure, with an emphasis on low-stress bikeways that make cycling a safe and comfortable option for people of all ages and abilities. These efforts are informed by the Chicago Cycling Strategy, which outlines CDOT's community-driven approach to expanding Chicago's bike network and creating a more equitable, safe, and inviting city for cycling. Visit Chicago.gov/Bikes to learn more about Chicago's bike network and cycling programs and projects.