The Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) is opening the 2025 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.

“Learn to Ride is one of our most popular summer programs because it’s hands-on, welcoming, and empowers people to embrace biking as a safe, fun, and practical way to get around,” said CDOT Commissioner Tom Carney. “We’re proud to offer these classes free of charge and to continue building a more bike-friendly Chicago through education, outreach, and infrastructure.”

Register here: SAFE Learn to Ride Class Request Form

Adult Learn to Ride

The summer series for adults starts June 4 and will be available throughout the summer at five Chicago Park District locations. 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. Also held 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 Horner Park, McKinley Park, Riis Park, and Washington Park. Road Ride classes will begin and end at Seward Park, with additional routes potentially added later in the season.

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 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-served basis. Walk-ins cannot be accommodated.

Fill out the form here to view class options and request a spot. For assistance, email 312SAFEbike@gmail.com 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 18 and ending August 14, classes will take place for nine weeks at the following locations and dates:

• Wednesdays at Portage Park, Schreiber Park and McKinley Park.
• Thursdays at Humboldt Park and 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-served basis.

Fill out the form here to view class options and request a spot.

If you have questions about the SAFE Ambassadors’ free Kids Learn to Ride classes, contact KidsLearnToRide@gmail.com or Ambrasia Warner at ambrasia.warner@cityofchicago.org.

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 nearly 100 miles of bikeways, 77 percent of which are low-stress neighborhood greenways and protected bike lanes. 

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.