The Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) is encouraging residents to shift from four to two with adult bike and e-scooter classes starting in September.
This program, aimed at improving both the county’s physical and environmental health, is led by experts from the Washington Area Bicyclist Association (WABA). “Biking plays an important role in enhancing our community’s health, well-being and sustainability,” County Executive Marc Elrich said in a news release.
About the Classes
The classes, which will be offered throughout the months of September, October and November, will take place at several locations throughout the county. The classes that focus on bike-riding, which require advance registration, will cost residents $10 (free with a WABA or Capital Bikeshare for All membership) and bikes/helmets will be provided.
“We are proud to offer low-cost adult bike classes to our residents, providing them with the skills and confidence needed to bike safely and effectively,” Elrich said. “I encourage everyone to take advantage of this valuable opportunity.”
The program includes two different types of bike classes, with Learn to Ride and Basic Skills sessions. Learn to Ride classes are for those with little to no experience and will include instruction on how to start and stop, balance, glide, pedal and steer. The Basic Skills classes are for those who know how to ride on an elementary level but need skill development.
The Learn to Ride sessions are three hours, while the Basic Skills classes take place in two-hour sessions.
The two-hour e-scooter classes, which are drop-in and free of charge, will take place immediately following bike classes on Sept. 17, Sept. 29, Oct. 6 and Oct. 27.
Online registration for classes is currently open for the month of September. Montgomery County residents age 18 and older can register, though classes are limited to 25 participants and will fill up quickly, as there has already been a demonstrated interest.
“We have seen tremendous demand for our adult bike classes,” MCDOT Director Chris Conklin said in a press release. “Since spring 2021, more than 600 residents have participated in these trainings.”
A full schedule of the available classes is included below. Rain-outs will result in a make-up class two weeks after the originally scheduled time.
Schedule of Classes
Learn to Ride
- Saturday, Sept. 7. 9 a.m.-noon. Wheaton Ice Arena (back parking lot), 11717 Orebaugh Drive, Wheaton *Free scooter class to follow (noon- 2 p.m.)
- Sunday, Sept. 22. 9 a.m.-noon. Davis Construction at Twinbrook Metro Center I, 12530 Parklawn Drive, Rockville
- Sunday, Sept. 29. 9 a.m.-noon. Upper County Community Recreation Center, 8201 Emory Grove Road, Gaithersburg *Free scooter class to follow (noon-2 p.m.)
- Saturday, Oct. 5. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. White Oak Community Recreation Center, 1700 April Lane, White Oak
- Saturday, Oct. 19. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Germantown Recreation Center, 18905 Kingsview Road, Germantown
- Sunday, Oct. 27. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Westfield Montgomery Mall (former Sears parking lot), 7101 Democracy Blvd., Bethesda *Free scooter class to follow (1-3 p.m.)
- Sunday, Nov. 3. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Farm Women’s Market, Lot 24, 4601 Leland St., Bethesda
- Saturday, Nov. 9. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Margaret Schweinhaut Senior Center, 1000 Forest Glen Road., Silver Spring
Basic Skills
- Sunday, Oct. 6. 10 a.m.-noon. Montgomery College (parking lot 13), 850 Hungerford Drive, Rockville *Free scooter class to follow (noon-2 p.m.)
- Saturday, Nov. 2. 10 a.m.-noon. GEICO Chevy Chase Building, 5260 Western Ave., Chevy Chase
