Jennifer Ji wanted to ride her bike more for her daily commute, running errands and exploring her new home in Metro Vancouver, but navigating urban traffic made her nervous. So she took one of HUB Cycling’s adult courses, and soon gained the skills and confidence to ride her bike on city streets.
“I now use my bike as my primary mode of transportation. I find that cycling to work not only saves me money and reduces my carbon footprint but also adds a refreshing element to my day, contributing to a better work-life balance,” she says.
If you were one of the lucky few to receive the B.C. government’s new e-bike rebate, HUB Cycling’s free StreetWise Cycling Online course is a great way to gain the knowledge and skills needed to start cycling with confidence.
“The course was highly informative and well-structured. It covered essential topics such as road safety, traffic rules, and cycling etiquette,” says Jennifer, who is now dreaming of tackling a multi-day cycling trip on Vancouver Island’s Galloping Goose Trail.
Free cycling courses help riders gain confidence
June (Kwun, Hyun Jung) also used a HUB Cycling course to gain confidence on her bike.
“I hardly knew how to ride a bicycle before attending the Newcomer Bike Mentorship Program and taking the free StreetWise Cycling Online course,” she says. “Afterward, I became a person who was not afraid to ride a bicycle and really loved it. It is amazing how my body and mind have become so much healthier through cycling and that I can travel with my bike around my neighbourhood.”
For 25 years, HUB Cycling has been empowering more people to cycle more often, through education, action and events. The free StreetWise Cycling Online course is designed for adult beginner riders, and open to all British Columbians — in both urban and rural areas.
Learn from the safety of your own space, at your own pace, on any device with an internet browser. The course takes about one to two hours to complete, and you don’t have to complete all sections in order to move ahead.
What you’ll learn:
- Essential and helpful cycling gear
- Pre-ride ABC Quick Checks
- Route planning
- Rights & responsibilities as a cyclist
- Riding on the road and navigating intersections
- Electric assist bikes (e-bike) safety and care
- Other helpful resources, and more!
In the brand new e-bike section you’ll learn about the different types of e-bikes and how to choose the right one for your style of riding. You’ll also learn how to safely share the road with other users, where e-bikes are allowed, plus care tips for your e-bike and battery.
To register for the FREE StreetWise Cycling Online course, visit bikehub.ca/swco, then complete all or parts of the course, earn badges, and a certificate. As an extra bonus, students who complete all sections of the course will be entered to win one of two $500 gift cards to a BC bike shop of their choosing! Log back in anytime at education.bikehub.ca.