City offers free cycling clinics for women this summer

The Boston Transportation Department will be offering free cycling clinics for adult women this summer at locations around the city.  Women who never learned to ride a bike, as well as those who would like to refresh their skills, are all encouraged to attend.  With the New Balance Hubway bike-share program expanding to Roxbury, North Dorchester and East Boston this year, it’s the perfect time to join Boston’s bicycling community.

“On my recent visit to China, it was great to see residents enjoying bike rides while cycling safely in designated bike lanes on city streets,” said Boston Mayor Martin J. Walsh.  “Continuing to improve our bicycling infrastructure here in Boston is one of our goals, and providing clinics to teach residents to ride safely goes hand in hand with this priority.”

“We are thrilled to be able to provide this opportunity to Boston residents free of charge,” added Boston Transportation Commissioner Gina N. Fiandaca.  “Whether your intention is to ride off-road, on a local street, or on major roads downtown, it’s crucial that you practice the basic rules of safe cycling.  Our instructors will teach you how to confidently and safely enjoy your ride in Boston.”

Cycling classes being offered are Basic Skills Clinics and Intro to Street Riding Clinics.  Basic Skills Clinics are for those who have never ridden a bike, or need to brush up on their skills.  They are taught entirely in parking lots.  Intro to Street Riding Clinics start in parking lots and end on public streets.  Both classes cover the rules of the road.  Registration is required at https://www.boston.gov/departments/boston-bikes/women-bike.  Bikes and helmets are available to borrow upon request at registration.  Clinic schedules are as follows:

Basic Skills Clinics

• July 13, 6 PM – 8 PM, Donald McKay School, 122 Cottage Street, East Boston
• August 10, 6 PM – 8 PM, Bunker Hill Community College, 10 Rutherford Avenue, Charlestown
• September 10, 10 AM to 12 PM, Florian Hall, 55 Hallet Street, Dorchester
• October 1, 10 AM to 12 PM, Boston Water and Sewer Commission, 980 Harrison Avenue, Roxbury

Intro to Street Riding Clinics

• September 10, 12 PM – 2 PM, Florian Hall, 55 Hallet Street, Dorchester
• October 1, 12 PM – 2 PM, Boston Water and Sewer Commission, 980 Harrison Avenue, Roxbury

“Bicycling is a fun, healthy and economical way to get around,” said Stefanie Seskin, Boston’s Active Transportation Director.  “These classes help more of Boston’s women to get more comfortable on a bike and to enjoy our city.”

All “Women’s Learn to Ride” clinics are taught by women.  According to Program Manager Kim Foltz, of those adults who regularly bicycle, 70% are men and 30% are women.  Women in Boston have expressed an interest in women-only classes that will allow them to learn to ride and become a part of Boston’s bicycling community together.

Residents can also visit free bike repair clinics at Farmer’s Markets and elsewhere in Boston.  In addition to basic tune-ups, they can learn how to repair and maintain their own bikes.  Some of these programs are supported in part by the City of Boston.