The YMCA and Bike-Friendly Kingston are proud to announce that registration is open for the “Ride Like You Mean It,” adult bicycle education program this May. These classes are for adults who already know how to ride a bike, but are interested in learning more and gaining more confidence when they ride.
Classes will be held, Wednesday, May 4, 11, 18, from 5:30-8:30pm at the YMCA, 507 Broadway, Kingston. The cost is $50.00, but scholarships are available. Enrollment limited to 12 students.
The program will be the first organized adult instructional class in The City of Kingston. Learn to ride, or TS 101, classes have been held in the Albany area and in Dutchess County, but not in Kingston or Ulster County.
“Many beginner or would-be cyclists are deterred from riding because they are unsure of what to expect, feel they don’t know enough to be safe or are just not sure they can cope with traffic,” says Emily Flynn, Leader of Bike-Friendly Kingston. “Ride Like You Mean It, is needed to empower more people in Kingston to become active cyclists. It will educate current and potential cyclists of their rights and responsibilities as vehicle operators on public roads.”
The class will feature interactive classroom discussion and on-bike instruction and practice. Bike and helmet required; participants may bring their own or use the Y's.
To sign up, visit the YMCA Membership Office, Monday through Thursday 9am-5pm or Friday, 9am to 3pm. If you have questions about the class, contact the Instructor, Tom Polk at 845-338-3810, x 105 or email him at tpolk@ymcaulster.org.
Tom Polk, Bicycle Educator for the YMCA for the past 6 years, is a life-long cyclist. He is a League Certified Instructor (LCI) with the League of American Bicyclists and a certified Ride Leader through the International Mountain Bike Association (IMBA).
This project was funded in part by New York Bicycling Coalition's mini-grant program designed to support initiatives for better bicycling in New York State. To learn more about NYBC visit www.nybc.net.