Get on Your Bike

The Austin Cycling Association (ACA) has been educating and advocating for cyclists in the central Texas area for more than 24 years. This nonprofit organization is open to adults and families. Club members have access to online ride maps and the club’s newsletter, Cycling News. Weekly bike rides, training, and informational programs are open to the public, and the club sponsors an annual ride, the Armadillo Hill Country Classic, to raise money for bicycle safety education and to provide free helmets for children.

Before you hit the road, check out ACA's bicycle safety and education courses.

Never ridden a bike? “Learn to Ride a Bike” is for all ages and includes one-on-one instruction or small group instruction, for kids to seniors.

Are you afraid to get out in traffic? Is fear of the road keeping you from commuting to work? Then “Traffic Skills 101 (Classroom and Road)” is right for you. First, learn laws, bike selection and fit, riding in traffic and on trails (and more!) in a classroom setting, then take it to the road with a certified instructor. You’ll do drills and practice crash avoidance techniques!

Are you ready for the 360 Route? Do you envy the cyclists out there taking on 360 every weekend? Wish you felt confident enough to deal with on-ramps and high speeds while navigating the side of the road? Check out “Ride the Shoulders.” Students learn best practices for riding the most challenging portions of Loop 360 and other wide-shouldered highways. (Adults only.)

Want to up the office energy? Are you an employer who wants to encourage bike use among your employees? Check out the “Lunchtime Cycling Workshops” which proved training in traffic riding, commuting, and bike maintenance in one-hour sessions at your workplace. These sessions are held right in your workplace and provide practical information to your employees on riding safely and confidently in traffic, bike commuting, or maintenance.

Want to encourage kids to try cycling? “Neighborhood Rodeo” is for the adult who’d like to put on a clinic for kids in the neighborhood. ACA works with you to provide a fun way to help kids learn to bike. A certified instructor works with your group to teach bicycle safety skills and drills for elementary-aged children.

Want to spread the cycling love? Get certified to teach children’s cycling clinics through the “Youth Instructor Certification” class. Learn the basics to run your own cycling skills clinic/bike rodeo for children and youth.

Did you get a ticket? Did you get a ticket for failing to stop on your bike or for riding through a pedestrian crosswalk? City of Austin Municipal Court has “Defensive Cycling” option to help you reduce your court fines. This three-hour class is accepted by the court for dismissal of traffic tickets.

For more information, visit www.austincycling.org