Summer Cycling Education Series

The City of Evanston, in partnership with the Evanston Public Library, has launched a Summer Cycling Education Series. This collection of free workshops is designed to help community members of all ages and skill levels ride bicycles safely and confidently around Evanston and beyond.

Facilitated by The Recyclery, a nonprofit bicycle education organization, the series includes hands-on classes covering everything from learning to ride to navigating city streets and maintaining a bicycle. Classes will be offered in both English and Spanish and run from July through September at locations throughout Evanston.

Registrants who do not own bicycles may request to use a loaner bicycle and helmet during the workshops. Those ages 16 and older are also encouraged to sign up for the low-cost Divvy for Everyone program if cost is a barrier to bicycle ownership.

La Ciudad de Evanston, en colaboración con la Biblioteca Pública de Evanston, está organizando una Serie Educativa de Ciclismo de Verano para ayudar a los miembros de la comunidad a aprender a andar en bicicleta de manera segura y con confianza. La serie incluye clases para aprender a andar en bicicleta, habilidades esenciales para circular por calles de la ciudad y mantenimiento básico de bicicletas. Los talleres se llevarán a cabo de julio a septiembre (31/7 Ciclismo Urbano 101, 6/8 Ciclismo Urbano 101, 16/8 Aprende a Andar en Bicicleta, 9/9 Mecánica de Bicicletas, 13/9 Ciclismo para Tutores acompañados de ciclistas independientes de 10 años en adelante). Todos los talleres serán impartidos por The Recyclery, una organización educativa sin fines de lucro, y se ofrecerán en inglés y español.

Workshop Schedule:

City Cycling 101

For youth and adults ages 14+ who already know how to ride. Learn essential skills for biking in the city, including how to share the road with cars and ride with confidence.

• Thursday, July 31
• 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
• Robert Crown Community Center, 1801 Main St.

City Cycling 101

• Wednesday, August 6
• 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
• Evanston Ecology Center Parking Lot, 2217 Simpson St.

Learn 2 Ride

For youth and adults ages 14+ who have never learned to ride. This off-street class will teach the basics in a safe, supportive environment.

• Saturday, August 16
• 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
• Dr. Jorge and Luz Maria Prieto Community Center, 430 Asbury Ave.

Intro to Bike Maintenance

Geared toward adults, this course will teach you how to fix a flat, oil your chain, and inflate your tires. All tools provided.

• Tuesday, September 9
• 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
• Evanston Public Library Main Branch: Innovation Station, 1703 Orrington Ave.

City Cycling 101 for Families

This course is for guardians and accompanied independent young riders ages 10+ who are looking to gain key street-riding skills together in a supportive group setting.

• Saturday, September 13
• 2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
• Evanston Public Library Main Branch, 1703 Orrington Ave.

To cap off the summer, participants are invited to join for the annual Bike the Ridge event, Evanston’s beloved open streets celebration on Sunday, September 28, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Ridge Avenue (Howard to Church) will be closed to motor vehicles and open to cyclists of all ages and abilities. 

Registration Information

All participants must register in advance. Once registered, participants will receive a waiver to sign and preparation instructions before class. Register for each class at the link above, by calling the Evanston Public Library at 847-448-8600, or in-person at the Evanston Public Library.