Smart Cycling

UCI Transportation is proud to offer the League of American Bicyclists’ Smart Cycling course, an ongoing program that aims to increase campus understanding of essential cycling skills, including repairing, handling, and riding legally in traffic. Smart Cycling provides a complimentary two-part training seminar offered by our certified League Cycling Instructors. All UCI affiliates and family members 18 and over are invited to attend.

This fast-paced program includes a 3-hour online class session and an optional on-bike session. Classes are held on campus during each quarter, including summer.

Participants will receive a League of American Bicyclists Smart Cycling student manual ($20 value) and a certificate upon successful completion of the written and on-bike skill-testing examinations. Bonus giveaways include lights, helmets, and multi-tools. For those who attend both sessions and pass a written exam, a certificate of completion will be issued.

Trained Smart Cyclists are encouraged to participate in campus biking festivals throughout the year, helping to educate their fellow campus peers about cycling skills and safety.

Please email biking@uci.edu with any questions or comments. We look forward to seeing you in Smart Cycling!

Online Class Session

No bike is required during this session.  Those interested in participating in the on-bike training must complete the online class session first. During this course, you will learn:

• Bike Basics
• Visibility
• Predictability
• Preparedness
• Principles of Vehicular Cycling
• Rules of the Road
• Where to Ride
• Hazard Avoidance
• Commuter Tips

Part 2 – On-Bike Session (Optional)

Prerequisite: Part 1 – Class Session
Those who complete the first session are invited to join the second session of the program, where you can practice your new cycling skills on a nine-mile bike ride. Email biking@uci.edu if you are interested in participating in the on-bike session. If you also decide to take the written exam and pass, you will receive your own Smart Cycling certificate.

Those in attendance will be learning:

• Bike and Helmet Fit
• Fix a Flat
• Chain Lube
• ABC Quick Check
• Handling Skills & Drills
• Hazard Avoidance Skills & Drills
• Approximately 9-mile Road Ride (start and end in Lot 1C)

Required to bring for the On-Bike session:

• A Bicycle: Please have one in good repair, with a front and rear brake (no coaster brakes), and that fits properly
• Helmet: You will be provided a helmet if you do not have one
• Class Registration & Waiver: You will not be able to participate in drills or the road skills portion without a signed waiver.
• Minimum Skills
  • Independently pedal and ride a bicycle
  • Dismount the bicycle without struggling

To ensure the best experience possible, we advise you to bring sunscreen, water, snacks, closed-toed shoes, comfortable, high-visible clothing (athletic wear), cycling gloves, and bicycle tools.

Next Steps – Volunteer Opportunities

Trained Smart Cyclists are essential towards helping to inform other campus employees and students about cycling skills and safety.  Smart Cyclists are encouraged to join the BikeUCI Ambassadors, a volunteer program to mentor, support, and strengthen our cycling community.  Smart Cyclists are welcomed to volunteer at UCI Transportation’s ongoing bike festivals, including WhimCycle and uciRIDEtoberfest, and at future Smart Cycling classes. During these events, Smart Cyclists will be able to apply what they’ve learned during their training and help educate their peers on cycling.