Bike Programing Offerings
In Esperanza's Bike Safe program our core goal is to work towards making Albuquerque better by promoting bicycle education, safe cycling skills, and transportation. By engaging with the community, we hope to show people, of all backgrounds, abilities, and ages that bicycling can be a safe, healthy, dependable, inexpensive, and fun way to get around for a lifetime.
Youth Programs 5 to 10 Years Old Youth Programs 11 to 14 Years Old Youth Programs 15 to 18 Years Old All Ages
Walk-this-Way
Designed for K to 2nd grade, in the Walk-this-Way program students will learn how to safely walk through their neighborhoods. This program is a 20-minute presentation, a 15-minute video, and an optional interactive learning activity. The presentation goes over topics such as looking both ways, street signs, and other safety tips.
Must provide a location, preferably a classroom setting, a format for projecting, and at least 10 children.
Elementary Bike Rodeo
For 3rd to 5th grade students the focus of the Elementary Bike Rodeo is to equip students with safe riding skills to build their confidence and excitement. During the 45-minute program students practice their balance and handling skills, as well as navigating obstacles and interacting with other road users. During the class students exhibit considerable growth, from learning the foundations of balance to practicing pedaling to exercising wise decision making.
For this program we recommend classes no larger than 25 students and sessions are typically 45 minutes in length. For set up the program requires a flat paved space the size of a basketball court.
Walking School Bus
The Walking School Bus is a joint program with the City of Albuquerque and Albuquerque Public Schools. Selected schools are targeted by APS, and Esperanza's Bike Safe team helps educate and train both youth and staff on safe walking. Esperanza also assists in the launch of the selected schools’ first walking school bus.
Pump it Up
During this hour long class students will learn flat tire repair. Students will learn techniques to patch tubes and information about tire pressure and resistance. At the end of the class students receive a flat repair kit of their own to take home.
STEM Bike Workshops
Students learn the science behind bicycles in this three-part STEM Workshop. Each part is focused on a different topic related to the physics of bikes and their functions: "How a Bike Stays Upright", "Friction on Bicycles", and "Gear Ratios". Each presentation is paired with an activity and takes up to 90 minutes. These classes can be scheduled as a series or a-la-carte.
Handling and Skills Course
Students learn and practice bike handling skills on a bicycle skills course with traffic signs, ramps and straight-a-ways. Before the students get on bikes they will receive a short presentation on safety and an explanation of the course as well as shifting and braking. This program requires a large park sized area for set up and is recommended to last 45 minutes to an hour. Bike Safe can provide up to 30 bikes for this program.
Youth Drop-in Repair Clinic
For youth ages 10 to 18 and their families to utilize our non-retail bike center and repair their bikes. Our mechanics will assist and teach youth how to properly use our tools and work stations to make repairs to bikes.
June through August Youth Drop-In Clinic Hours: Second and Fourth Wednesday of the month from 1 pm to 5 pm.
Mountain Biking Basics
During this 3 to 4 hour mountain biking skills course, participants will learn how to safely ride over basic mountain biking features, as well as learn shifting, braking, and bike handling skills. This program is designed for middle school students to help them build handling skills, introduce them to outdoor riding, and build confidence in themselves. The instruction takes place at our SHRED Facility and is limited to 30 participants. Bikes and water bottles are provided.
Route-finding 101
Students learn the characteristics of safe walking and cycling routes through a presentation of route finding techniques and program recommendations. Working in teams, students will map a safe route between two points. This program can take anywhere between 1 to 3 class periods depending on class goals, and requires students to use computers. This program can be paired with the Group Ride program.
Group Rides
During this program students will be led on a group ride by the Youth Education team. The route will be designed in advance, or can be created by students in the route-finding 101 program. Included in the route will be educational opportunities about bicycle infrastructure, route-finding tips and road safety. Group sizes can be 10 to 20 students, with a 5 student per team max. We require school staff to also be present during the group rides. We can provide up to 30 bicycles as well as custom routes.
Youth Drop-in Repair Clinic
For youth ages 10 to 18 and their families to utilize our non-retail bike center and repair their bikes. Our mechanics will assist and teach youth how to properly use our tools and work stations to make repairs to bikes.
June - August Youth Drop-In Clinic Hours: Second and Fourth Wednesday of the month from 1 pm to 5 pm.
Mountain Biking Basics
During this 3 to 4 hour mountain biking skills course, participants will learn how to safely ride over basic mountain biking features, as well as learn shifting, braking, and bike handling skills. This program is designed for high school students to help them build handling skills, introduce them to outdoor riding, and build confidence in themselves. The instruction takes place at our SHRED Facility and is limited to 30 participants. Bikes and water bottles are provided.
Bike Safety Skills Class
During the month of May participants can take the Bike Safety Skills class. Registration is currently open for this free one-hour class that teaches cycling safety skills and class participants earn a bike safety kit containing a helmet, front and rear rechargeable bike lights, spoke reflectors, and a reflective safety vest. This class pairs will with the Earn-A-Bike program to get cyclists ready to roll.
Class is limited to 15 people, all ages welcome, and registration is required. Click on the class date and time to register for that class. Class is held at the new Esperanza McKinley location at 3333 Truman St NE Albuquerque, NM 87110.
Adult Mountain Biking Basics
During this multi-day mountain biking skills course, participants will learn how to safely ride over basic mountain biking features, as well as learn shifting, braking, and bike handling skills. This program is designed for adults to help them build handling skills, introduce them to outdoor riding, and build confidence in themselves. The instruction takes place at our SHRED Facility and Open Space areas and is limited to 15 participants. Bikes and water bottles are provided.