Learn how to ride a bike in LA!

This webpage is a resource hub for those who are interested in learning about biking in LA and eventually making biking part of their travel routines. You can sign up for

Free

classes to learn how to bike in an urban environment or go on group rides. Ultimately this website should provide everything you might need to get biking!

Learn about biking

by signing up for free classes that can provide you the knowledge and skills to bike confidently and safely.

• 
  Experience biking
  
  in a car-free or group ride setting to get you more comfortable on a bike and enjoy the fun!
• Ready to bike on your own?

Why bike? Check out the top 5 reasons here:

1. It’s convenient:

Short trips of 3 miles or less can often be quicker by bike than by car, especially in traffic. Once you arrive at your destination, you don’t have to hunt for a parking space – bike parking is usually near an entrance. Travel times running errands by bike are more reliable than by car because bicycles are rarely affected by traffic congestion. Enjoy the freedom of traveling on your own schedule and making multiple stops along the way without worrying about rush hour traffic or finding parking!

2. It’s a money-saver:

Bicyclists in the U.S. save “

at least $4.6 billion a year by riding instead of driving

.” It costs an average of just $308 per year to maintain a bike. Compare that to the average $8,220 that drivers spend each year to travel by car and you’re looking at a pay raise!

3. It’s enjoyable:

Studies have shown that hopping on your bike improves mental health. You can go on a bike ride alone or with friends and families to enjoy beaches, nature, architecture, food tours and so much more!

4. It’s healthy:

Bicycling is good for your heart, brain, and blood vessels. Regular bicycling builds muscle and increases bone density while it’s easy on your joints. Bicycling can also reduce stress. Studies have shown that biking to work can reduce stress by up to 40%!

5. It’s green:

Bicycling is ZERO-emission and making more trips by bike (or on foot) helps reduce air pollution, improving the air we all breathe in LA, and helps reduce greenhouse gases, contributing less to climate change.

Metro sponsors classes at varying skill levels to get you comfortable with your bike and riding in an urban environment. These classes are FREE, interactive, and take place all across the county.

Bike 1 – Back to Basics

Ideal for:

this is for people who know how to ride a bike, but are not very comfortable getting on a bike. (Note: this is not a learn-to-ride class)

Objective:

this class covers bicycling basics and shows participants how to improve their bike control skills. Participants will gain a sense of confidence to get on a bike for everyday travel or recreation.

Course topics:

biking necessities (helmet fit, lights/reflectors, locks, clothing), pre-ride checklist, basic bike handling skills, bike services and events offered by Metro.

Class duration:

1.25 hours (off-bike: 30 min / on-bike: 45 min)

Registration is required.

Attendees are encouraged to bring their own bikes (limited number of loaner bikes available for those who register in advance).

Register

Bike 2 – Rules of the Road

Ideal for:

this is for people who are comfortable on a bike but may be nervous navigating city streets.

Objective:

participants will understand the rules of the road and transform their knowledge of how to ride a bike into practical skills to navigate city streets and use their bikes for everyday travel.

Course topics:

rules of the road, route planning, navigating common hazards, riding around and on transit, pre-ride checklist, bike services and events offered by Metro.

Class duration:

2 hours (off-bike: 60 min / on-bike: 60 min)

Registration is required.

Attendees should bring their own bikes (limited number of loaner bikes available for those who need a bike, please register in advance)

Register

Bike 3 –  Street Skills

Ideal for:

this is for people who want to practice and enhance their bicycling skills on city streets.

Objective:

the street skills rides are typically after-hour or weekend guided rides where participants can practice in real life the knowledge and skills learned at the Bike 2 – Rules of the Road classes.

Course topics:

rules of the road, group ride etiquette, riding around transit, navigating hazards, avoiding accidents, bike services and events offered by Metro.

Class duration:

2.5 hours (off-bike: 30 min / on-bike: 2 hour)

Registration is required.

Attendees should bring their own bikes (limited number of loaner bikes available for those who need a bike, please register in advance)

Register

Bike 4 – Flat Tire Clinic

This option is offered at

Metro Bike Hubs

where participants can learn and get hands-on experience on how to maintain your bike or fix a flat tire.

Bicycling 101 (Classroom-Only Instruction)

Course Topics:

Route planning, bike quick checks, rules of the road

Class Duration:

1 hour (off-bike)

Ideal for:

This classroom-only option is geared towards employers, organizations, and groups who are interested in a quick overview of bicycle basics, rules of the road, and things to know to start commuting safely by bike. This option is ideal for a lunchtime or post-work session.

Objective:

Participants should know how to ride a bike, but they may be uncomfortable using a bicycle for everyday travel or recreation.

Course topics:

biking necessities (helmet fit, lights/reflectors, locks, clothing); pre-ride checklist (ABC quick check, route planning, bike parking, bike infrastructure); biking on city streets (navigating common hazards, bikes and transit); bike services and events offered by Metro.

Walk-ins welcomed, but registration is strongly encouraged

. Participants do not need to bring anything.

Check out the class calendar

Can’t make any of the scheduled classes and events?

New classes and events are added regularly.

Join our email list

to receive updates on new classes and events.

Open Streets Events

Open Streets events are perfect places to experience bicycling. Whether you are biking on the street for the first time or to testing out your newly learned bicycling skills, these events are the best places to ride in a car-free, safe and fun environment.Open Streets events temporarily close off streets to automobile traffic and open them up for people to walk, bike, skate, roll and dance. Metro offers the Open Streets Grant Program to fund a series of open streets events all across LA County.  Visit our

Active Transportation page

for more information and upcoming Open Streets events.

Community Rides

Community rides are a great way to experience bicycling in a safe, guided, group ride.  There are many organizations throughout Los Angeles County that host regular rides across the region. Each ride is curated to highlight a community in a fun tour 3-5 miles long, with planned stops. These rides vary skill level and theme, and all are free and open to the public.  Check out the

Calendar

and

Map

of upcoming community rides and other bicycle events in Los Angeles County.

Bike to Work Day/Bike Month

Bike Month is a national month-long celebration of the bicycle. For the entire month of May, we celebrate bicycling all around Los Angeles County with pit stops, community rides, food, music and all kinds of fun events.  Bike to Work Day is also a great opportunity for you to leave your car at home and try commuting by bike with thousands of other Angelenos.

Bicycle Friendly Business District

Bicycle Friendly Business Districts (BFBD) promote and provide incentives for residents and visitors to make local trips by bike. Discounts or amenities may be offered at businesses for bike riders. Cities may provide a program for businesses to request bike racks. For people who bike, these programs provide an opportunity to explore new neighborhoods and support local businesses. Bicycle-Friendly Business Districts currently exist in Long Beach, Los Angeles, and Santa Monica.

Bicycle Friendly Business District Pilot Program (2017-2018)

Metro worked with local governments and stakeholders and implemented two pilot BFBDs in the San Gabriel Valley cities of Glendora and South Pasadena. In each pilot district, there were a series of recurring community events to highlight bicycle-friendly businesses (e.g., designated days when discounts would be offered; free bike valet at farmers markets, organized bike rides featuring a local business, etc.), emphasize bicycle safety (e.g., offering bike safety classes), and promote access to public transit and other forms of active transportation. The project also included the installation of bicycle racks.

Through the work on the pilot BFBDs, Metro developed a

BFBD Implementation Manual

to help local governments, communities, and businesses build and sustain successful BFBD programs. The Manual includes guidance on: developing partnerships; selecting geographic boundaries; developing the program; marketing and promoting the program; considering complementary programs; and conducting program evaluation. It provides resources and program suggestions for local governments, community members, and business groups.

When you use your bicycle for transportation you need to keep it safe at your destination so that it’s there when you want to ride back. It is important to know the following tips to protect your bike from theft and keep it secure.

Choose the right locks:


Of all the accessories you buy for your bicycle, a good lock is the most important. Although no lock is completely secure, it is better to buy the best lock you can afford, as a lock is always cheaper than buying a new bike. In general, a sturdy U-lock is best compared to cable and chain locks because they are relatively easy to cut through.

Bike Parking Options:


If parking on the street, you want to make sure that all parts of your bike are locked to a fixed object like a bike rack in a publicly visible location. Or you can choose more secure bike parking options such as a

bike locker or Metro Bike Hub

.

Here are a few bike parking options for you:

Bicycle racks

come in many different shapes and sizes. Position your bike in a manner that makes it easy for other people to lock their bike to the rack.  Anything that can be easily removed on your bike may be subject to theft and you would want to lock it to the racks.

Rear wheel is typically more valuable and expensive to replace, so if you only have one lock, use a U-lock to lock the frame and rear wheel to the rack.

More ideally, you would want to use two locks (two U-locks or a U-lock complemented by a cable lock) to secure both wheels and the frame to the rack.

If you have a quick release on your front wheel, consider removing the front wheel and locking it with the rear wheel and the frame.

Also consider registering your bike with the local police department to facilitate recovery in case your bike is stolen.

Metro bicycle lockers

are secure enclosures to allow the storage of one bicycle of typical size and form. They are more secure than bike racks and can shield the bicycles from the elements to a certain degree. Bike lockers are available for rent at several Metro Rail and Busway stations. To check locker availability, apply to rent a locker, or to manage your bike locker rental, visit the

Metro Bike Locker Registration page

.

Certain Metrolink stations also offer bicycle lockers. They are operated by the cities where the station is located. Metro does not operate them. To inquire about lockers at Metrolink stations, please contact the local cities.

Metro Bike Hubs

are bike stations that offer secure, high-capacity bike parking, provide weather protection, and include security features such as controlled access for members only and CCTV. This type of secure bike parking facilities provides an easy and safe way to park your bicycle, get accessories, and access repair services.

Metro currently operates Bike Hubs at El Monte Bus Station, Hollywood/Vine Red Line Station, and Union Station. Pricing ranges from $5 for a 7-day Pass to $60 for 1-Year Pass. To learn more and register online for a membership, visit

Metro’s Bike Hub website

.

Similar facilities also exist in

Burbank

,

Covina

,

Long Beach

, and

Santa Monica

.

If there’s no formal bike parking, be aware of the following:

• When using your bike to access transit, DO NOT lock your bike to station railings or furnishings, since this blocks access to the station and will be subject to removal.
• Be wary of locking your bike to fences or railings on private property, as property owners may remove your bicycle.
• Most cities do not have clear rules about whether or not you can park your bike at street signs or parking meters when a bike rack is not available. Typically, street signs are OK but be wary about parking at parking meters. Always check and follow the local regulations and signs at your location, if present.

Bikes are a great way to get to and from a transit stop. Integrating bicycling with public transit can greatly expand your travel range.

Riding Metro with your bike

Bikes can be brought onto Metro buses and trains at all times, if space is available.  All Metro buses have at least two bike racks on the front and all Orange Line buses have three.  All Metro trains have designated open area to accommodate bicycles. If the bike racks on buses or the trains are full, please wait for the next one. Metro trains have designated open area to accommodate bicycles, look for yellow symbol.

Rules for Bikes on Metro Buses:

1. Arrive at the stop a few minutes early and wait on the sidewalk.

2. Remove all loose items not attached to your bike (i.e. bags on handle bars, helmets, lights, etc.) and take them with you onto the bus.

3. Locking your bike to the bus rack is not allowed. For extra security, you can lock your wheel to the frame before the bus arrives.

4. You are responsible for loading and unloading your bicycle. Wait until bus is fully stopped before loading your bike. Always approach the bus from the sidewalk.

5. Sit or stand near the front of the bus to watch your bicycle during your trip.

6. Just before your stop, tell the bus operator that you will be getting your bike from the rack and exit through the front door.

7. Never try to retrieve something that rolls under the bus.

Notes:

Motorized bicycles or any bicycle over 55 pounds cannot be accommodated on Metro bus bike racks. Folding bikes with 20 inch or smaller wheels can be taken on board. Make sure your bike is folded and stored under a rear seat so as not to block aisles and doorways. Motorized folding bikes are not allowed.

Rules for Bikes on Metro Rail:

1. Follow ADA-accessible routes to find elevators and wider, wheelchair-accessible gates, to safely bring your bike in and out of stations.

2. Always walk your bike through stations and on train platforms.

3. Enter at doors marked with the yellow sign on the right

4. Avoid parking your bicycle behind operator’s cabin lead car.

5. Always keep doors and aisles clear, and be courteous to other passengers.

6. Give priority to wheelchair passengers in designated areas.

7. Always stand with your bike in the designated open area while on board the train.

8. Use elevators or stairs to enter and exit the station. Bikes are not allowed on escalators.

9. Folding bikes are encouraged and allowed on board. Make sure it is properly folded.

Notes:

Electric bicycles are allowed if they are the size of a regular bike and are subject to safety inspection by security personnel. Fuel powered, 3-wheeled, tandem, recumbent and over 6-foot long bicycles, as well as all mopeds and trailers, are not allowed. Failure to obey these rules may result in a citation; ref. PC 640 (b) (9) (A).

If your bike is accidentally left on the bus or train, please visit our

Lost & Found

online system to report your lost bike. You can also visit the

Metro Lost & Found

. They are located at 3571 Pasadena Ave and open between Monday – Saturday from 9am – 5pm.

Biking around Transit

Buses and trains can seem tricky to bike around, but if you act safe and predicable, it can be safe and stress-free for all involved. Follow these guidelines when you encounter buses, vans or other large vehicles:

Avoid Riding in Blind Spots!

When riding near large vehicles like buses, use extra caution as they have larger blind spots than private vehicles.

Avoid Passing on the Right!


Buses frequently pull to the right side of the road to serve bus stops. They make wide right turns and have blind spots that may not allow drivers to see bicyclists on the right. Passengers boarding and departing the bus may also pose a hazard for bicyclists. For these reasons bicyclists should always avoid passing large vehicles on the right. Instead, stop and wait for buses to finish boarding passengers or scan, signal, and change positions to safely pass the large vehicle on the left.

Avoid leapfrogging!

Leapfrogging is when buses and bicyclists are consistently passing each other (bicyclists passes the bus when it’s stopped, then the bus drives past the bicyclist when it’s moving). This can be very stressful for both the bicyclist and the bus driver. To avoid this, briefly exit the roadway to allow a bus to safely pass and avoid passing stopped buses at red lights.

Make Visual Contact and Communicate Intent with Signals!

Make visual contact with drivers of buses to be sure they’re aware of your presence. The best way to make visual contact is to remain in full view of the driver’s left side mirror. Make sure that you can see the driver’s eyes. If you can’t see them, they can’t see you! Make sure you communicate lane changes, turns, and planned stops with hand signals.

Be Cautious around Train Tracks!

Bicycle tires can run the risk of getting caught in the divot in rail tracks. These divots could catch a bike tire causing a sudden stop and crash. To avoid an accident, be sure to ride as perpendicular as you can (preferably at a 90 degree angle). Be careful of slippery rails when wet, and always walk your bike on station platforms. Never cross tracks if a railroad crossing arm is down!

Metro Bike Share is a public bike system that can be accessed any time, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, all year long. These bikes can be used to make short trips locally, to get to a transit station, or to complete the last leg of your transit journey.

Metro Bike Share

The Metro Bike Share system features hundreds of bikes, currently operating in DTLA, Central LA, the Port of LA, North Hollywood and the Westside. Metro Bike Share offers convenient round-the-clock access to a fleet of bicycles for short trips and to get to transit on your schedule. Metro Bike Share is an additional public transportation option for Angelenos and visitors to get around.

Metro Bike Share Station locations were selected based on proximity to community resources, employment centers, bike infrastructure and transit in consultation with partner agencies, institutions, community groups and the public. All Metro Bikes across LA County can be unlocked with a registered TAP card enrolled in a

Metro Bike Share pass

online. Riders can also purchase passes at any Metro Bike Share kiosk with a credit or debit card. You can see real-time bike and dock availability on

the app

and

online station map

.

To learn more, visit

metro.net/bikeshare

.

Other Bike Share Systems in LA County

Santa Monica

,

West Hollywood

,

Beverly Hills

,

UCLA campus

, and

Long Beach

also operate bike share programs. There are also dockless bike share services offered by private firms in certain parts of the County, such as

Lime Bike

,

ofo

, and

Spin

. These systems use different types of bike share equipment. To ride, follow the instructions on the bikes or the system’s websites and apps.