Montgomery County's Department of Transportation is rolling out a series of low-cost bicycle and e-scooter classes for adults, an initiative aimed at promoting alternative modes of transportation and skill development. The training sessions, slated for September, October, and November, require advance registration and cost $10 for county residents, though members of the Washington Area Bicyclist Association and Capital Bikeshare For All are eligible for free enrollment, according to an announcement featured on Montgomery County's official website.
Residents interested in joining the classes will be able to learn a range of biking skills, from the basics of starting, stopping, and balancing to more advanced maneuvers. The courses are facilitated by experienced instructors from the Washington Area Bicyclist Association, ensuring participants are in capable hands. Equipment such as bicycles and helmets will also be available at no extra charge during the sessions to smoothly guide new cyclists into comfortably navigating two wheels.
"Adult bike and scooter classes are important, and I encourage anyone who is new to riding to take them," Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich was quoted as saying. "The classes are part of Montgomery County’s commitment to giving our residents transportation choices that build stronger, healthier and more connected communities." This sentiment reflects the county's broader vision of nurturing an environment conducive to sustainable transport options.
As demand for such programs continues to escalate, MCDOT has introduced additional Learn to Ride sessions, with the training now able to accommodate 25 individuals per class. Chris Conklin, MCDOT Director, shared with Montgomery County, "Interest in our adult bike classes has never been higher, and this season we’ve added two more Learn to Ride sessions to keep up with demand." The initiative appears to be hitting a chord with locals; nearly a thousand residents have benefited from these trainings since 2021.
For the convenience of participants, online registration for the upcoming classes is now open on the WABA website. Classes will take place at select locations, including Westfield Montgomery Mall and Montgomery College. Two-hour e-scooter classes, which do not require pre-registration, are also available and will follow select bike class dates. Anyone over 18 with a valid driver's license or ID can drop in to these sessions, where e-scooters and helmets are provided. To stay informed about class schedules and any weather-related cancellations, the public can visit MCDOT’s website or call their dedicated helpline.
