Smart Cycling® — Introduction & Readiness Pathway

League of American Bicyclists Curriculum

Smart Cycling Basics teach the Smart Cycling® biking best practices — a nationally recognized curriculum developed by the League of American Bicyclists. Basic bicycle instruction for adults teaches cyclists to ride safely, confidently, and effectively on roadways and shared-use paths.

This page explains what Smart Cycling is, who it is for, and how to begin.

What is Smart Cycling®?

Smart Cycling basic bicycle instruction teaches cyclists how to:

• Ride predictably and safely in real-world conditions

• Understand positioning, signaling, and hazard avoidance

• Navigate roadways and bike paths with confidence

• Apply traffic principles to cycling

The curriculum emphasizes awareness, technique, and decision-making, not fitness or speed.

Who is Smart Cycling for?

Even if you are looking for basic bicycle instruction, Smart Cycling is for adults who:

• Already know how to pedal a bicycle

• Can start, stop, steer, and balance independently

• Are comfortable riding on bike paths or quiet roads

• Want bicycle safety education on best cycling practices

It is not designed for individuals who are still learning basic riding skills or rebuilding balance and confidence from the beginning.

Why readiness matters

Smart Cycling assumes elementary riding ability.

Because riders arrive with different backgrounds and comfort levels, readiness is assessed before advancing into Smart Cycling skill development. Some riders are prepared immediately. Others benefit from private instruction first.

This ensures:

• Safety

• Appropriate pacing

• A positive learning experience

How to begin

Most participants start here:

Adult Bicycling Lessons – Private Instruction (150 minutes)

Private instruction allows the instructor to:

• Assess riding readiness

• Build or refine foundational skills

• Introduce Smart Cycling concepts when appropriate

Instruction is paced to the individual and may include:

• Learning to ride

• Confidence rebuilding

• Smart Cycling skill progression

👉 Start with Adult Bicycling Lessons

For riders already road-ready:

9-Hour Smart Cycling Course – Private Instruction

Experienced riders who already demonstrate road-ready skills may proceed directly to the full Smart Cycling course delivered in a private format.

👉 View the 9-Hour Smart Cycling Course

About the instructor

Smart Cycling instruction is provided by Debra Stefan, a League Cycling Instructor and the 2020 National Educator of the Year for the League of American Bicyclists.

Instruction is offered in a private, boutique format in Henderson, Nevada.

Important notes

• This page is informational and does not include registration or pricing.

• Smart Cycling® is a curriculum of the League of American Bicyclists.

• Completion of the full Smart Cycling course is a prerequisite for the League Cycling Instructor Seminar conducted by the League of American Bicyclists.

• Instruction is offered to adults. Riders under 18 must be accompanied by a parent.

Next steps

If you are interested in Smart Cycling education, basic bicycle instruction, or determining the right starting point, begin with private instruction or review the full Smart Cycling course options.