FAQ & Rates
Q: Am I too old to learn how to ride a bike?
A: If you can stand on one leg for 15 seconds you can almost certainly learn to ride confidently. Since 2001 we've taught over 5,000 students, ages 4 to 80.
Q: How long does it take to learn? How long is the lesson?
A: Learning rates vary. Most adults are pedaling in one 2-hour lesson and master all "Level 1" (learn to ride) skills in 2 lessons. For a first lesson we suggest 2 hours for adults and older teens, 90 minutes for young teens and pre-teens, and 60-75 minutes for younger kids.
Q: Where are lessons available?
A: We meet clients throughout the San Francisco Bay Area, at schools, parks, and parking lots we've used for years. Cities include San Jose, San Francisco, Oakland, Sunnyvale, Alameda, Fremont, Hayward, Los Altos, Cupertino, Palo Alto, Los Gatos, Campbell, Santa Clara, Mountain View, Stanford, and Marin County.
Q: Is this 1-on-1 or a group class?
A: We offer 1-, 2- and 3-student private lessons by appointment booked thru BicycleSolutions.fullslate.com.
We also offer classes and other educational services for businesses and governments, call 408-781-1094 for more information about these.
Q: What are your rates, and how can I pay?
A: Private (1-on-1) lessons are $100/hour. 2-student lessons are $80/hour per student ($160/hour), and 3-student $65/hour per student ($195/hour). Time is charged by the quarter-hour, 1-hour minimum. Payment is required on site at the end of the lesson. We prefer payment at the end of the lesson, to enable adjusting the lesson duration if needed. We prefer Venmo, Zelle, or Apple Pay, and also accept cash and personal checks. When paying with Venmo, Zelle, or Apple Pay, please add a note to the payment with instructor name, student name, and lesson duration. If you need to use a credit card, please pay in advance (when booking) using PayPal. We also offer Gift Certificates (see below).
Classes for businesses and government start at $1000 and depend on the services needed.
Q: Do you provide bikes for first-time riders?
A: Yes, for all ages but depends on the location. Let us know your height when you book your lesson. If you have a bike, please bring it so we can do a safety check and verify it is the right size for you. We bring tools for adjustments. Please bring your own helmet.
Q: Will my bike work for the lesson?
A: For new learners, a bike you can sit on with both feet flat on the ground is best. A hand-brake is best because we remove pedals for learning to balance. More experienced bicyclists should have a bike where the seat can be raised to tip toe length or beyond.
Q: What are your cancellation policies?
A:
WEATHER: If rain is underway or likely the day of the lesson, the instructor will contact you at least one hour before the start time by text unless you let them know that you would prefer email or voice (or your phone doesn't text). Many Bicycle Solutions instructors and students are happy to learn in the rain, but this varies and is optional. Lightning or thunder always cancels lessons. No charge for rescheduling or cancelling due to weather.
CANCELLATION: For lessons that you request to be cancelled or rescheduled to a different day within 24 hours of the lesson start time -- except for weather and emergencies -- a $50 fee is charged.
NO-SHOW POLICY (DAY OF LESSON): Full lesson price is charged, except for medical or emergency..
Q: Do you offer Gift Certificates?
A: Yes, via our FullSlate booking system (PayPal payment). Your recipient receives a certificate via email with a redemption code for booking a lesson.