Bike Academy: V1

The idea for the Bike Academy was born out of a shared belief that everyone should feel confident and supported on a bike. For many, riding can feel intimidating whether that’s because of traffic, lack of knowledge, or simply not knowing where to start. We saw a need for a structured, welcoming program where new and hesitant riders could build skills and knowledge at their own pace while connecting with others who share the same curiosity and enthusiasm.

As a new cyclist, Brit Cava was excited to ride more but often felt intimidated. She worried about what she’d do if something went wrong with her bike and didn’t always feel safe riding downtown. Around that time, she had just completed the Raleigh Planning Academy, an educational program that teaches residents about city planning and community engagement. She loved the academy’s hands-on, community-oriented format and the way it helped the information really stick plus it connected her with people who shared similar goals.

When Brit saw The Bike Library community growing, she thought: “What if we could create something like that for biking?” She pitched the idea of a “Bike Academy,” and they immediately offered to help bring it to life. Cameron connected her with the Greenway Gear Collective, and together with a group of volunteers, they began planning. That collaboration is how the Bike Academy was born. From a simple idea to empower hesitant riders to a community-driven program that helps people feel confident and connected on two wheels.

The program was designed to bridge the gap between wanting to ride and actually getting on the bike. It’s more than just learning how to pedal through city streets; it’s about building community, confidence, and a culture of everyday cycling in Raleigh.

The Bike Academy launched as a seven-week free program hosted by Greenway Gear Collective at The Bike Library Storefront. We opened 18 spots to create an intentional and diverse cohort of participants. Each session blended hands-on learning with approachable instruction from experienced cyclists, aiming to demystify biking and make it more accessible.

What began as a simple idea quickly grew into a structured curriculum that combined education, real-world practice, and social connection—with everything from bike maintenance basics to navigating Raleigh’s greenways and transit system.

Over the course of the seven weeks, the Bike Academy moved intentionally from foundational knowledge to real-world application. 

Week 1

Week 1 was all about setting the tone for the program. We began by introducing participants to one another, exploring different riding styles, and covering the basics of gear, clothing, and comfort on the bike. 

Week 2

This week, we dove into safety, security, and wayfinding, helping riders learn how to plan routes, navigate Raleigh confidently, and build the habits that keep them safe on the road. Cam and Sidd covered how to ride safely and intuitively in a city and shared lessons learned out on the road. We forgot to take photos that day!

Week 3

We shifted gears to hands-on bike maintenance, teaching participants how to care for their bikes, fix flats, and address common mechanical issues. It was great to get a variety of viewpoints on different considerations in maintaining a "daily driver" bike. What lubricants to use? When to clean a chain? How to adjust your shifting? Everyone got experience on their own bike, which built confidence and familiarity.

Week 4

The rubber hit the road as we took learning out into the city and explored multi-modal transportation. We caught a bus together, practiced loading and unloading a bike, shared a meal at Transfer Food Hall, and talked about how combining transit with biking can make commuting more flexible and accessible.

Week 5

This week centered on advocacy and community, featuring guest speaker Ross Bassett, a professor at NC State, who shared the rich history of cycling, followed by Ethan leading a conversation on how everyday riders can help shape safer, more bike-friendly streets.

Week 6

Participants put everything into practice with an evening group ride around Dix Park and through downtown. We then ended the session with a discussion on bikepacing, racing, and adventure cycling. 

Week 7 wrapped up the Academy with a celebration. We ate pizza and played a game of Jeopardy, giving everyone a chance to reflect on their growth and enjoy the sense of community built over the weeks.

The first Bike Academy was a reminder of how powerful it can be when people come together to learn, support each other, and reclaim their streets. We watched hesitant riders become confident commuters, learned from one another’s experiences, and built connections that will outlast the program itself.

Raleigh has an incredible cycling community, and the Bike Academy is just one way to grow it. As we look ahead to the next cohort, we’re excited to keep making biking more accessible, joyful, and inclusive for everyone.