Introducing Ready to Ride: A Vision for Universal In-School, On-Bike Education

At the League of American Bicyclists, we believe that every child deserves to experience the joy, confidence, and freedom that comes with learning to ride a bike. That’s why we’re excited to introduce Ready to Ride: The Importance of Universal In-School, On-Bike Education for Children, a new report that lays out the League’s bold vision for making on-bike education a standard part of every child’s education — so every student learns the skills and knowledge to ride safely for a lifetime.

Why Ready to Ride?

Despite the well-documented benefits of bicycling—including improved physical and mental health and better academic performance—far too many children lack access to the education and resources needed to learn essential skills and knowledge to ride safely in their community. This is particularly true in under-resourced communities, where disparities in infrastructure, funding, and educational opportunities create significant barriers to students receiving in-school, on-bike education. 

Ready to Ride seeks to change that by making in-school, on-bike education a standard part of every child’s learning experience. The report outlines:

• The current state of youth cycling and why participation has declined over time.
• The importance of in-school cycling education that ensures all students—regardless of background—have the opportunity to learn to ride.
• The role of national leaders, advocacy groups, and local programs in expanding cycling education.
• How the League plans to support the great work happening in communities across the country and expand resources to help all students get Ready to Ride.

A National Movement for Safer, More Confident Riders

We know that school-based cycling education works. Communities that integrate on-bike instruction into their schools see stronger, safer, and more engaged youth riders. Programs like Washington, DC’s 2nd Grade Biking in the Park, Rhode Island’s Rhode to Bicycle Safety, and initiatives supported by Safe Routes to School have demonstrated that when kids have access to structured, high-quality on-bike education, they not only become better cyclists but also develop critical safety awareness and lifelong biking habits.

Through Ready to Ride, we are building a movement to make this a reality in every school. That means advocating for policies that secure funding for school-based cycling education, supporting local educators with resources and training, and working alongside communities to ensure that every child, regardless of where they live, has the opportunity to learn the skills and knowledge to ride safely for a lifetime.

Join Us in Getting Kids Ready to Ride

Now is the time to take action. We invite advocates, educators, policymakers, and community leaders to explore the findings of our Ready to Ride report and join us in pushing for the policies and programs that will make universal in-school cycling education a reality. 

Together, we can ensure that every child has the skills, knowledge, and opportunity to ride safely—for life.