Register for the Academy to learn how to ride more safely on the road. The courses are comprehensive and fun! The ACTC Academy course is based on the principle of "Rules of the Road Cycling" which teaches cyclists to ride a bike following the same principles as driving a vehicle. It is open to bicycle riders ages 14* and older who want to become safer and more competent cyclists.
Learn to Master the Road
Video by Scott Francks
The Bike Academy offers a bicycle safety program twice each year, in the spring and fall. It is taught in three modules of 4 classes each: Fundamental Bicycling Skills, Intermediate Bicycling Techniques, and Road Cycling Skills. This 12-class course combines lectures, demonstrations, drills, and mentored rides to give you the skills and practice necessary to master the road.
- Learn to change a flat tire and perform routine bike maintenance
- Confidently ride on an expressway
- Understand lane positioning and communicating with motorists
- Become a stronger bicyclist, mastering hills and longer distances
- Have fun and enjoy being out on the road
...and much more!
Classes are held on Saturdays at various locations in the San Jose area
and start at 8:30am. More details about the class dates and the Academy curriculum can be found
on our schedule page and in the FAQ.
Questions? Email registrar.academy.actc@gmail.com.
Academy Faculty & Staff
ACTC Academy Faculty is composed of experienced and qualified volunteer instructors, many of whom are ACTC Bike Driving Academy graduates. Some have successfully completed the League of American Bicyclist (LAB) Traffic Skills 101 or Smart Cycling class; several are League Cycling Instructors (LCIs).
Course Prerequisites
- A geared bike (7 or more speeds) in good working condition. Class 1 and Class 3 (pedal-assist) electric bikes are welcomed in the Academy
- A CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Commission) approved bicycle helmet.
- Physical fitness to ride 10+ miles in one hour without getting exhausted.
- An active membership in Almaden Cycle Touring Club (you can join at our membership page).
- *Students under 18 years must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian who is enrolled as a student in the same Module.
- Tuition payment.
Testimonials
"Being an experienced rider, I initially joined the Academy as a 'supporting spouse' but ended up learning a lot myself."
"After graduating from the Academy, I feel much more comfortable with hills and country roads."
Copyright 2025, Almaden Cycle Touring Club (ACTC), Inc. All rights reserved. ACTC is a not-for-profit organization based in San José, California.