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 7,000 students, ages 4 to 80. We often work with students with varying levels of physical and mental handicaps.

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 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 carefully selected to be ideal for learning to ride. 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: Our rates are $120/hour for 1 student, $180/hour for 2 students ($90/student), and $220/hour for 3 students ($70/student).  Payment is required in advance at time of reservation using a credit card (we changed our payment policy due to no-shows and last minute cancellations). Time is charged by the quarter-hour, 1-hour minimum. Tips may be paid directly to the instructor via whatever means the instructor prefers (typically Venmo, cash, etc.).

We also offer Gift Certificates (see below).

Classes/contracts for businesses and government start at $1000, depend on the services needed, and there are many payment options.

Q: What are your cancellation/refund policies?

A:
WEATHER: If rain is underway or likely the day of the lesson, the instructor will contact you about two hours before the start time by text unless you let them know that you would prefer email or voice. 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 due to weather, medical, or emergency.

CANCELLATIONS & CHANGES:

If an instructor cannot accept a lesson or cancels or does not show up -- full refund.

Cancellations more than 24 hours in advance -- full refund.

Rescheduling more than 24 hours in advance -- no charge.

Weather, medical, or emergency -- full refund or no charge to reschedule.

Cancellations or rescheduling 2 to 24 hours before lesson start -- except for weather, medical, or emergency --  $100 is charged, remainder is refunded.

If a lesson ends earlier than originally scheduled, there is a 1 hour minimum charge and other unused time is refunded.

No show or cancellations within 2 hours of lesson -- full lesson price is charged, except for weather, medical, or emergency.

Q: Do you provide bikes for first-time riders?

A: Yes but it depends on the location and number of students. Our instructors may or may not have enough bikes for 2 or 3 person lessons. Let us know your height(s) when you book your lesson.  If you already have a bike, please bring it so we can do a safety and fit check for you. We bring tools for adjustments and minor repairs. 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: 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.