Learn to Ride at Any Age
Back in 2011, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution wrote about me finally learning to ride a bike at the age of 38. Yes, 38. I had grown up in a place where biking was not part of daily life, and even as an adult promoting sustainable transportation in Buckhead, I had never been on two wheels. That changed when I showed up for a beginner’s class. Within weeks, I went from wobbling like a kid on training wheels to actually cruising down the street on my own.
Here is the truth: it is never too late. What was once the Atlanta Bicycle Coalition is now Propel ATL, and they are still making sure people of all ages get that first taste of freedom on a bike. When I took the class, I was the youngest at 38 and one of my classmates was 70. That was the beauty of it. No kids zooming circles around us, just adults figuring it out together. Propel ATL still offers Thursday evening classes for ages 13 and up so adults can learn without feeling out of place, and Saturday sessions that welcome all ages if you want to make it a family affair.
If you have ever thought you missed your chance, you have not. These True Beginners classes are free, fun, and designed to get you balancing, braking, and pedaling with confidence. You might even surprise yourself with how quickly it clicks.
Upcoming Classes
Thursday, October 23, 2025 at 5:00 PM
Washington Park Recreation Center, 102 Ollie St NW, Atlanta, GA
True Beginners, ages 13 and older
Saturday, October 25, 2025 at 10:30 AM
Washington Park Recreation Center, 102 Ollie St NW, Atlanta, GA
True Beginners, all ages
Sign up for Propel Atlanta’s True Beginners Class
Learning to ride a bike as an adult was one of the most empowering and honestly most fun things I have ever done. If I could finally figure it out at 38, you can too.
And a quick plug for the folks making it happen. Propel ATL, formerly known as the Atlanta Bicycle Coalition and Pedestrians Educating Drivers on Safety, envisions an Atlanta where everyone can move safely, easily, and sustainably throughout the city. Their mission is to transform Atlanta’s streets into safe, inclusive, and thriving spaces for people to ride, walk, and roll. Since 1991, they have been pushing for change, from bike racks on MARTA to Atlanta Streets Alive, and today they are the leading voice for a more connected, people-focused city.
