BCI's “NewB” rides are geared for new riders, riders with some experience, and riders who’ve never ridden in an organized group. The route includes many low-stress off-street bike paths.

An important aspect of our NewB Ride is the new friends you will meet, including other NewBs as well as some experienced members who help out as coaches. Riding with a friend is much more enjoyable! 

These rides are scheduled according to demand. Please drop an email to ridecoordinator@bci.org if you’re interested.

“NewB” riders meet at 8:00 am at the picnic tables in Irvine’s Deerfield Park, and starts with an informative class that covers...

• Cycling safety

• Vehicle codes and rules of the road

• “Driving" your bike like an adult

• Riding in (and wit a group

• Basic pre-ride bike checks

The “No Drop” ride rolls out around 9:30 and is back by 1:00. “No Drop" means we stay together and regroup at every turn, so no one is left behind.  The slowest rider determines our pace. About half way through we’ll take a rest stop and might meet up with that day’s schduled BCI routes and riders for a snack and a chance to socialize. If distance intimidates you, think of it this way: we're really doing two very short rides, to and from a break, and that’s easy! 

More Details:

• Guests and new members are welcome.

• Non-members are required to sign in and acknowledge the BCI Guest Waiver.

• Helmets are strongly recommended. Most riders wear gloves and some eye protection. 

• In terms of attire, remember that padded cycling shorts are generally more comfortable, and bright colored top layers make you more visible.

• For hydration, carry water… and a little cash for a well-earned snack & cup of coffee at the regroup stop! 

• Most any bike is fine as long as it is in safe working order - make sure the tires will hold air and are properly inflated, the brakes work effectively, and the pedals & gears are working properly. See the ABC Quick Check.  
  LEGAL electrical bicycles are fine but Mopeds (750 watts or more) and "throttle assist” eBikes (with a top speed over 20mph) are not legal electric bicycles and are not allowed on the bikeways we use.

Once a NewB class is scheduled, registration is required (sign in online). This acknowledges that you accept our standard waiver form and also gives us an idea of how many are coming. BCI Members who are willing to coach and role-model good bicycle driving are welcome to help out. Cycle of Safety members are especially welcome!

LIBRARY (Recommended Reading):
Here are some of the documents we review at NewB classes and include tips on safe legal cycling that you may want to take a look at before we meet.

(links open in same window) 

• BCI Etiquette - Covers the basics of group road and shared-use path cycling

• Know your Rights - Give / Get Respect

• CVC Laws for Cyclists - 2021 update - a review of California Vehicle Code

• Irvine Law: Two Abreast - Limit to 2 abreast riding

• Irvine Municipal Codes - Bicycle regulations 2025

• Behavior Types - Road using vs. edge riding vs. sidewalk cycling
  (Discussion on the progression from paths & sidewalks to full road use)

• Sidewalk Riding - on riding on sidewalks

• Bike Path Riding - on riding shared-use paths

• ”Share the Trail!”- on riding shared-use paths

• Road Positions Explained -‘Primary’, ‘Secondary’ & ‘In-the-gutter’

• Common Intersection Crashes - avoid the 3 most common crashes with cars

• Left Turn Options - make safe and legal left turns on busy streets

• Roundabout Cycling - riding through a 2 lane roundabout

• ABC Quick Check and the "10 Commandments" / 5 Rules of cycling
  (Step by step pre-ride check for every ride and 10 or 5 basic rules to remember)

• Safety at Intersections - Bill Sellin’s BCI Pacelines article on lane positioning

VIDEOS & MORE:

1. CyclingSavvy - CyclingSavvy is a program of the American Bicycling Education Association. If we don’t have a NewB session scheduled soon, at LEAST watch the FREE online courses offered by CyclingSavvy mentioned below.

2. Essentials Short Course - CyclingSavvy’s FREE online course explains best techniques for riding safely in traffic. Take it any time!
   * You can read the course text here (opens pdf) but take it online to see the videos.

3. Club Essentials Course - CyclingSavvy’s FREE online course explains how to ride as a group in a club atmosphere more efficiently and safely. Take it any time!

4. High Speed Bicycling - Here’s a great article on how increasing speed increases our risks and how to mitigate them, including why to take the lane and stay out of the gutter.

5. Understanding Cyclists Position on the Roadway - Here is an excellent on-line tutorial explaining why we don't edge ride the gutter, especially in narrow lanes.

6. Ride Awesome - CycleSavvy’s Premium Membership plan provides lifetime access to all current and future online courses such as: Safety Basics, Mastery, Group Leader, and PowerSavvy eBike courses. https://cyclingsavvy.org/online-bicycle-education/
   
   If more riders took the time to learn and practice these skills, we would all benefit.
   BCI has sponsored the full, in-person Cyclingsavvy Course - add your name to our wait list for the next one!