Advanced Rider
Ages 18 & up
Taking it to another level.
"I ride in traffic and want to know how to deal with more complex traffic, roadway and weather situations. I'd also like to know more about bike maintenance & repair, cycling techniques and how to make emergency maneuvers."
"I've been riding all my life, but I know there's more to learn — how to keep my place in traffic without drivers getting angry at me, how to deal with today's more aggressive drivers, what to do around bike lanes and bike boxes, and how the law applies to us now."
"I'm interested in becoming a Center for Cycling Education instructor. I know the Advanced Rider course is a requirement for this, and it'll help me improve my riding skills and develop the background I need to become an instructor."
Advanced Rider is a detailed course in defensive cycling, bike handling skills and riding/commuting/touring techniques. It is geared toward commuter, recreational and sport cyclists who already ride in traffic. This is the top level of pre-instructor training in the CCE program, and is the prerequisite to taking the CCE Instructor course.
This enjoyable, effective course consists of classroom and on-bike sessions.
Course length
23 hours (including exams)
Group rates available; contact us to book a course for your group or workplace.
Course content
A combination of classroom sessions and outdoor riding helps you improve your skill and confidence in challenging traffic situations. Topics taught include riding skills, traffic cycling proficiency, bicycle maintenance, and choosing/using equipment and accessories.
Details on what is taught in the course can be found on this page, or in this PDF document (24 Kb).
The text book 'Effective Cycling' by John Forester is a good resource for anyone wishing to pass the exam at instructor-candidate level (80% or more).
The book and accompanying video are available through some local libraries and bike shops, and at Amazon.com.
Prerequisites
You do not have to take any less advanced CCE course before taking this course. Students should have some cycling background and recent experience. If not a licensed motorist, a student should read and understand the provincial driver's manual in advance.
Contact us to register for upcoming courses, or to book a course for you, for your school, or for your workplace.
Testing
There are three elements on which you will be tested:
- Bike-handling skills
- On-road riding (traffic)
- Written exam (40 questions, multiple choice)
To pass, and gain your Advanced Rider certification from the Center for Cycling Education, you will need a minimum of 80% in each of the test areas (i.e., not an average of 70%). If you would like to go on to become an instructor in the future, you will require a minimum of 90% in each of the test areas.
High standards
Increasing your safety and comfort in cycling, and that of others around you, is the reason why we teach these courses. Having your Advanced Rider certification also means that you may be involved in teaching others, so it is important that these standards are upheld. Advanced Rider is the minimum certification level required for taking part in the CCE Instructor training.
As well, having your certification indicates that you have learned and assimilated the best practices for on-road cycling and will be an appropriate role model to others. Rest assured that you will field many questions from other cyclists as a result of taking this course.
The testing standards are rigorous, and a passing grade is by no means guaranteed by taking the course. We want to make sure you have learned the techniques well, and we work hard to achieve that goal. If for any reason you do not pass on the first test, there's an opportunity to do a retest for an additional cost.
