Skill Levels
Your child’s Skill Level designation is the category that best describes their current cycling ability.
We use your child’s Skill Level and age to ensure appropriate grouping for our camp or event. Be sure to provide accurate information — error may cause your child to be placed in a group that is inappropriate for their skill level, which can be dangerous or not sufficiently challenging.
LEVEL 1
Level 1 riders can ride a bike or balance bike with the aid of training wheels or someone holding them up. They don’t yet have the balance to keep a bike upright. They cannot ride a two-wheel bike.
Camp: Two Wheelers Club
LEVEL 2
Level 2 riders can balance and pedal on two-wheels (i.e., without training wheels or other assistance) but are not in control of the bike.
- Difficulty starting and stopping on their own without falling
- Difficulty turning
- Frequently put their feet down for stability
- Drag their feet to stop rather than using brakes
- Take their feet off the pedals well before coming to a stop
Camp: Two Wheelers Club
LEVEL 3
Level 3 riders are capable of riding a bike in limited conditions.
- They are able to balance and remain upright without training wheels or other assistance
- They may be hesitant or fearful about riding
- They may not have stamina, interest, or focus for longer rides
- They often can’t consistently ride in a straight line
- They may be capable riders (start/stop on their own, slow using brakes) but below first grade in school
Level 3 riders can ride safely ½ mile or less, and should do so off-street.
Camp: Lil’ Cruisers
LEVEL 4
Level 4 riders have achieved sufficient mastery of the fundamentals of riding with a group.
- Start and stop independently
- Use brakes to slow and stop
- Steer, avoid obvious obstacles, and ride in a straight line without swerving
Level 4 riders prefer slower speeds and flatter, smoother terrain. They are able to ride without stopping for one mile on flat ground.
Camps: Adventure Riding Camp (Palo Alto ONLY), *Camp Cruisin’, One-Day Camp
*In Walnut Creek and San Francisco, Level 4 is suitable for Camp Cruisin’ ONLY, NOT Adventure Riding Camp
LEVEL 5
Level 5 riders are enthusiastic about riding and very comfortable on their bike.
- Maintain control while riding in a straight line, turning sharply, and avoiding obvious obstacles
- Ride one-handed long enough to perform hand signals
- Perform quick over-the-shoulder look-back without swerving
- Stand up on pedals while coasting or pedaling for short distances
- Control downhill speed with brakes on small or moderate hills
- Comfortable riding on dirt, gravel, rough surfaces, and off curbs
- Comfortable or interested in learning advanced techniques such as short drops, jumps, single tracks, etc.
- Still learning effective techniques for hill climbing and use of gears
Level 5 riders can ride without stopping for two to three miles, including short to moderate climbs.
Camps: Adventure Riding Camp, Camp Cruisin’, One-Day Camp
LEVEL 6
Level 6 cyclists are very comfortable on their bikes and have the skills and mental focus required to ride on city streets for long distances and handle a variety of different riding surfaces and conditions.
- Comfortable and capable to ride on streets, regional roads, fire roads, non-technical singletrack, and multi-use paths safely and efficiently
- Climb long/moderate or short/steep uphills; descend in control
- Use gears and cadence effectively
- Lift the front wheel over curbs while riding
- Ride for long distances with only one hand on the handlebars; may be able to ride no-handed
- Look over shoulder to scan behind while retaining straight course
Level 6 riders prefer faster speeds and longer rides; they can ride without stopping for five or more miles including moderate climbs.
This group is particularly prone to their skills outpacing common sense and are good candidates for intensive training in safe riding practices.
Camps: Adventure Riding Camp, One-Day Camp