Asheville on Bikes in partnership with the League of American Bicyclists hosts Smart Cycling classes beginning on Saturday, May 24th at Stephens – Lee Community Center (30 George Washington Carver Ave).
Want to feel more confident riding your bike around Asheville? Whether you’re new to city cycling or looking to sharpen your skills, our Smart Cycling (Traffic Skills 101) class will teach you how to ride safely, predictably, and with ease.
Led by Asheville on Bikes’ dynamic, skilled, and fun coaching team, this class is designed to help you:
- Develop essential bike handling skills for control and confidence
- Understand traffic laws and best riding practices to navigate city streets safely
- Learn basic bike maintenance to keep your ride in top shape
- Plan safe and efficient routes for commuting, errands, or adventure
This isn’t your average classroom—our engaging, hands-on approach makes learning fun and practical. You’ll spend time both in a classroom setting and on the road, putting your new skills to the test in real-world riding conditions.
Meet AoB’s League Certified Instructors
Matty Semkowich
Youth Program Coordinator, He/Him
Why do you live in Asheville?
Asheville’s small town feel combined with a tight knit alternative socially minded community drew me here over 20 years ago. Starting a family and building a community/ home outside of town in the woods, but still being able to bike to town and be a part of a larger network of amazing projects(ie The Asheville Recyclery) has kept me here. I also love how easy it is to roll out of town into nature by bike and get lost in the mountains!
Why do you invest in AoB?
I believe in living by example- and AOB is an extension of that for me; an organization that promotes multi modal transportation with emphasis on biking as a means of mobility, freedom and fun. I see AOB filling a gap in helping to make Asheville a safer and more accessible and sustainable place to move in. As the youth cycling coordinator for AOB I am thankful for the unwavering and enthusiastic support for lifting up the next generation of cyclists!
What’s your best adventure on a bike?
That’s the best part; every time it’s between my legs it turns into an adventure! Biking from Oakland, Ca. to Asheville and mixing in puppets, music, and the occasional freight train definitely heightened the adventure!
What’s your favorite place to ride in or around Asheville?
It depends on my mood; night rides through town with no real destination can do it for me. Spiraling up 151 and emerging on the Parkway to breathtaking views on the ride back to town, then waterfalling down off of Town Mountain/ Toll/ Sunset mishmash is pretty special too!
What’s your big wish for Asheville?
That it remembers why it is so special and that exponential growth and development don’t highlight it’s ‘good side’.
Rob Stefanisko
He/Him
Why do you live in Asheville?
I was drawn to Asheville initially because it seemed like a cool Mountain town with great food and beer. After being here awhile I was able to find friendship, community, and livelihood. Don’t want to give that up or try to recreate those connections elsewhere.
Why do you invest in AoB?
I started volunteering with AoB to hang with like-minded people. Eventually, I started coaching Bike Club at Asheville Middle School, then working events and doing other tasks that needed to be done. Now I feel totally committed to AoB’s mission and love being a part of keeping things rolling forward.
What’s your best adventure on a bike?
My best friend from HS and I were staying at a cabin in the middle of nowhere PA to ride our MTBs. A sunny casual 2 hr ride turned into a hammering rain soaked 6 hr suffer-fest that ended with us flagging a driver down to help us find our way back to the cabin. Somehow we were able to keep our spirits high and enjoy the entire adventure and remain friends through it all. Our mud stained jerseys and blackened socks didn’t fair so well.
What’s your favorite place to ride in or around Asheville?
After years of commuting into Asheville for work and fun, and teaching middle schoolers to ride our city, downtown is definitely my favorite place to ride in or around Asheville.
What’s your big wish for Asheville?
Asheville has a huge and diverse cycling community. It’s also very walkable, but congested by motor vehicles. My big wish for Asheville is that it’s cycling and multi-modal infrastructure rises to a level that becomes safe for all users.
Whether you’re a casual rider or an aspiring bike commuter, this class is for you! Registration to open soon. Be sure to check back.
Upcoming Class Dates: Saturday, May 24th 11am – 5pm
Location: Stephens – Lees Community Center (30 George Washington Carver Ave)
Ready to Ride Smarter?
Space is limited—sign up today and roll into a new level of cycling confidence!
Take a Class or Teach a Class
Whether you are a new rider looking for tips on making your first rides more comfortable or you are an experienced rider who wants to teach others how to love the ride, the League’s Smart Cycling program has something for you to feel the joy of biking.
Whether you want to learn how to feel safer and more comfortable on your next bike commute or want to learn more about sharing the road, our tips and videos are a great place to start.
Have more questions? Does in-person learning appeal to you? Our certified League Cycling Instructors teach classes and offer one-on-one lessons in communities across America.