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Girls in Gear

Questions, Answered

FAQ

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Getting started

Who we're for and how to jump in.

Who's allowed to sign up for Girls in Gear?

Girls in Gear is open to any rider who identifies as a girl. If a rider identifies as a girl, then the rider is welcome to participate in Girls in Gear.

Do you teach participants how to ride a bike?

Yes! Please see our registration page for information on upcoming Glide to Ride clinics in your area. During our Glide to Ride clinics, we help riders progress through the skills needed to bike on two wheels in a safe and judgment-free environment. Riders start by practicing balancing, moving on to turning, and finally, pedaling on their own.

My girl already knows how to ride. Why should she join?

We are so much more than a bike-riding program! Every rider grows from building confidence through personal accomplishment — regardless of where they start. Our age-appropriate, curriculum-based programs use cycling as a vehicle to teach inner strength, determination, and finding your voice. For riders who already ride independently on two wheels, programs like Club GiG and Camp GiG are specifically designed to build on those skills, push their limits, and take their confidence even further.

How can I get involved?

You can register your rider, volunteer to coach, start a site, or make a donation. To get started, email info@girlsingear.org.

Our programs

Four programs, each building confidence and community through biking.

What's the difference between your programs?

We offer four programs — Pedal Power, Glide to Ride, Club GiG, and Camp GiG — each designed to build confidence and community through biking.

  • Pedal Power — our eight-week social-emotional learning program, open to all riding abilities. Sessions are 90 minutes, held weekly in fall and spring at multiple sites, and tailored for riders ages 5–7, 8–10, and 11–13. Themes like resilience and communication are woven into biking experiences.
  • Glide to Ride — a one-day learn-to-ride clinic on weekends throughout the year, providing 2–3 hours of focused instruction to help riders transition to two wheels in a supportive environment.
  • Club GiG — an all-riding, all-the-time bike club for seasoned riders ready to ride farther, faster, and with confidence. Each session is grounded in a theme with reflection questions that encourage personal growth. It's all about going the distance — on the bike and in life.
  • Camp GiG — a summer day camp for girls ages 8+, with week-long sessions of biking adventures and team-building that foster confidence, friendship, and perseverance.

Each program stands alone, but they complement one another — so families can build a comprehensive biking journey for their riders.

What age group is Glide to Ride best for? Any parent requirements?

Glide to Ride clinics are best designed for riders ages three and up. For riders under the age of four, we ask that a parent or guardian stays with them throughout the clinic to ensure a safe and supportive experience.

Are there requirements to join Club GiG?

Yes — Club GiG is perfect for girls who:

  • Have completed Pedal Power or Camp GiG
  • Are comfortable going 3–5 miles (with breaks)

It's best suited for riders ready for a challenge — typically ages 8+, but readiness matters more than age. If your rider is confident on two wheels and excited to ride farther and faster, she's ready! Still learning? Check out Glide to Ride or Pedal Power — great options for newer riders.

What gear does my rider need for each session?

Riders should come with a properly fitting bike, helmet, closed-toe shoes, and a water bottle. Coaches will share any additional needs in advance (like weather-appropriate clothing or snacks).

Where do you ride?

The program is split between parking-lot games and exercises and street rides. We ride in closed-off parking lots, blacktops, and residential areas. Group-ride routes are planned in advance so all coaches know and feel comfortable with the route and directing the group.

What happens in bad weather?

Safety comes first. Coaches will communicate any schedule changes or cancellations due to weather (such as extreme heat, heavy rain, or poor air quality) prior to the session. In the event of a heat advisory or severe weather warning, we may shorten sessions, swap rides for shaded off-bike activities, move to an indoor location, or cancel for the day.

Coaching & teams

Who leads our rides — and how to bring GiG to your community.

Who leads Girls in Gear teams?

All of our programs are led by trained Girls in Gear volunteer coaches who are passionate about biking and building confident girls. They are background-checked and equipped to support both riding skills and group dynamics. Every coach is trained to follow our curriculum and adhere to all safety guidelines. When possible and appropriate, we strive to have bilingual coaches.

How can I start my own Girls in Gear team?

You can bring a Girls in Gear team to your community or school by emailing info@girlsingear.org.

Learn about coaching →

Program Costs

What the fee covers, our refund policy, and financial support.

What does the registration fee cover?

The registration fee covers insurance costs and program supplies.

Is there financial support available?

We have a no-questions-asked scholarship policy. When you register your rider, you can pay as much or as little of the registration fee as you feel comfortable. We also gift bikes and helmets to anyone who needs either to ride with us.

What is your refund policy?

For Pedal Power and Club GiG, a full refund (excluding the processing fee) is available up until the program start date. After the program begins, a 75% refund (excluding the processing fee) is available through the end of the first week. No refunds are issued once the program enters its second week.

For Glide to Ride, you may request a refund (minus credit card fees) within 48 hours of the start of the clinic.

For Camp GiG, a full refund (minus processing fee) is available for requests received at least 30 days prior to the start of your registered camp session. A 50% refund (minus processing fee) is available for cancellation requests received between 14 and 29 days prior to the session start date. Requests made within 14 days of the session start date, or after the camp session has begun, are non-refundable. If a camper cannot attend due to a documented medical emergency or injury prior to camp, a full refund (minus processing fee) or credit toward a future program will be issued upon receipt of a doctor's note. Depending on availability, registration may be transferred to another open session within the same summer season at no additional cost up to 14 days before the start date.

All requests should be emailed to info@girlsingear.org. We value outdoor exercise and fresh air, so participants should be prepared for a variety of weather conditions — please dress for the day's forecast for a comfortable, enjoyable experience.

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