BETTER BIKING I
An Introductory Cycling Course
Saturday, July 26
Better Biking I will provide you with instruction and guidance to implement the basic principles of vehicular cycling. You will benefit from the development of your basic cycling knowledge and this will assist you in enjoying many memorable miles on your bike in all types of situations.
The course combines classroom discussion and activities with on-road practice of the principles of vehicular-style bicycling. The instructors for these courses are certified by the League of American Bicyclists, and as such, have undergone extensive training.
Course length is approximately eight hours, with two to three hours of classroom instruction and the remainder of the day consisting of hands-on and on-road instruction. The on-road experiences may consist of any or all of the following: quiet residential streets, minor arterials, multi-lane low- and moderate-speed arterials with posted speeds no greater than 35 mph, protected (Left Turn Only lane and/or Left Turn signal phase) and unprotected turns, and narrow and wide roads.
Covered in these classes will be the following (subject to change or adjustment dependent upon time and the skill level of the participants):
Classroom Work
- Agenda and Introductions
- Overview of Road Cycling Skills
- Cycling in Traffic
- Principles of Traffic Law
- Speed and Destination Positioning
Hands On Your Bike
- Adjusting Your Bicycle and Cycling Equipment
- Basic Bicycle Maintenance
- Pre-ride Safety Check - ABC Quick Check
- Gears and Gear Selection
- Derailleur and Brake Adjustment
- Fixing a Flat
Riding Your Bike
- Bicycle Handling Basics
- Emergency Maneuvers
- Short Group Ride
Near the end of the day, we will reconvene in the classroom for an optional multiple-choice exam of 30 questions, designed to test your knowledge of the course material provided. Please note that if you intend to continue on to become a League Cycling Instructor (LCI), taking (and passing) this exam is mandatory.