By Steven Sarson
New Rider / Bike Handling classes will be offered again this summer by the Louisville Bicycle Club. As part of the Mayor's Healthy Hometown Movement, the Education Committee has been awarded a grant from the city of Louisville to assist in the education of local cyclists. The hope is that we can reach and instruct 150 new cyclists throughout the city this summer. With the expectation of reaching this many riders, and the difficulty of dealing with this large of a group, we have had to make some changes to the program.
This summer's classes will have a new consolidated format and will be offered in two different locations. The first session will begin Monday May 7 and run through the end of June. Note this first session will only be 7 classes, as we will not meet on Memorial Day May 28. This first class will meet at the TARC building at 1000 West Broadway. TARC has graciously allowed us to use their parking lot this year. This should alleviate the noise and parking problems experienced at the Waterfront Park last year. The second session will begin July 9 and run through the end of August. The second session will meet at 4500 Bowling Boulevard in St Matthews, next to the Baptist East Milestone Wellness Center . There will be no class on Monday July 2 in observance of the Fourth of July.
Based on feedback from last year's participants and discussions among the instructors, we have made a few minor changes to the program. Participants will be encouraged to attend as many sessions as possible, as different hands on skills will be covered each week. We will be tracking attendance and working on weekly evaluations as part of our contract with the city. Riders will receive a simple handbook with basic cycling information, a mileage log to track their class participation, and evaluation forms. Certificates of Completion will be given to all participants who attend six of the eight sessions. These will be handed out during the Mayor's Labor Day ride.
This new format will be an adventure for all involved. The potential to have over 75 people per class will present a challenge for the instructors and ride mentors. The new downtown location will mean a new ride route. We will also include a second, more challenging route from the downtown location for those who want to challenge themselves as the sessions go on. Tracking attendance and getting feedback from the participants will help us improve the format for future classes. If you are interested in volunteering to work with these classes throughout the summer, please contact Steve Sarson at 400-7089. Mileage credit will be given to all LBC members who assist in the classes. We will need some extra people willing to be there for all eight sessions.
The ride will be held on June 9-10, beginning at 8:30 a.m. in Georgetown , Ky. There will be 50- and 75-mile rides each day. The ride benefits the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. The registration fee is $35 before May 1, $40 thereafter. Minimum pledge of $200. For more information, call 800-FIGHT-MS or visit www.kynmss.org .
By Dan Trabue
If you are someone (like me) who has for a long time considered bicycling more, now's the time to give it a try. Spring's delightful weather and exploding greenery practically demand it. Bicycling must have been invented in the springtime: the wind rolling pleasantly over you, cooling you as you travel. It's glorious.
Riding a bicycle as my major mode of transportation was an important goal of mine. For years, I thought, “I really ought to starting biking.” As much as I liked my car, I knew I was contributing to congestion, pollution and sprawl. I certainly didn't want to be the cause of traffic-related injuries, illnesses and death. Who would?
But I went on driving, day after day, just like always. Status quo has a certain momentum that's difficult to overcome. Besides, I thought, biking more would be difficult. I have kids, the cars on the road can be dangerous, and I have to look presentable for work.
Now, seven years after having becoming a bike commuter, I see it can be done and, really, it's a beautiful experience. You just have to begin. If you don't have a bicycle, borrow one or buy a cheap used one. Give it a try.
Make a goal. Promise yourself to bike to work every day for a week. Or make it a goal to get out with your kids for a ride at least once a week.
The key is: Begin.
1.Dress appropriately
Always wear a properly-fitted helmet. Dress in layers. Dress for the weather. If there's a chance of rain, don't let that stop you from riding, but be prepared for it.
2. Make sure your bike is prepared Make very sure the brakes are working, the gears are shifting correctly and be sure you have reflectors and working head and tail lights. Your tires should be properly inflated and in good shape.
3. Obey the rules of the road. Bicyclists are safest when they behave like automobiles. Stay in your lane (slightly to the right side of the lane, but in your lane). Don't weave in and out between parked cars. Don't ride right next to parked cars. Use turn signals. You're a vehicle. Behave like it — it's to your benefit.
For more information about bicycling safety or developing bicycling in your community, call Bicycling for Louisville at (502) 582-1814 or go to bicyclingforlouisvile.org and click e-mail .
