The PedNet Coalition and Walt’s Bicycle, Fitness and Wilderness Company now offer classes in Bicycle Safety and Proficiency for children and adults. PedNet staff members Fred Schmidt and Robert Johnson will prepare and deliver the classes. Both are "League-Certified Instructors (LCIs)," meaning they have completed their instructor training with the League of American Bicyclists (LAB).
According to the LAB, "League Cycling Instructors (LCIs) offer courses to suit the needs of any cyclist. Certified, insured and equipped to teach anything from basic skills to college level courses, LCIs are the experts in bicycle education and safety."
Adult Classes
Road I:
This basic introductory course gives cyclists the confidence they need to ride safely and legally in traffic or on the trail. The course covers bicycle safety checks, fixing a flat, on-bike skills and crash avoidance techniques and includes a student manual. Recommended for adults and children above age fourteen, this fast-paced, nine-hour course prepares cyclists for a full understanding of vehicular cycling.
NEXT ROAD I CLASS: SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 5:
Location: University of Missouri Veterinary School
Requirements: A working bicycle and helmet, notebook, and pen
Cost: $10 dollars (to cover the cost of the student textbook)
For more details: Call Robert Johnson on 474-8814
Commuting:
For adult cyclists who wish to explore the possibility of commuting to work or school by bike, this three hour follow-up to Road I covers topics including route selection, bicycle choice, dealing with cargo and clothing, bike parking, lighting, reflection, and foul weather riding. Included with the class are handouts and student materials.
Road II:
For more advanced students with an understanding of vehicular cycling principles, this twelve-hour course includes fitness and physiology, training for longer rides, advanced mechanics, paceline skills, advanced traffic negotiation, foul weather riding and night riding. Student manuals are included with the class.
For more information about any of these classes, contact Fred Schmidt (256-2083) or Robert Johnson (474-8814).
Children's Classes
The PedNet Coalition was recently awarded a $10,000 grant from the Bikes Belong Coalition to develop and present bicycle education programs for children. Two separate classes are being prepared, for initial presentation in certain schools in October.
“Introduction to Cycling:”
This classroom-based introduction to bicycle use and bicycle safety will be presented to elementary students during P.E. class, and will cover helmet use, basic bicycle operation, correct cycling position, stopping at stop signs, signalling, and turning. The instructor will bring a bike into the classroom or gym as a demonstration tool but the children will not actually ride a bike during the class. A video illustrating safe cycling will be included.
One of the main goals of this program will be to encourage children to sign up for the second program – “Bicycle Proficiency” – an after-school class in which children will develop more advanced cycling skills (see below).
“Bicycle Proficiency:"
This practical, after-school program will teach the skills of bicycle maintenance and safe operation in 10 weekly or bi-weekly, 60 minute sessions. It will be offered free of charge to older elementary and middle school students in partnership with Walt’s Bicycle, Fitness, and Wilderness Company and the Columbia Police Department. About 10 children will take each class and every child will need a bike and helmet (PedNet or Walt's may be able to provide equipment to children who cannot afford to buy it).
The curriculum includes bike and helmet fitting, bike operation and maintenance, rules of the road, correct positioning, scanning and signalling, turning, emergency stopping, and avoidance maneuvers. Instructor-led rides on residential and neighborhood collector streets will be included in final one or two class sessions. At the end of the class, each child will be evaluated by the instructor and given a “Proficiency Permit” that will grade the child’s level of proficiency.
“Bicycle Proficiency" is currently being taught at Grant Elementary School. If you would like the program to be offered at your school, contact Fred Schmidt (256-2083) or Robert Johnson (474-8814).
Children's Classes