The Comox Valley Cycling Coalition is introducing a new model of instruction which it hopes will reach more riders more efficiently. Photo submitted
The Comox Valley Cycling Coalition is launching a new adult education program for cyclists. “Ride Right”
“It’s as easy as riding a bike”, or so the maxim goes. But is it that easy to safely and confidently navigate oneself through traffic on two wheels?
Here are a few questions to test your knowledge of bicycle rules of the road.
1. What three actions should a cyclist take when approaching an intersection in order to make a left turn?
2. What dangers exist when riding on a sidewalk?
3. When can a cyclist legally pass a row of cars on the right?
4. When should a cyclist ‘take the lane’?
With the increase in Valley riders comes an added need for more cycling education. The Comox Valley Cycling Coalition (CVCCo) has been exploring new options for delivering its adult education program. CVCCo is introducing a new model of instruction which it hopes will reach more riders more efficiently.
For the most part, the theory component of “Ride Right” will be available online for free, simply by visiting the CVCCo website, cyclecv.com, and following the link to resources.
As soon as a cyclist completes the theory component a practical skills session will be offered, on the road, by trained instructors. These road rides will not occur on set dates or times, as in the past, but will happen through mutual arrangement with participants and instructors.
Road rides will take place for one, two, three or four riders at any given time. Some road rides may be run as private coaching experiences. Road rides are designed to expose cyclists to the many different challenges one may face while negotiating intersections, bridges and high traffic zones, with a strong emphasis on route planning to ensure safe cycling.
As well as “on-demand” road ride experiences, the CVCCo will still offer courses on set dates, but only for special interest groups.
The first of these sessions will provide women E-bike riders with an opportunity to learn more about the differences between conventional bikes and E-eikes when riding in traffic. This course will run Thursday, Aug. 26, 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. beginning at Courtenay Elementary School parking lot.
Also this fall, CVCCo will provide instruction for School District 71 teachers during its Pro D Day, Aug. 31.
Working with Elder College, the coalition will offer “Ride Right” on Oct. 16.
School Bike Rodeos will restart this fall at Brooklyn, Queneesh and Courtenay Elementary. All 4th and 5th graders are introduced to safe cycling practices and are encouraged to ride bicycles on safe routes to and from school.
For the answers to the initial questions and other bike-related information visit cyclecv.com, take the free online course and book a road ride. Let’s all improve cycling safety on our roads.
