I need suggestions.
#1
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I need suggestions.
I am currently trying to start a co-op in my hometown and part of my mission is to teach people to ride safely and confidently with traffic. As this town is not the most bike...I don't want to say friendly because drivers are surprisingly aware here. But they're not accustomed to seeing commuter cyclists that aren't doing so because of a DUI. I was curious as to what riding theories you would teach in a place like this? There are places that a standard left are safe and others that the "Holland left" would be safest. So that's one thing. Directional positioning has seemed to communicate what I need it to easily here. Also bikes and cars have the same rights and laws here, by the way.
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Teach what you know works?
#3
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I saw your other post. Looks like you're spreading yourself too thin, or certainly will. Focus on getting the coop up and running and let someone else take the advocacy helm. Bikes and cars are (supposedly) equal everywhere.
When you get an assistant, they can contact some of the larger national or state bike organizations on advocacy, rules and teaching techniques.
When you get an assistant, they can contact some of the larger national or state bike organizations on advocacy, rules and teaching techniques.
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Cars or bikes or walking ... awareness, communication. Know what's around you and what others around are doing, when possible let them know what you are doing. never slight the value of a wave or a thumb's up.
And otherwise ... teach people the way you ride successfully and also tell them that if they like they can research other systems ... but you can only personally vouch for your method as one which has kept you alive.
And otherwise ... teach people the way you ride successfully and also tell them that if they like they can research other systems ... but you can only personally vouch for your method as one which has kept you alive.
#5
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Be careful, if you are teaching someone to ride in traffic, and they get run over by a car, you'll be sued for everything you have (and then some) before you can say "1-800-LAWYER."
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Good point, but you can teach about different methods of cycling without advocating any. You can explain the drawbacks of each, for example, and then explain why they are beneficial and why a given cyclist might prefer one over another.
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I am currently trying to start a co-op in my hometown and part of my mission is to teach people to ride safely and confidently with traffic. As this town is not the most bike...I don't want to say friendly because drivers are surprisingly aware here. But they're not accustomed to seeing commuter cyclists that aren't doing so because of a DUI. I was curious as to what riding theories you would teach in a place like this? There are places that a standard left are safe and others that the "Holland left" would be safest. So that's one thing. Directional positioning has seemed to communicate what I need it to easily here. Also bikes and cars have the same rights and laws here, by the way.
The second problem with PC cycling is one drivers get used to seeing bicycles riding along with traffic they stop looking for the cyclists that ride the wrong way on the sidewalk and hit the crosswalks at the same time someone is making a right or left turn.
So if I were you I would talk with local bike clubs, bike shops and maybe even the local police and see what they expect from cyclists or how they see the public working with cyclists. And as someone else said, let someone else advocate because that is a function that can suck the joy right out of you in two or three meetings.
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For "training", I would start with kids.
Does your community have some kinds of fairs or gatherings that it might be appropriate to have a kid's bicycling training?
Do basic stuff. Stopping at stop signs, turn signals, looking when crossing the roads, bike handling, etc. I'd start with riding to the right. Let the parents sort out the fine details of when to "take a lane", left turns, etc.
You can also do bike maintenance at the events (teaching).
Working community events will also help get your name out, and let people know that your organization exists.
If you wish to do more with adults, then start by sponsoring regular group rides (weekly?). Hopefully with volunteer ride leaders. Then add more training if you wish.
Does your community have some kinds of fairs or gatherings that it might be appropriate to have a kid's bicycling training?
Do basic stuff. Stopping at stop signs, turn signals, looking when crossing the roads, bike handling, etc. I'd start with riding to the right. Let the parents sort out the fine details of when to "take a lane", left turns, etc.
You can also do bike maintenance at the events (teaching).
Working community events will also help get your name out, and let people know that your organization exists.
If you wish to do more with adults, then start by sponsoring regular group rides (weekly?). Hopefully with volunteer ride leaders. Then add more training if you wish.
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Along with that was a collection of well meaning, but in many cases mechanically unsophisticated volunteers, and your usual hangers on who liked being there because it felt hip, and there was beer at the parties.
There are plenty of distractions. One of your first goals ought to be establishing a written list of mission goals and aspirations, and ranking them in level of importance to the success of your endeavor.
#11
Prefers Cicero
I am currently trying to start a co-op in my hometown and part of my mission is to teach people to ride safely and confidently with traffic. As this town is not the most bike...I don't want to say friendly because drivers are surprisingly aware here. But they're not accustomed to seeing commuter cyclists that aren't doing so because of a DUI. I was curious as to what riding theories you would teach in a place like this? There are places that a standard left are safe and others that the "Holland left" would be safest. So that's one thing. Directional positioning has seemed to communicate what I need it to easily here. Also bikes and cars have the same rights and laws here, by the way.
#12
Senior Member
Trying to teach someone, how to ride in traffic. Has a lot of particulars.
1. Personal riding style in the road
2. Speed limit on road
3. Width of road
4. Time of day
5. Day of week
6. Month of year
7. Location
1. Personal riding style in the road
2. Speed limit on road
3. Width of road
4. Time of day
5. Day of week
6. Month of year
7. Location
#13
Sophomoric Member
I am currently trying to start a co-op in my hometown and part of my mission is to teach people to ride safely and confidently with traffic. As this town is not the most bike...I don't want to say friendly because drivers are surprisingly aware here. But they're not accustomed to seeing commuter cyclists that aren't doing so because of a DUI. I was curious as to what riding theories you would teach in a place like this? There are places that a standard left are safe and others that the "Holland left" would be safest. So that's one thing. Directional positioning has seemed to communicate what I need it to easily here. Also bikes and cars have the same rights and laws here, by the way.
Personally, I would advocate for better bike infrastructure even while teaching survival skills for the current car jungle. (But I really don't expect cycling to become more popular if you're just teaching how to ride in the road with the cars.)
One thing to consider is giving away bike lights and batteries for them. See if you can get donations from bike shops and discount stores. I did this for a while and it felt great seeing people ride around more safely with lights that I found for them.