Next week Kaua‘i Path with the League of American Bicyclists will sponsor their first Smart Cycling class in Lihu‘e. Participants will learn not only the basics in bicycle maintenance, but also practice techniques for riding in traffic. There will be
Next week Kaua‘i Path with the League of American Bicyclists will sponsor their first Smart Cycling class in Lihu‘e. Participants will learn not only the basics in bicycle maintenance, but also practice techniques for riding in traffic. There will be four hours of classroom instruction and five hours in the saddle.
Semi-retired physician and vice president of Kaua‘i Path, Randy Blake and League certified instructor Jeri El-Swaity will co-teach the two-day course from 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Feb. 27 and from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Feb. 28 at the AARP office in Lihu‘e.
“Bring your bike, a helmet and your enthusiasm,” Blake said.
Participants will learn how to choose a suitable bike for their lifestyle; how to fit it to their body type; road safety and basic maintenance that includes the tools needed for roadside repairs. Most importantly, riders will learn how to share the road with cars.
“Forty-eight percent of accidents between cars and bikes are the cyclists fault,” Blake said. “The class teaches awareness of what these accidents are and how to avoid them.”
For instance, eight percent of accidents are from the cyclist not stopping and 14 percent are because cyclists ride in the opposite direction of traffic.
“In this class you’ll learn to position your bike in the right spot at the right time,” he said.
Blake described the short range goal of the class as a way for people to get comfortable riding on the road in traffic. The long range goal is to prepare for bringing bicycle safety into the elementary schools.
“We’re currently applying for the “Healthy Kids, Healthy Community” grant with the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation,” he said. “This is one of the reasons we are doing the clinic — so when we get the grant we can target fourth and fifth graders for bicycle safety. To teach you have to go through instruction. I will be certified and those who take the class can be teaching assistants. I have to get enough people trained so they can assist in teaching.”
Co-teacher of the clinic, El-Swaity, teaches bicycle education and works with Island Triathlon and Bike on O‘ahu.
Riders will learn how to fix a flat and there will be a flat tire available to practice on during class. Students will learn a pre-ride safety check; starting, stopping and signaling; how to merge with traffic; how to fit their helmets and types of clothing best for cycling. There will be practice time in a parking lot and then the class will break into groups of three to ride on the road.
“A lot of people worry about crashes,” Blake said. “By taking the class you can simply avoid or even eliminate 48 percent of the accidents.”
This clinic is for participants 14- years old and up with riding experience on the road. The class will not ride on roads over 35 miles per hour. “Smart Cycling Traffic Skills 101,” a 33-page student manual will be provided for every student.
The clinic is being held at the AARP office at 3178 Kuhio Hwy., behind the Shell Station. Cost is $60. To reserve a space e-mail oneislandguy@mac.com or call Blake at 635-8823.
Want to cycle?
What: Smart Cycling Traffic Skills 101
When: 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Feb. 27 and 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Feb. 28
There will be breaks for meals.
Where: AARP office, 3178 Kuhio Hwy.
Cost: $60
Contact: Randy Blake at 635-8823
