Smart Cycling

•  Dates: Sat 06/13, Sat 07/18, Sat 08/08, Sat 09/19
•  Places: Senior Center, Walk and Wheel Skills Hub, 1600 W Drake Rd

The course has two parts: Road Rules (classroom instruction) and Road Skills (on-bike practice).

Key Topics Covered: Road Rules

1. Traffic Safety Laws
   • Rules of the road for cyclists.
   • Rights and responsibilities of cyclists under local and state traffic laws.
2. Traffic Principles
   • Understanding road positioning and lane usage.
   • Interpreting and adhering to traffic signals and signs.
   • Communicating effectively with drivers and other cyclists.
3. Equipment and Maintenance
   • Selecting appropriate bicycles and gear.
   • Basic bike maintenance and pre-ride inspections (ABC Quick Check).

Key Topics Covered: Road Skills

1. Hazard Avoidance
   • Identifying and responding to common road hazards (e.g., debris, potholes, and railroad tracks).
   • Techniques for navigating intersections safely.
2. Riding Skills Practice
   • Parking lot drills to enhance bike control.
   • On-road practice in real-world traffic scenarios under guided supervision.
3. Bicycle Handling Skills
   • Starting, stopping, and balancing.
   • Avoiding obstacles and sudden stops (quick stops, evasive maneuvers).
   • Turning and scanning for traffic while maintaining control.

Who Should Take the Class?

The Smart Cycling class is open to riders of all experience levels:

• Beginners seeking foundational skills.
• Intermediate riders looking to enhance their confidence in traffic.
• Experienced cyclists who want to refine their knowledge and skills.