Bicycling seems like an easy activity. Most people learned to ride a bike as a child. Very few people seek any instruction, even though riding as an adult is much different than riding as a child. Distances are longer. Speeds are greater. Below are seven things you will learn if you take cycling instruction:
- You will learn the rules of the road. According to Nate Davis, a League Certified Instructor (LCI) from the League of American Bicyclists, adult riders have to rid themselves of the idea from their childhood that a bicycle is a toy and they must realize that a bicycle is a vehicle. Riders must obey traffic rules. They must obey signs and signals. If they don’t, they could be ticketed.
- Emergency repairs can be done by a rider on the side of the road. Every rider should learn to remove a wheel and fix a flat tire.
- Safety is every rider’s responsibility. Bikes should be ridden on the right side of the road. Traffic lanes should not be blocked except in extreme cases when there is no other place to ride. The lane should be unblocked as soon as possible. Hand signals should be used to indicate intentions to turn.
- Equipment should be carefully chosen. A comfortable seat will make any ride much more enjoyable. A white light in the front and a blinking red light in the back will make a rider visible in all weather conditions.
- Rides can also be done in bad weather. However, riders should remember that visibility is poorer and reaction time of both riders and motorists are slower. Clothing should be bright colored, waterproof and layered. Snow tires are available for the areas that receive a lot of snow.
- A bicycle is energy efficient transportation. A rider can keep a steady pedaling cadence by efficiently using the gears. During rides, you should drink before you become thirsty. It also helps to eat snacks to keep your energy.
- Completion of the required classes can lead to certification to teach children and adults how to safely ride.
Classes are available from the League of American Bicyclists. The league has LCIs that have been certified to instruct bicyclists.
For further information, contact the League of American Bicyclists or in Southern New Jersey, Nate Davis at peacefulpedal@gmail.com.
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