Learn.
What is this Bicycle Integration Thing About, Anyways?
If you are like most bicyclists, you likely question why you would need to take a bicycle integration course. Come on, you have been riding for years or as a kid and never had a problem, right?. That is what I thought before I took my first course in 2006. But, I was really surprised by how much more comfortable I felt on the road after learning skills like passing parked cars and lane positioning. I even started taking the lane when there was not enough room for me and a car to fit into the lane. I feel much safer now that I am aware of the situations that most often cause problems for cyclists and how to ride predictably in a language that motorists understand. Oh- and I also learned how to set up my bike to carry lots of weight, such as my two bags of groceries, and how to stay visible during my night excursions or dry and slatter-free in a rainstorm.
I was so impressed by the change in my cycling experience that I took the rigerous three day course to become a certified League of American Bicyclists instructor. The League is the nation's most respect source for bicycle education curriculum. We not only were tested on book knowledge and ability to present the classroom material in a way to accomodates listening, watching and doing learners, but also on our ability to teach emergency manuevers during parking lot drills and develop road routes that provide students with scenarios to practice the classroom knowledge.
I understand your hesitation, but please consider giving this a try. You will likely be surprised by how the League's strategies can help you to get where you want to go more safely and comfortably as well as learn how to repair your bike yourself. Afterall, won't you be more likely to ride instead of drive if it fun and easy?
Rebecca Markussen, VPS owner
Our Teaching Experience.
- Bike Commute Month Brown Bag Clinics 2007
- Bannon Creek Elementary School Bike Skills Challenge 2007
- Roberts Family Development Center Youth Bicycle Courses
- Robert Fite CDI Youth Bicycle Course
- May is Bike Month Smart Cycling Clinics 2008
- City of San Jose Road I On Road Bicycle Training
- Yuba Sutter Smart Cycling Clinics
- Bannon Creek Elementary School Bike Skills Challange 2008
- State of California's Urban Cycling Pilot Course
Bicycling Presentations.
"The 20 Minuter"Looking for a short, but sweet This jewel offers the concise presentation is like a how-to guide for cyclists who would like to try riding in the basics utilitarian bicycling to newbies that answers thet following questions. This is a perfect addition to your next group meeting.
- Which kind of gear do I need?
- Which clothes do I wear to stay comfortable?
- How can I safely share roadways with cars?
- How do I plan bike friendly routes?
- How can I engage my neighbors in bicycling?
- Where can I get more information?
Bicycling Courses.
- Mini-Courses. Topics will be presented in greater detail through our mini-courses. The Bicycle Chef bicycle shop will have lots of props on hand to illustrate the lessons and as well as demonstrate basic maintenance skills in many of the classes. Mini-courses are held at the Bicycle Chef’s 2409 J Street location in midtown Sacramento. Insight is conveyed through presentation and demonstration.
- Courses. Our full-length courses are designed for cyclists who would like to gain in-depth knowledge of the bicycle education topics through a combination of listening, observing and practice. We offer one-shot weekend and three sessions over three weeknights formats to accommodate students’ schedules. Private sessions are available for groups of 5 or more cyclists.
Cycling in Traffic Tip
Avoiding the Ominous Right Hook. You are biking with the flow of traffic on an two-way urban road. You are cycling as close to the curb as practical. A bug gets stuck in your teeth. After adjusting your eye glasses, you realize that you are approaching a street light intersection. The light is red and four cars are already in line. Car 1 is waiting close to the cross walk line. You stop adjacent to the gap between car 1 and car 2. The driver of car 2 clearly sees you in the lane. You and the vehicles start traveling straight when the light changes. Car 2 yields to you before turning right, thus preventing a "right hook". A right hook is a crash scenario in which one vehicle turns right in front of a straight moving vehicle. This lane positioning tip is based on League of American Bicyclists' strategy for cycling in traffic.
Plan your Route.
Interested in exploring alternative ways to run errands, commute and travel? VPS will compile for you a comprehensive transportation guide that will take the legwork out of transitioning away from single car driving. We offer essentials, extended and personalized route planning packages.