If you live in Pasadena chances are you have noticed the strides the city is taking to make Pasadena a bike friendly city for both young and old cyclists. The recent CicLAvia brought both novice and veteran riders together in the streets of Pasadena.
But with this shift to using bikes as a mode of transportation comes a level of responsibility. It’s not enough to use the proper equipment while riding in traffic: there are lots of safety tips and traffic laws that apply specifically to bicyclists.
Make sure you’re fully informed before you hit the road by attending one of LA Metro’s free bike safety classes. Classes will be held to teach riders about bike safety and the California Rules of the Road. Tickets are free but there are some specific things to take note of before registering for this great opportunity.
First, you will need a bike! Select locations may have bike rentals but be sure to check when registering. Second, you do need to know the basics. This is not a class to learn how to ride a bike but to be a better rider and member of the bicycling community. Third, you can bring your older kids. Classes are for age 14 and up. Any minor will need to have a signed waiver from a parent.
The classes are three hours long and broken down into three sections:
• 1-hour of In-Class Instruction – Rules of the Road incorporating the California Vehicle Code. This will teach you basic bicycle safety, bikeway classification and more. Participants will receive materials pertaining to the topics taught in the course, including helmets, lights, and Smart Cycling manuals.
• 1-hour of Parking Lot Skills – Cyclists will learn about bicycle safety inspection, safe road cycling and tips and techniques to avoid a crash.
• 1-hour On-Street Bike Ride – The last hour of the class will consist of a 4-6 mile trek through Pasadena. Participants will be led on a predetermined route to practice everything that they have learned during the first two hours of class.
Tickets are first come first serve so sign up now to avoid missing out. Spread the word to your friends and family because if class size is not met by three days prior to the event then your class can be cancelled.
You can register for this event at http://www.bikesgv.org/bike-safety-classes.html and if for any reason you need to cancel please cancel your order via Eventbrite or notify us ASAP by emailing [email protected]. Please put class cancellation as well as the date and subject location in the subject line.
Pasadena classes are offered on the following dates:
Sat 8/1 and Sun 8/2
Sun 8/16
Sat 8/22 and Sun 8/23
Sat 9/5 and Sun 9/6
Sat 9/19 and Sun 9/20
Sat 9/26 and Sun 9/27
All classes start at 9:00 a.m. and finish at 12:00 p.m.
So before you decide to ditch your car and ride your bike to work during busy morning rush-hour, take the time to learn the rules of the road. You and your fellow commuters will be glad you did!
LA Metro bike safety classes will be held at the Flintridge Center, room 117, located at 236 W. Mountain St., Pasadena. For more information, visit www.bikesgv.org/bike-safety-classes.html.