Way2Go: Bike Classes & Safety
Bike Classes
Would you like to become a more confident and efficient bicyclist while riding in traffic? You're not alone. Cyclists of all experience levels can take classes through Cornell's Local Roads Program and learn about: choosing a bike that fits, bike handling basics, techniques for biking in traffic, avoiding road hazards, safe braking, emergency maneuvers, fixing flats and other on-road repairs, tools to carry, the physiology of bicycling, laws pertaining to bicyclists, multi-speed gear selection, and more!
Visit www.bike.cornell.edu/cyclingclass.html or contact Lois Chaplin at (607) 255.2498 or email lec4@cornell.edu for class times and registration.
Cornell also offers a do-it-yourself brush-up module.
Key Safety Tips
1) A helmet is essential protection for all bicyclists; riders under 14 are required by law to wear a helmet.
2) Follow the rules of the road: Adults should ride on the right side of the road with traffic, unless on a bicycle path. Obey all stop lights and signs, and steer clear of vehicle blind spots and opening car doors.
3) Make sure drivers see you. Wear bright, reflective clothing, and make eye contact with drivers at intersections. Bicycle lights and reflectors are required by law after dark.
Online Safety & Legal Resources
Take an interactive bicycle safety class online.
This bike safety overview is from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Visit bicyclesafe.com for detailed tips on how to avoid being hit while biking.
New York State Dept. of Motor Vehicles lists laws regarding bikes.
The New York Bicycling Coalition lists bicycling legal requirements.
More Biking Resources
The Finger Lakes Cycling Club offers a listserve for sharing information on local family-friendly rides and discussing other family/child cycling related topics at: http://icycle.org/mailman/listinfo/familybike_icycle.org
For a downloadable Ithaca-Tompkins County Bicycle Map, visit: http://www.tompkins-co.org/itctc/BikeSuitability/Ithaca7-13print-final%20map2010.pdf
Visit BikeIthaca offers tips for Cycling in the Cold.
Bicycling info.org offers sections such as: get motivated, wear a helmet, bike safely, plan a bike trip, find a bike map, get support and bike buddies and mentors. Visit http://www.bicyclinginfo.org/bikemore/
For information on locking your bicycle and parking basics, see http://www.sfmta.com/cms/bsafe/4040.html
