Columbia has a new crop of self-assured bicyclists out on the roadways. A 15-member group recently completed Confident City Cycling, a bike skills and safety course for those ages 14 and up. After completing the course taught by certified League of American Bicyclists instructors, participants said they bike more often and feel safer and more confident when they’re out on the road.
Besides being experts in fixing a flat, what are they up to now?
As a result of taking the course:
• They feel safer: 100 percent reported they feel safer on their bikes now.
• They’re feeling good: 87 percent reported they had experienced weight loss or an increase in physical strength.
• They’re biking more: 87 percent are riding their bicycle more often.
• They’re parking the car: participants say 35 percent of their automobile trips have been replaced with bicycle trips.
• They’re gearing up: 73 percent have purchased products from a local bike shop after taking the class.
Think Confident City Cycling Isn’t For You? Think Again.
Before the course, when asked about their longest distance ridden in one day, participants responded zero to 40 miles. So, riders of all skill levels benefit and are encouraged to attend. Instructors guarantee even the most practiced bicyclist will come away with new knowledge.
So go ahead: Get out there! The next session will run from Aug. 19-21, 5:30 to 8:30 each evening at Stephens Lake Park Activity Center. Call Columbia Parks and Recreation Department at (573) 874-7460 or click here to register online. Questions about the class can be answered at the GetAbout Columbia office by calling (573) 442-7189, ext. 28.
Course Reviews:
“It was an excellent course. As a regular bicycle commuter, I was surprised how much I learned.”
“I learned so many new things, even though I have been a bike commuter for many years.”
“We need to educate all the community about bike safety, rules of the road so they know what we are doing out there when we take the lane.”
“The class was really the catalyst for riding more. I had wanted to ride more, but had a million excuses not to. The class took away my excuses and now I’m riding to work once or twice a week!”
“I’m riding my bike more often than I used to, but because of the course, I now ride in different kinds of places. In other words, I don’t feel limited to the trails, but feel free to ride on the streets now.”
“The course was great. Besides teaching me skills, it kind of shifted my whole attitude toward biking. Before, biking was a recreation-only, on-the-trail kind of thing. Now it’s a more useful and workable means of getting around in everyday life.”
Graduate Profile:
Before Jenny Dills signed up for Confident City Cycling, she thought bicycles were better off on trails and sidewalks.
 Jenny Dills, course graduate.
Because of the class, she said she’s much more confident when she positions her bike on the road and when she signals her moves to other drivers. But as a driver, she also has a new awareness of other bicyclists.
“I am much more aware of them and, while I would love to just hand them a Confident City Cycling brochure, I make sure we see each other to avoid collision,” she said.
A graduate student at the University of Missouri, Dills had been biking for about a year when a friend encouraged her to sign up for the class.
“I love getting out there on the roads,” Dills said. “You get a completely different perspective on a bike.”
When she can, she enjoys biking into campus for class and riding on the trail. But she has an even bigger trip in mind.
“I have the lofty goal of riding across Missouri!” Dills said. |
