Karen VelieThe San Luis Obispo Bicycle Club is sponsoring free bicycle safety classes in October.
The three-day course teaches bicyclists how to safely operate their bicycles in a wide range of situations. The program, called Drivers Ed for Bicyclists, offers instruction on how to ride a bike as a vehicle.
“Our intent is to get more people riding bikes for their short trips and to help them to ride confidently and safely,” said Kevin Christian, a League of American Bicycle Association certified instructor.”
As many students struggle to pay rising gas prices, more students are expected to explore their commuting options. The course will provide students with a greater knowledge of bicycle safety.
The classes will be held on Oct. 11 and 18 from 6 to 9 p.m. and on Oct. 22 from 8 a.m. to noon. To register, e-mail Christian at kevinbikes@mac.com. Christian suggests that course takers donate $30 to the San Luis Obispo Bike Club.
The club’s Web site at www.slobc.org provides a “Handy Guide for Cyclists.” The guide explains the “principles of traffic law” and explains relevant California vehicle codes.
“I feel we should have more people on bikes to reduce traffic, air pollution and our whole footprint on the world,” Christian said.