Free Course: Cycling and the Law

[Judy Frankel]

You are invited to take a course.. (this month offered for free) in Oceanside.

The course is given by Pete Penseyres.  (Pete was the winner of the bicycle Race Across America, or RAAM, in 1986, setting a world record of 3107 miles (5000 km) at 15.40 miles per hour (24.8 km/h). He finished in 8 days, 9 hours, and 47 minutes.)  He is very well known in our local cycling community.  Most of us have ridden with him on his local North County rides or have ridden the same roads.

The course offers information for experienced cyclists on Cycling and the Law,

?  Principles of traffic law, Riding in Traffic , rights and responsibilities of bicyclists and motorists, dealing with road situations and hazards

It also offers information on the following for experienced and new cyclists alike.  This quick review offers new tips for even the most experienced of riders:

?  The Bicycle how it works, adjustments, selection, tire repair
?  Bicycle Handling scanning, signaling, emergency maneuvers, shifter and brake adjustments
?  Ride Enjoyment and Etiquette clothing, nutrition, bike path riding, group riding

Pete has arranged  to have Pete Van Nuys cover the California Vehicle Code.  He is the Orange County Bicycle Coalition Executive Director and always does a great job of what might be a rather boring subject.    (Avoiding being run over can't possibly be boring!!!)

Register quickly as seating is limited.

Register for Bike 101 Here:  https://sdcbc.webconnex.com/bts101osaug11

The course is offered on August 19 6PM (classroom)
August 27 morning (road)


Below is a review from one of the cyclists who came to the June class and has ridden long distances for years (he's about to leave for Paris to do PBP) sent the following unsolicited e-mail:

"Just wanted to drop you a line and say thanks so much for your instruction and thanks also to the other instructors.  I went out for a long 200K Sunday and put almost all the skills I learned Saturday to use.  I even had to do an emergency quick stop on Pacific Street near Buccaneer beach.  Disaster averted.  I even rode out into the lane away from the door zone on Coast hwy especially in Leucadia and, surprisingly, everyone just passed me on the other lane.  I also noticed several rider following me and noticed that they started doing the same thing after at first doing the in and out thing.  I stopped at all stop sign, believe it or not, and surprisingly, it did not affect my overall finish time.

The class definitely made my ride a much more enjoyable experience.  I thought I knew it all but it just goes to show you the learning never stops."

[karlos]

I have taken this course and learned a lot, too. I second the unsolicited comment from the June course. Many in our club might think a course entitled "Bike 101" is not for them as most of us have ridden for tens (tons) of years - we know how to ride a bike! I guarantee you'll learn something new. One of the eye openers for me was learning all about the California Vehicle Codes as they apply to cyclists. Jim Penseyres, Pete's brother, took the course the same time as I, also has completed several RAAM's and holds a few records of his own, and also learned a few new tricks. It is also free this time due to a grant - I actually paid $70 out of my own pocket and still felt it was well worth it.
-Karl

[robert#5639]

I highly recommend every one to take this course if you can. I enjoyed it and the instructors are great. It helped me recognized some of the things I've been doing wrong and improve my skills. In a perfect world, this class would always be free and taught on a regular basis, perhaps as a course through the local junior colleges. In a more perfect world, it would be a requisite to get a drivers license.

[Judy Frankel]

Yes, I took the course this weekend too.  Everyone should take it.  There were many long time and experienced cyclists on the course. Everyone could learn something to save a life.. including quick bike handling maneuvers to avoid being hooked by cars.  This should really be something every new cyclist takes before riding on the road.

[Marty]

I took the course last week, and I'm still digesting and ruminating over all that I learned.  An invaluable course for any cyclist.  And, there were some very nice people there to meet too.