Education
Become an Expert Rider

Even in these days of cutbacks in driver's education, motorists have to pass a test to get a license, so there is some knowledge of the rules of the road, in theory, before the keys go in the ignition.  Cyclists owe it to themselves to hone bike skills.  In addition to basic handling skills -- stopping, steering, signalling -- they need to understand the following:

Cyclists fare best when they act and are treated as drivers of vehicles.

 

When you ride in the right lane, in the same direction of traffic, use hand signals and wear bright colored clothing, other road users understand what you are doing. You are predictable and visible. Up on the sidewalk, motorists don't expect you, aren't looking for you, and can't predict how you will act at intersections.  Pick up a copy of Street Smarts free from bike shops, or buy a copy of Effective Cycling, or check the class listings on this page. Start riding at times with little traffic, on quiet residential streets to get a comfort level.

Under the law, you are controlling a vehicle. You owe it to yourself become expert at it!

Individual Education

St. Louis Health and Fitness Mentoring

From the website:  "I'm a retired engineer with an avid interest in health and fitness activities.  I enjoy spending time outdoors either walking or cycling, and I'm offering to share my enthusiasm and knowledge related to health and fitness activities with others if it will help them develop improved health and fitness habits."

The services are free and offered in Creve Coeur Park. A wide variety of services are available including general fitness, hydration, basics of heart rate monitor training, improved riding techniques, and extending distance and endurance for either cycling or walking.  Check it out at 
stlfitnessmentor.com.

 

LCI's Around Town

The St. Louis Regional Bicycle Federation supports certification of League Cycling Instructors (LCIs) in the area. The League of American Bicyclists LCI's offer different courses to suit the needs of any and every group. From civic groups to college level credits, LCI's can offer the following courses for adults and children: Road I, Road II, Commuting, Motorist Ed, Kids I and Kids II. Need something different? LCI's can offer shorter duration classes, on-bike skills, classroom instruction, bike rodeos and general safety consulting. League of American Bicyclists LCI's are insured for any material that they teach, in any setting. Courses are currently available. If you would like to set up a new course, anywhere around town just send a note to info@stlbikefed.org.

Bike Education Courses

15-18 HOUR "BIKERight" ROAD I [Ferguson]
Date
: Contact Martin Pion for Information
Instructor: Martin Pion
Location: 6 Manor Lane, Ferguson, MO 63135
Fee: $60 Ferguson residents/ $80 Non-residents; plus LAB Student Notebook $10.

Description: "BIKERight" is based on the League of American Bicyclists [LAB] foundation Road I course, covering everything you need to know about on-road bicycling. The course is divided into three sessions, the first being primarily classroom but including a bike fit/bike check segment plus preliminary on-bike exercises, e.g. start/stop practice. The succeeding two sessions start with parking lot practice, e.g. riding in a straight line, scanning, quick stop, and continue on local streets, working up from residential to more trafficked roads. Parents may sign up with their children 11 years and older. On-bike sessions are usually on Saturday or Sunday, starting at 8 am or by arrangement. Class size is limited, usually to about four students. St. Louis Regional Bicycle Federation members can claim a refund of $10 from the Federation after completing the course.

To register for this course in advance (required), contact  Martin Pion
Phone: 314/524-8029 office
Email:
mpion@swbell.net
Website: http://www.thinkbicycling.com/

Equipment required: bike, preferably with mini toe clips [available]; safety helmet; water; spare tube(s). 


Books on Cycling

The future is now. In the spirit of supporting local businesses, the Bike Fed has affiliated with local, independent bookseller Left Bank Books. Purchases made through our web site support bike advocacy and also help keep money in St. Louis. For the skinny on some great bike books, check out our recommendations below. To start shopping, visit Left Bank Books' website.

 

Bicycle: Around the World by Linda Svendsun 

In our car-crazed world, it is the bicycle that exemplifies many freedoms. Like a patriot, a bicycle is rugged, unhampered, athletic, straightforward, and independent. And, as an added bonus, it is a simple machine anyone can learn to maintain. For years photographer Linda Svendsen has captured images of bicycles from around the world providing glimpses of the machine in all its forms and uses combined. With over 200 images, Bicycle is a true celebration of one of the world's classic mode of transportation that will inspire you to leave the SUV at home and bike whenever and wherever you can. So what are you waiting for -- grab a copy and go for a spin!

 

Divorce Your Car, by Katie Alvord

Our romance with cars, begun with enthusiasm more than 100 years ago, has in fact become a very troubled entanglement. Today's relationship with the automobile inflicts upon us pollution, noise, congestion, sprawl, big expenses, injury, and even death. Yet we continue to live with cars at a continuing cost to ourselves and the environment. What can people do about this souring affair? -- Divorce your car! Re-meet your feet, board a bike, take a train, pull out of this dysfunctional relationship with the automobile! Divorcing your car can take many forms, from simply using it less to not owning one at all. This practical guide shows how divorcing a car can be fun, healthy, money-saving, and helpful to the planet in the process.

 

Effective Cycling, 6th Edition, by John Forester

The core of John Forester's concept of Effective Cycling is that bicyclists fare best when they act, and are treated in return, as drivers of vehicles, with the same rights and responsibilities that motorists have.In this new edition of his classic introductory work, Forester reasserts this idea in terms of practice and education as well as theory while also addressing--among much else--the two major forces that have shaped bicycling since the early 1980s: the proliferation of high-quality equipment and the seriously insufficient progress on the social, political, and psychological fronts.The book is filled with details, strategies, and tips that will be useful both to occasional cyclists and to those who enjoy cycling as a way of life--all drawn from the author's many years of experience as a cyclist, a Cycling Transportation Engineer, and the founder of the Effective Cycling Program.

 

The Bicycle Touring Manual: Using the Bicycle for Touring and Camping

Time to take to the woods!

 

Urban Bikers' Tricks & Tips by Dave Glowacz 

Filled with practical tips that any adult bike owner can use instantly, this book includes advice on everything from how to handle a sore butt and choose accessories to how to avoid helmet hair and mount a bike while wearing a miniskirt. This updated edition contains new and revised information about current bike types, locks, and recent products such as the strap-on magnet that lets bikers change traffic lights to green. An updated supplier directory and list of bicycling resources, such as web sites and advocacy groups, are also included. Illustrated with step-by-step instructions on every page, this book is especially helpful for riders living in the urban jungle.

 

The Tipping Point, by Malcolm Gladwell

In every social movement, there is a tipping point, an event, action or catalyst that propels the agenda from the fringe to the mainstream. This celebrated New York Times bestseller -- now poised to reach an even wider audience in paperback -- is a book that is changing the way Americans think about selling products and disseminating ideas.

 

Bicycle Racing in the Modern Era: 25 Years of Velonews

For 25 years the writers and editors of VeloNews have pursued cycling excellence with unparalleled passion. During this time, great champions (Merckx, Hinault, and LeMond) have come and gone and others have risen to take their place (Indurain, Jalabert, and Armstrong). Mountain biking has expanded the world of bicycle racing into arenas that even Jules Verne never imagined. Relive cycling's finest hours from the VeloNews archives or experience them for the very first time.

 

Bicycle Across America

Bicycle Across America chronicles five trans-American tours, provides route notes and maps, offers suggestions on what to see and expect along the way -- and features a special section on how to prepare for long-distance adventures.

 

Bicycle Transportation - 2nd Edition: A Handbook for Cycling Transportation Engineers

This new edition of John Forester's handbook for transportation policymakers and bicycling advocates has been completely rewritten to reflect changes of the last decade. It includes new chapters on European bikeway engineering, city planning, integration with mass transit and long-distance carriers, 'traffic calming, ' and the art of encouraging private-sector support for bicycle commuting.

 
St. Louis Regional Bicycle Federation • P.O. Box 23086 • St. Louis, MO 63156 • (314) 707-5001 • info@stlbikefed.org