A note to all my former and prospective Bike for Life (Street Smarts) students.
There's a special Bike for Life class starting next week, August
12th. It's special in that I will be combining all the materials from both
the usual first & second classes into a single 7 week class. This should
allow smoother coverage of the material, and allow you, the student, more
time to absorb the material.
- What will I learn in the Bike for Life class?
The first section (Road I) will concentrate on how to operate a bicycle
legally and safely on the streets. You will learn how to shift a
multi-speed bicycle properly and effectively, how to perform a bicycle
safety check and how to fix a flat tire. You will also learn emergency
bicycle handling skills and crash avoidance techniques.
The second section (Road II) will allow you to further practice your road
riding skills. We'll review the basics and augment your knowledge by
further discussion in the class and practice on the streets.
The second part will also increase your knowledge about basic bike
maintenance. You'll learn how to recognize worn drivetrain parts and
maladjusted, worn or dirty bearings, how change brake pads, brake and
shifter cables and other components as well as adjusting shifting and
braking systems.
In addition, we will cover many other assorted aspects of bicycling that
can lead to safer, more efficient and more enjoyable cycling. Both
sections include both classroom discussion and on-bike practice.
- Who had the crazy idea for this course?
The program curriculum was developed by the League of American Bicyclists
(LAB), the oldest nationwide organization promoting bicycling and
bicyclist's rights. The League was founded in 1880 as the League of
American Wheelmen. Further information on LAB can be found at
<www.bikeleague.org>. All instructors undergo special training and are
certified through LAB as a League Cycling Instructor (LCI).
- Who should take this course?
Anyone who knows how to ride a bicycle, but is interested in how to operate
a bicycle legally and safely on the streets without being constantly
"scared to death". You can even benefit from this course if you "already
know how to ride a bicycle" by learning the proper techniques to avoid
dangerous situations before they develop.
All classes are held Saturdays from 9:00am to noon. There will be seven
meetings, from August 12th through September30th. The first section will
be August 12th, 19th & 26th. We will then take the Labor Day weekend off
and begin the second session September 9th, 16th, 23rd & 30th. They are
held in the Clairemont area of San Diego (Just west of I-805 & Clairemont
Mesa Blvd., directions at the end of this email). Class size will be
limited to no more than 10 people.
- How much does this cost?
It's FREE! Normally the first section is $50 and the second section $60
($110 for the complete course), but last year, due to a grant to the City
of San Diego, the San Diego County Bicycle Coalition (SDCBC) started
offering free classes. The city is no longer footing the bill, but SDCBC
feels that cyclist instruction is so important that we are continuing to
offer free classes; at least as long as we can afford to. So take
advantage of it now!
- Interested?
Attached to this email are two registration forms in PDF file format. One
for the first (Road I) section and one for the second (Road II). Please
fill both out and return them to me as soon as possible to reserve your
place. The mailing address (and the class meeting place) is:
Kerry Kunsman
4742 Renex Place
San Diego, CA 92117
- What if I don't have time to take all 7 weeks?
For students that want to attend, but cannot do the entire seven weeks, we
will have an extra class (time to be worked out with the students) that
will allow those students to complete the first section and earn their Road
I certificate. This certificate will allow them to complete the second
section sometime in the future.
- What if I have already had the first part?
Students that have previously completed the Road I section, either through
me or any other LAB certified instructor, may join the class, room
permitting, at the beginning of the second section (on September
9th). With special permission of the instructor, these students may also
"drop-in" to parts of first section for review. This will be a
"space-permitting" arrangement, students signing up for the complete course
have first priority. If there is enough demand we can always hold another
Road II class.
- What if I don't think I need the first part and just want the second?
Sorry, but having the first part (Road I) is a prerequisite to taking the
second part. No exceptions.
If you have any questions about the Bike for Life course content, or are
wondering if you could benefit from the course, please feel free to contact
me by email or telephone.
Regards,
Kerry Kunsman (LCI# 1029)
4742 Renex Place
San Diego, CA 92117
858-569-4877
kerryk@...
P.S. A word to my former students. You may wonder why you are getting this
email if you have already had both classes. I believe that you, the
graduates, are the best advertisement for taking these classes there
is. So I want you to know when they are being held so, hopefully, you can
tell your friends.
P.P.S. You don't want to hear any more about this drivel? I'm sorry, email
me at <
kerryk@...> and I will definitely remove you from my BikeEd list.
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