Smart cycling

Course description

In just 90 minutes, learn how to ride your bike more safely and confidently for transportation, recreation or exercise. Whether you're a current or prospective bike commuter, a recreational rider, a touring or club cyclist, or just want to get around town, you'll enjoy cycling more when you know how to operate your bike smoothly in traffic. The class will also feature a discussion of cycling issues and concerns for older adults.

What you will learn

How to ride in traffic
Lane and speed positioning on the road
Intersection positioning
Principles of traffic law
Indiana’s Dead-red law for red lights
Hazards in cycling
Lights and other ways to get the attention of motorists.
Equipment and clothing
Best practices for sharing the trail
Riding in rain

Features

Discussion of unique Spring Brooke issues related to the College Ave. - U.S. 33 intersection.
Video: Issues and concerns for older adults.
Handouts
- Smart Cycling Quick Guide
- Indiana Bicycle Laws
Helmet fit
Optional group ride to practice lane positioning

Date: Aug. 1, 2024

Time: 6:30 - 8 p.m.

Where: Spring Brooke clubhouse

Cost: No cost

Please include your name, age and whether you are a new, average or experienced cyclist.

INSTRUCTOR -- John Yoder

I am a certified League of American Bicyclists Cycling Instructor (LCI #743-CK). I used conventional and folding bicycles for everyday transportation and commuting for over 20 years, including nine years between the southeast side of Goshen to the northwest side of Elkhart.

This class is similar to the ones I have taught for the past 25 years in Bloomington, Valparaiso, Carmel, Elkhart and Goshen.

I wrote a weekly cycling article for Goshen Commons and then the Elkhart Truth for several years.

I also served on the Michiana Area Council of Governments (MACOG) cycling advisory committee, the Metropolitan Planning Organization for Elkhart and St. Joseph counties.

I was one of the founders of the Friends of the Pumpkinvine Nature Trail, Inc., a not-for-profit organization that has spearheaded the effort to convert a 17-mile abandoned railroad into a multiuse trail between Goshen, Middlebury and Shipshewana, Ind.