October 20, 2008 Written by Tracy Hepler
Last week I received a call from a friend saying that a cyclist had just ridden her bicycle into the side of his car. Fortunately they were both okay and the bicycle incurred only minor damage.
With the price of gas these days and the growing desire to be green, more and more people are getting out of their cars and onto their bikes for the first time in a long time. But in a car-filled city like Los Angeles, the question I put forward is: Can Motorists and Cyclist Coincide?
The good people at C.I.C.L.E. absolutely believe they can. They prove it by offering bicycle safety courses for Angelenos in addition to being one of the city’s leading cyclist resources. C.I.C.L.E., also known as Cyclists Inciting Change through Live Exchange, is a nonprofit dedicated to promoting the bicycle “as a viable, healthy, and sustainable transportation source.” According to its site, “sixty percent of commutes in Los Angeles are less than five miles.” Many of these trips could be taken on a bicycle to help reduce the high congestion, pollution and additional consequences of our gas-guzzling culture.
But beware, danger lurks everywhere and cyclist safety should always be a top priority. And with many of us not picking up a bicycle since elementary school, it’s not surprising that we’re a little hazy on the rules.
If this rings true to you, check out C.I.C.L.E.’s list of workshops for all levels. This coming weekend it presents “Traffic Basics: Intro into City Riding”, focusing on the basic principles of bicycle traffic safety and a finale of taking you on a ride so you can put your newfound knowledge to work. There are certain requirements (i.e. riding basics) that you must be aware of to attend. Check the full list of requirements here.
The class takes place Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. RSVP soon because space fills up quickly. If you can’t make it this weekend, there are plenty more workshops and community rides to attend. See the full schedule of events here to find which one suits you.
For more info and to RSVP, check out their website at www.cicle.org
Workshop location: Glassel Park, Los Angeles CA 90065. Time/Date: October 25, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Cost: $15 (based on sliding scale).
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