City Offers Bicycle Skills and Safety Course

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 4, 2008

For additional information:
Raymond Hess, City of Bloomington Planning Department (812) 349-3423
Bill Nesper, League of American Bicyclists, (202) 822-1333

Bloomington, IN - Mayor Mark Kruzan announced today the City of Bloomington will offer a course on the basic principles of "driving" a bicycle. The Road I Course for Bicyclists, which will follow a curriculum developed by the League of American Bicyclists, will be a day-long training on March 8, 2008, at City Hall, 401 N. Morton St., from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

"There has long been a desire in the community to increase educational outreach when it comes to bicycling safely in Bloomington," Kruzan said. "The City is pleased not only to be able to offer this educational opportunity but to have someone on staff able to conduct such trainings on a regular basis."

The curriculum is designed to provide instruction and guidance in the implementation of the basic principles of vehicular bicycling. Participants will develop appreciation for bicycling confidently and competently for pleasure, utility and sport under various highway, climate, terrain and traffic conditions.

In October, Raymond Hess, the City's Senior Transportation Planner, earned the prestigious certification of League Cycling Instructor from the League of American Bicyclists, a 125-year-old national bicycling organization.

"Raymond has completed in-depth training on teaching skills for cycling in traffic, on trails and with groups of riders," said Bill Nesper, education program manager for the League of American Bicyclists. "He will now be able to train all levels of riders how to confidently and effectively cycle for fun, fitness and transportation."

To put his knowledge to the test, Hess will be leading instruction at the Road I Course on March 8. Registration for the course is required and is limited to 10 spaces on a first come, first served basis. Participants must be 16 years of age, but ages 13 to 15 are accepted if accompanied by a parent. The registration fee is $30. Additional information can be obtained from the City of Bloomington Planning Department or from the City's Bicycle and Pedestrian Planning web page: www.bloomington.in.gov/alternativetransportation.

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