CAN-BIKE Introduction to Cycling Skills Basic hands-on skills development course for beginning cyclists. Its goal is to give new cyclists the encouragement, confidence and motivation to increase their bicycle use and to seek out more advanced cycling instruction. Includes bicycle care and operation, basic traffic and riding skills. Introduction This course provides bicycle information and cycling experience to those people starting in their quest for knowledge and skill in cycling.   Course Aims To improve participants' bicycle handling skills; To improve participants' knowledge of how to ride safely on the road; To improve participants' knowledge of how their bicycles work; To improve participants' knowledge of how to do a simple bicycle safety check and how to adjust the bicycle for proper fit. The course is designed in two three-hour sections, typically consisting of one morning section and one afternoon section. Each section has an indoor (lecture) session and an outdoor (on-bike) session. Both sections can be presented in a single day or presented in two days (two mornings, two afternoons, or morning one day and afternoon the next). Morning Section The morning section consists of a classroom session on how a bike works and what that means for safety checking, bike fit and riding technique. The outdoor session concentrates on handling skills. Afternoon Section The afternoon section has a classroom session on traffic riding, group riding and bike path riding. The outdoor session consists of a ride on two-lane and four-lane streets.   Course Scope Course content is basic and designed for beginning cyclists. Its goal is to give new cyclists the encouragement, confidence and motivation to increase their bicycle use and to seek out more advanced cycling instruction. It also provides information on organized cycling activities in their area and encouragement to continue with cycling education and enjoyment.   Course Outline The general course outline is presented below. Time allotments and emphasis will vary from course to course depending on the leader and the participants. However, the basic balance between the road and class time should be maintained. Morning: Bicycle Mechanics and Handling Skills Introduction How bicycles work Choosing a bicycle Parts of the bicycle Bicycle safety inspection procedure Cleaning and lubricating a bicycle Riding technique position cadence bike fit Basic handling skills On-bike handling skills Afternoon: Bicycle Riding Road riding traffic riding theory group riding bike path skills On the road practice correct traffic and group riding techniques Participant requirements A bicycle in safe operating condition. Bicycle helmet. A waiver must be signed before riding in the course. For ages 14 and older (ages10 and older when accompanied by a parent or guardian). No student can be allowed to do the on-bike portions of this course (or any CAN-BIKE course) on an obviously unsafe bicycle - defective brakes, steering, headsets or loose assembly of seat or handlebars - as the safety of the entire group is at risk as well as the safety of that student. Participants must sign a registration form and liability waiver before taking part in the course.  Enrollment Classroom segments: 5 - 16 participants. Road segments: 3 - 6 per instructor.   Instructors Nationally certified CAN-BIKE instructors, all experienced cyclists, teach all courses.  Classroom requirements: Blackboard and chalk, TV/VCR, Overhead projector  For more information: Borealis Outdoor Adventure 3120 8th Street East #106-305 Saskatoon, SK S7H 0W2 Phone: (306) 343-6399 or 1-800-463-6399 CAN-BIKE Hotline Phone: (306) 978-BIKE (978-2453) or Toll-Free: 1-888-CAN-BIKE (1-888-226-2453) Return to CAN-BIKE index page

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