Commuter Traffic Skills

This course is intended to augment the cycling skills of recreational and commuter cyclists who want to improve their competence and comfort level in traffic. Course Objectives By the end of the course students will understand: the legal status of bicycles bike handling techniques bicycle traffic skills: lane-positioning, negotiating intersections, etc. how to deal with night riding and bad weather Method of Instruction The course will be presented in one eight hour day, taught by a nationally certified Cycling Instructor. Approximately half of each morning and afternoon session, is spent in the classroom and half on-road. Traffic problems are presented, then ridden through and discussed. The pace is relaxed with frequent stops to discuss situations. Rides are learning opportunities and a chance for participants to practice skills discussed in classroom. The emphasis is on developing skills and strategies for the ever-changing road network. An Effective Cycling video and overheads are used to explain the objective of each ride. Equipment and Materials Each student requires: a functional and safe bicycle with 5 gears or more an approved bicycle helmet light bright, clothing (e.g. a yellow jacket or safety vest) foul weather clothes, depending on weather bag lunch or lunch money (lunch stop will be near restaurants) Each student will receive a course kit, containing: Cycling in Saskatoon City of Saskatoon Map Participant survey Fact Sheet on the program Time Topics covered Start End 9:00 am 9:30 am Introductions: The course outline is explained, and instructors and students introduce themselves and discuss perceptions of cycling in traffic 9:30 am 10:45 am Traffic theory: Traffic rules for cycling are explained using overheads. There is also a short discussion on Vehicle Control Skills (proper cadence, etc.) 10:45 am 11:00 am Break: Students review their bike inspection report (done by the bike shop during the first classroom segment) 11:00 am 11:30 am Effective Cycling video (first half): shows cyclists executing proper traffic manoeuvres 11:30 am 12:00 pm On Road: Vehicle Control Skills are practised in a parking lot: signaling while riding, slalom turns, obstacle avoidance, sudden stops 12:00 pm 12:45 pm On Road: Students practice correct and safe traffic rules and manoeuvres; Frequent stops are made to review theory and situations actually experienced. 12:45 pm 1:15 pm Lunch: includes 15 minutes spent on helmets and their fit 1:15 pm 3:45 pm On Road: Students practice correct and safe traffic rules and manoeuvres; Frequent stops are made to review theory and situations actually experienced. 3:45 pm 4:00 pm Break 4:00 pm 4:15 pm Effective Cycling Video (second half) :Hazardous Riding Conditions 4:15 pm 5:00 pm Operator Safety: necessary and recommended equipment (especially lights), clothing, how to deal with hazardous riding conditions, commuting strategies   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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