Are you comfortable riding a bike in traffic?
If so, great! If not, why not join us to learn how to go anywhere on a bike with confidence and safety?
Registration available here.
The full 3-session CyclingSavvy course will be offered on June 29 and 30 in Champaign and Urbana. The course will be given by Gary Cziko (CSI, LCI, PhD) and assisted by Tim Marty (LCI).
Discover the joy of human-powered travel.
Experience cycling empowerment to act as a confident, equal road user. You will learn strategies for safe, stress-free integrated cycling and come away with the tools to read and problem-solve any new traffic situation or road configuration.
Part 1: Truth & Techniques of Traffic Cycling
Friday, June 29, 6 to 9 pm. Champaign Public Library, Room C, 200 W. Green St., Champaign, IL 61820
Learn the truth and techniques of traffic cycling. Through guided discussion with videos and animations, this classroom-based session familiarizes students with bicycle-specific laws, traffic dynamics and problem-solving strategies. Students discover that bicycle drivers are equal road users, with the right, ability and responsibility to control their space on public roadways.
Thanks to the support of Champaign County Bikes, this part of the course will be offered free to registered students (normally $30).
Part 2: Train Your Bike
Saturday, June 30, 8:30-11:30am, meet at NW corner of St. Mary’s Road and First Street, Champaign, IL
This session is conducted in a parking lot. It consists of a set of progressive drills designed to increase students’ control and comfort handling their bikes in various situations. Drills include:
- Starting, stopping & balance
- Understanding gearing
- Slow balance drill (Snail Race)
- Acceleration drill (drag race)
- Straight-line riding
- Turning: Cone weave
- Turning: Follow the leader
- Turning: Rock dodge
- Turning: High-speed cornering
- Turning: Snap turn
- Quick stop
In three fun hours, you will learn to command your bike with precision and confidence.
This session is available as a stand-alone class for $30.
Part 3: Tour of Urbana*
Saturday, June 30, 12:30-4:000 pm, meet outside Freer Hall, 906 S. Goodwin Avenue, Urbana, IL 61801, Urbana, IL
*Registrants must have completed the sessions “Truth & Techniques of Traffic Cycling” and “Train Your Bike” to participate in the Tour of Urbana. They also must be able to cycle up to 8 miles at an average speed of 12 mph (with frequent stops).
This session is an experiential tour of Urbana roadways. The course includes some of the most intimidating road features (including intersections, interchanges, merges and railroad crossings) a cyclist might find in his or her travels. Students travel as a group, stopping to survey and discuss each exercise location. After observing the feature, discussing the traffic dynamics and the best strategy for safe and easy passage, the students ride through individually and regroup at a nearby location. This session is designed to give you the confidence and skills to handle any situation you might encounter driving your bicycle in Champaign-Urbana and similar communities.
This session is available as a stand-alone class for $30.
To register for this course, visit here.
