The Parks and Recreation Department offers two bicycle safety courses: Bicycle Commuting Essentials and Advanced Bicycle Mechanics.
Bicycle Commuting Essentials
Registration is required. Bicycle Commuting Essentials is a Traffic Skills “lite.” Learn to fix a flat, basic bicycle maintenance tips and basic principles of biking safely in Albuquerque. The cost is $10. The class goes from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. This is a 2.5 hour seminar and includes a complimentary patch kit and Bicycling Street Smarts booklet. You do not need to bring your bicycle for this class.
Upcoming Classes
Bicycle Commuting Essentials 3/9/2013
Bicycle Commuting Essentials 4/13/2013
Bicycle Commuting Essentials 5/11/2013
Bicycle Commuting Essentials 6/8/2013
Bicycle Commuting Essentials 7/13/2013
Bicycle Commuting Essentials 8/10/2013
Get more information by clicking on the date of your choice, or call Julian Paul Butt at (505) 225-8537 or julian@painted sparrows.com for more information.
Advanced Bicycle Mechanics
Registration is required. Learn about bike maintenance, brakes, derailleur adjustments and shifting systems, headsets, bottom brackets, and wheels. The cost is $20. The class starts at 9 a.m. sharp and goes to 4 p.m. Break for lunch at noon.
Participants should come with clothing to get greasy. It is not necessary for participants to bring their bicycles, because the program uses their bicycles for demonstrations and hands-on activities. The day will be seminar format. Some sections will be hands on while others will be demonstration only. No previous knowledge of bicycle mechanics is necessary for this class, however it is an in-depth training seminar. For basic flat repair and maintenance, please see Bicycle Commuting Essentials.
Upcoming Classes
Advanced Bicycle Mechanics 4/6/2013
Advanced Bicycle Mechanics 6/1/2013
Advanced Bicycle Mechanics 8/3/2013
Get more information by clicking on the date of your choice, or call Julian Paul Butt at (505) 225-8537 or julian@painted sparrows.com for more information.
Bicycling Safety Tips
- Go with the Flow, never ride against traffic.
- Ride in the right most lane serving your destination.
- Always have 3 feet of clear space on your right.
- Wear a helmet; you only have one brain protect it.
- Must have headlights and taillights & rear reflectors while riding at night.
- STOP completely at Stop Signs and Yellow/Red Lights.
- Look left, look right, look left again at all intersections.
- Be seen; wear bright colors and reflective vests.
- Pedal in a straight line, cars don’t weave nor should you.
- Scan over your shoulder for vehicles often.
- Be aware for potholes, cars entering roadway, kids, etc.
- Use hand signals when safe to do so.
- Don’t pass on the right, unless you are in a bike lane.
- Use the Bike Lane & Bike Boxes
- Make sure your bike is mechanically sound, brakes work.
- Don’t exceed the speed limit. Announce yourself to pedestrians before you pass them.
- Don’t pedal your bike while under the influence.
- Drive your Bike as you would drive a Car.
