The CycleMasters learn safe cycling habits.
Ted Belanger
Eighteen members of the SaddleBrooke CycleMasters participated in the Pima County’s Traffic Skills 101 training class on March 17 and 18. The two day, nine hour course provides instruction and guidance in the implementation of the basic principles of vehicular bicycling. Subjects covered included basic bike maintenance, safety equipment, principles of traffic laws, emergency maneuvers and ride etiquette. Educating motorists was a subject of interest and covered many aspects of sharing the road regulations. Two very interesting facts for new residents to Arizona are that cars are required to give at least three feet of clearance when you pass a bicyclist (A.R.S.28-735) and that cyclists are permitted by law to ride two abreast (A.R.S.28-815). Be aware that when the road is too narrow for cars and bikes to ride safely side by side, bicyclists should take the travel lane, which means riding in or near the center of the lane. The SaddleBrooke CycleMasters have always practiced safe cycling habits and our continued effort to educate our members of their rights and responsibilities remains a priority.
A special thanks to Joanne Marmon for scheduling this course, the instructors from the League of American Bicyclists and the 18 club members. This was the third group of cyclists in the past years to have completed this course and our club is more knowledgeable because of it. As our motto says, “We cycle for fun, fitness, fellowship – Safely!”