GCC Friends:

Registration for the first-ever Cycling Savvy class in Gainesville is now open.

If you want to ride your bicycle for transportation, but you lack confidence riding in traffic, have been buzzed by cars, or have been too intimidated to even leave the sidewalk at all, then Cycling Savvy may be for you.

Cycling Savvy teaches safe cycling principles, including reinforcing cyclists' right to use public roads, in accordance with Florida law, that includes:
  • empowerment to act as a confident, equal road user
  • strategies for safe, stress-free integrated cycling
  • tools to read and problem-solve any traffic situation or road configuration
Per Cycling Savvy, "The object of the course is not to turn people into road warriors, but to give them access to the entire transportation grid."  Imagine riding your bike everywhere you need to go!

Tentative date:   Saturday, January 17th
Location and time:  in Gainesville (location and time TBA)
Cost:  $75

Why this class?  There are other cycling classes for adults, true.  Cycling Savvy is an adult cyclist education program that focuses on the practical aspects of getting the casual or commuter cyclist where you want to go by bike, using low-traffic roads when feasible, and higher-volume roads when necessary, safely.  The program is designed for adult learners who want to learn the basics in just one class.  There are no exams. Their course has even been used by law enforcement agencies to train their officers.  Because of a collaborative effort between GCC and the Gainesville Police Department to bring a proven adult-focused cycling safety program to Gainesville, GPD officers will be among the first to take this class. You will be learning right along with our own local law enforcement professionals.

The basic Cycling Savvy course consist of 3 parts:  classroom instruction, bike handling skills, and an on-road ride with instructors during which you will have the opportunity to demonstrate your newly-acquired cycling skills. Plan on spending about 9 hours to complete the course. Prepare to have your cycling myths busted!

Still not sure whether Cycling Savvy is all about, or whether it's for you?  Read this.

For more information, or if you'd like to register for this or a future course, please email me. 

-Ally Gill