Adult Bike Ed classes kicks off!
SVBC Programs team kicked off 2021 with an hour-long class on Winter Biking, part of the newly added monthly adult bike education classes. Classes are free and open to the public and are designed to encourage and empower new people to try bike riding and to continue to help people feel comfortable with biking. The program develops a sequence of curriculum for participants of varying levels. New, moderate, and experienced level riders are all welcome to attend.This series focuses on different bike-related topics then will repeat during the second half of the year. January - Winter BikingFebruary - Biking 101March - Prepping for Everyday Biking (Biking 201)April - Family BikingMay - Finding the Right BikeJune - Women and Biking A monthly schedule of classes helps to ensure consistent encouragement and engagement with you. How can SVBC support you on your bicycling journey? Feel free to share your goals here! Through this program, our vision remains the same:
Develop ongoing behavior change
Grow the team of SVBC supporters
Listen to constituencies that are in line with SVBC values and priorities
Want to join? Please check out the upcoming classes, events, become a SVBC member and get involved with the bike movement.Kicking off the classes with Winter Biking came at a good time with rainy days in the Bay Area last week! People joined the workshop because they were...
INTRIGUED by the idea of biking in all seasons
MOTIVATED to try biking this Winter
EXCITED to apply what they learned
We discussed a broad range of topics preparing for biking in the elements of cold, wet, and dark. We shared tips on how to prep your bike, yourself, and road safety tips while staying safe riding during wet weather. There are ways to do it that’s practical and budget-friendly, and hopefully incorporate some fun to unleash your inner child!Missed the class? Here are some overall takeaways:
Always do a bike safety review for riding in any weather. Use ABC Quick Check.
Prepping your bike for rain includes checking tires, chain, fenders, and lights. However, it does not need to break the bank. There are lots of budget-friendly options available.
Prep yourself for cold weather with the upper body, lower body, and appendages with waterproof and insulated gear. Hands and feet get coldest when biking, if wet and unprotected. When wearing upper body layers, think of three layers - a moisture-wicking base layer, mid-layer to retain heat, and an outer layer that’s bright with wind/water resistance.
Bike brakes are much less effective when wet. Take it slower than normal and give yourself lots more time to stop.
Beware of puddles! Try to avoid riding through puddles as it may be hiding potholes, nails, or glass.
After your ride, take some time to wipe water and dirt off the wheels, brakes, chain, cassette, cranks. Rainwater and grime on a muddy road can lead to extra wear and tear, but keeping it clean will prolong the life of your bike.
Lastly, we invited everyone to interact with one another in small breakout groups to develop a community connection and to make new bike friends. As you know, people who bike are a friendly bunch and always willing to share their knowledge and tips! Behavior change is hard regardless of how positive a lifestyle change may be and it’s even more long-lasting when done in community. We felt inspired hearing biking goals from some attendees:"Just to keep riding even if short distances, or just a ride around the block."“Ride twice a week!”“2,021 biking miles in 2021. - Rahul from Belmont”“I hope to be back to participating in and leading club rides by the end of the year. - Barton in Campbell”“Lose 5-10Kg while training for The Death Ride. Community: Become consistently involved in volunteer activity, including SVBC.”“Being able to ride 100 miles in a day with ease. I am at 30 miles tops today.” “Ride 3-4 times a week.”"EVERY time I walk out of the house on an errand, I will stop to consider my bike and use it instead."What are your new year bicycling goals? Please feel free to add them to Jamboard! Our next class will be Biking 101 on Thursday, February 25th and Bike Commuting on Tuesday, March 16th. We look forward to seeing you soon!If you attended Winter Biking, we would like to hear from you. Please help us complete a quick 2-minute survey. Thanks!