Waiheke Bikeability cycle training 2010
Press Release --Adult Cycle Training on Waiheke
Cycle Action Waiheke (CAW) is holding a cycle training course this Saturday 29th May. The course will provide cycle skills and boost confidence in those wanting to get back on their bikes to ride on Waiheke's roads.
Cycle Action Waiheke with sponsorship from Auckland City Council have secured the skills of experienced cycle trainer Patrick Morgan who works in the Cycle Advocates Network head quarters in Wellington. Patrick said, "It's a pleasure to help train cycling on Waiheke. Its well known as a stunning place to ride a bike and the short travel distances between villages make it a really viable way for islanders to get about."
In the morning basic training such as use of gears and hand signaling will be covered The day will progress to training sessions on gradually busier roads including tricky situations such as passing parked cars.
Organiser Tom Ransom said "With GST rises on fuel ahead, we are likely to see even more people looking to reduce household costs by taking some short journeys on bicycles. We want to help train people who want to make those savings or just enjoy cycling for fun and fitness. People are often put off bike riding by its perception of danger, but in truth, when you break down most journeys there are relatively few really scary sections of road on Waiheke. It's mostly a question of confidence."
Since 2006 CAW has been highlighting these "scary sections" of road to the council and advocating for provision of cycle lanes or slower speeds. The council has acted on some of this advice. In particular the upgrade of Ocean View Road has allowed for the creation of an off road cycle lane up to Oneroa for relatively little extra cost.
Tom added " As well as advocating for change, I feel it is up to us cyclists to build our skills to more safely negotiate the current road conditions. When you ride with confidence you are far more predictable. If you know where to position yourself on the road, both you and the car drivers have an easier and safer time."
Tom says the course is also about training us as drivers to share with care. "The majority of the course attendees also regularly drive. Building empathy and respect for cyclists by literally pedaling in their shoes leads to far better driver behavior around bikes following the course".
The majority of interest in the course has been received from females. Since the 1800's the bicycle has been a wonderful tool in the empowerment of women. The invention of the "safety bicycle", (the same design we all ride nowadays instead of the penny-farthing), coincided with the emancipation of women, claiming their rights to votes and independent transportation. In those days women formed "rational dress societies" to champion the use of practical clothing while riding bikes. A recent popular adaptation of this being the group "frocks on bikes" who now advocate for stylish everyday women's clothing to be worn on bikes rather than head to toe lycra
For further information call Tom Ransom on 3723215 or email cycleactionwaiheke@gmail.com.
Photographers can get shots of the training and course attendees from 11.45 hrs to12.30 hrs at the Blackpool Old School Hall on Saturday 29th May or book another time with Tom.