Contact: Dave Campbell

Urban Bicycle Safety Classes

Bike to Work Day

510-701-5971

dcampbel@yahoo.com

Contact: Judith Reich

Bike Day at the Farmer’s Market

510.841.4304

mayith@yahoo.com

For Immediate Release


ATTEND SPECIAL EVENTS AND BECOME A TRAFFIC-SAVVY CYCLIST

Urban Bicycle Safety Classes (various dates and locations)

Bike Day at the Farmer’s Market (May 10th)

Bike to Work Day (May 15th)


Many people are reluctant to bike on city streets because they’re concerned about their safety while riding in traffic. But as the price of driving goes up, concerns about global warming mount, and Americans are looking for ways to get exercise, bicycling as an everyday transportation choice is getting more popular. This May the Bicycle-Friendly Berkeley Coalition (BFBC) and the East Bay Bicycle Coalition (EBBC) will offer several opportunities to learn how to ride a bike in day-to-day traffic. Then you can test your skills on Bike to Work Day.


FREE Urban Bike Safety Classes

These classes are 3,5-hour classroom sessions that teach urban cycling skills including riding in traffic, necessary equipment, crash avoidance, and much more. This is taking place in a variety of locations. For more information contact 510.548.7433 or dcampbel@lmi.net.


Bike Day at the Farmer’s Market

This year will be the 6th year that BFBC has joined with the Ecology Center to put on Bike Day at the Farmer’s Market taking place Saturday May 10th. Bike Day includes workshops that cyclists of all levels will find useful such as how to effectively lock a bike, traffic safe cycling and a hands-on repair class. For more information contact 510.548.7433 (or 510.414304 for publicity).


Bike to Work Day

This all leads to Bike To Work Day founded by EBBC in 1994 and is now statewide May 15.

This a day when people are encouraged to try out cycling for their commute to work or school or just to run errands. To find out more about energizer stations special events that will be taking place www.ebbc.org (or dcampbel@lmi.net for publicity).


EBBC and BFBC have been in the forefront of many bike improvements in the East Bay and beyond for more them a decade. These accomplishments include bikes gaining access to BART; the Berkeley Bike Plan which include the Bike Boulevard system: the I-80 Bike Pedestrian Bridge; established the Safe Routes to Transit program as well as the Bikestations.


# # # # # #





FREE Urban Bike Safety Classes

Various dates and locations


Street Skills classes are two-day classes including a 4-hour classroom session (weeknight) and Day 2 an all day on-bike practice session (Saturday, May 19 only). A League of American Bicyclist certified instructor teaches the course. You will learn urban cycling skills needed to safely navigate the busy streets of the East Bay, including riding in traffic, necessary equipment, crash avoidance, and legal rights and responsibilities. For information or to register 510.548.7433 or dcampbel@lmi.net



SATURDAY, MAY 10th

BIKE DAY AT THE FARMER’S MARKET

10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Center Street between Milvia and MLK Way.

A full day of bicycle education, bike safety, and practical tips as you shop.


10:30-11: HOW TO LOCK YOUR BIKE: You have only two choices. A: Lock up your bike correctly and keep it. B: Don't lock your bike correctly and kiss it goodbye. Maybe not today, maybe not tomorrow, but soon. So, if you don't know how to lock up your bike correctly, this is for you. Learn everything from good places to lock your bike, what to lock it to, and how to lock it correctly. Presenter: Staff of Missing Link bike shop.


11-12:30: EVERYDAY BICYCLING: Would you like to ride your bicycle to work, use it for errands, or get to San Francisco’s Ocean Beach? Do you already commute to work but hesitate to ride in the rain or would like to carry your gear better? In this workshop we will consider the following topics to make your bicycling more pleasant, safe and effective:

Come with your questions, comments and experiences.

Presenter: Kurt Abrams, longtime Berkeley resident and experienced cyclist


12:30-2: HANDS-ON REPAIR CLASS: Don’t miss this opportunity to learn the key things you’ll need to know to repair your own bike:

Bring your bike and questions and get ready to get your hands dirty.

Presenter: Frank McCraw and his Cycles of Change crew


2-2:30: HOW TO LOCK YOUR BIKE: (Repeat of the 10:30 am workshop)


ON-SITE MECHANIC

BIKE ADVISE BOOTH ALL DAY Tips for routes, safety tips and more!!


For more information call the Bikestation at 548-7433 or www.ebbc.org



THURSDAY MAY 15th

BIKE TO WORK DAY

(various locations 7-9 a.m.)

This is the Bay Area's 14th annual Bike to Work Day, a celebration that promotes bicycling as a healthy, fun, and viable form of transportation. There will be energizer stations located throughout Berkeley where you can get refreshments and information during the morning commute hours. This is a must for all commute cyclists, especially those making their first commute. Check website for other special events


For more information on where to find an energizer station near you or other Bike to Work Day activities in the Bay area go to www.EBBC.org or www.511.org.