As roadways and bike trails become increasingly complex and congested, do your employees who cycle for work know all they need to know to safely ride a bicycle?
While the reasons for having employees cycle for work are varied, it’s clear that simply knowing how to ride a bike is not the same as knowing how to operate a bike safely and legally.
Bikes are very versatile and can be used in heavily congested areas or in urban areas but can easily be relocated to remote areas by vehicle transport. Bikes are quiet, cost efficient, and amazingly effective. Mountain bikes have proven effective in a number of different environments; they are swift and agile in busy urban areas where traffic snarls and crowds delay motorized units. Bikes are also effective in less urban areas for park patrol, parking lots, campus areas, residential areas, and for business security, athletic or civic events, and specialized details. They can be operated on streets, sidewalks, alleys, trails, and in any areas that are difficult to access with motor vehicles.
Bicycle safety training should include: proper handling of common roadway conditions as well as emergency skills and how to deal with motorist error. Effective training should also cover: proper turning, cornering, descending and climbing principles along with roadway and speed positioning. Bad weather and night riding should also be highlighted along with vehicle laws and proper roadway etiquette.
Resource for Cycling at Work
International Police Mountain Bike Association (IPMBA)
IPMBA is a non-profit educational organization providing resources, networking opportunities, and complete training for public safety bicyclists. Since the founding of the organization in 1991, IPMBA's instructors have provided training to over 20,000 police officers, EMS personnel and security officers on bikes. The curriculum, designed and delivered by police officers and bike medics, is nationally and internationally respected.
Site: http://www.ipmba.org
The Complete Guide to Public Safety Cycling, Second Edition, IPMBA
The guide is a comprehensive source of in-depth information on starting a bike unit or enhancing an established bike unit with tactical and technical tips on everything from basic equipment needs to detailed insights on policy, maintenance, training, legal issues, and much more.
Site: http://www.jbpub.com/catalog/0763744336/
Law Enforcement Bicycle Association (LEBA)
LEBA is an 501(c)3 nonprofit bicycle training company founded in 1989 exists to further the training, education, professionalism and unity of police bicycle patrol officers. The organization trains nearly 1,000 officers annually. To attend a LEBA Instructor Course, you must be a sworn Law Enforcement Officer or Military and must have successfully completed a Basic A course, and be recommended by your instructor.
Site: http://www.leba.org
League of American Bicyclists (LAB)
LAB has League Cycling Instructors (LCI) certified to teach their BikeEd curriculum to children as well as adults. LCIs offer courses to suit the needs of any cyclist. Certified, insured and equipped to teach anything from basic skills to college level courses, LCIs are the experts in bicycle education and safety. Courses offered include: Road I, Road II, Commuting, Motorist Ed, Kids I and Kids II. LCI's can also offer modified versions of these courses and design bike rodeos and provide general safety consulting.
Site: http://www.bikeleague.org/programs/education/index.php
