March LAB Bike Class A Huge Success

On 7 March, 9 cyclists (Terri Mottram, Roger Burdette, Joe Lanoux, Richard Carson, David Drennen, Philip Goodwyn, Hank Williford, Louise Hunt, and Clint Hinote) enrolled in the League of American Bicyclists Bike Ed course offered by the Montgomery Bicycle Club taught by Mike Munk a certified instructor, mechanic, and cross country ride leader.  The course covered subjects from changing a flat tire, performing emergency bike handling maneuvers, to how to survive in traffic situations.  This popular class is a must for anyone who rides a bicycle as statistics show that riders who have had formal education tend to have fewer accidents and are much more confident in traffic situations.  Ask any class graduate and you’ll find they all agree there’s more to it than just riding a bicycle.

The class consisted of 8 hours of classroom discussion on bike selection, bike fit, traffic management, accident statistics, accident situations, basic maintenance, tire changing, basic tools, and lane positioning techniques.  With that background, the riders moved to the Prattville Baptist Church parking lot to practice bike handling techniques like scanning without falling over, emergency stopping techniques, and emergency turning techniques.  All these skills are paramount in handling a bicycle confidently in any traffic situation and should be practiced until they become natural in the way we ride. 

This course is generally offered in March only, but if there is enough interest, we plan to offer another class in November.  If you are interested in attending, contact Roger Burnett by way of the MGM yahoo groups email and Mike Munk at Bamacyclist@aol.com.  You will be put on the class list and receive class info updates throughout the summer.  Improve your bike handling and confidence in your everyday riding.  Join us for the next class.