Just in time for spring — do you want the confidence to ride in traffic? Would you like to learn techniques to teach your child to ride a bicycle safely? Are you interested in learning to change a tire, or other basics of bicycle maintenance? Take the Traffic Skills 101 course being offered in Roanoke, May 4, 5 and 6, 6-9pm at Sharebike in downtown Roanoke (corner of Jefferson & Elm). Cost is $30. Contact Barbara Duerk at (540)343-1616 or BarbGary@cox.net. Download a registration form, and a flyer.

Traffic Skills 101 is part of the Smart Cycling program by the League of American Bicyclists, taught by certified League Cycling Instructors.

Two Northern Virginia adult education programs are separately sponsoring
three cycling skills and bicycle maintenance courses taught by Allen
Muchnick, a nationally certified League of American Bicyclists (LAB)
Cycling Instructor. Except as noted otherwise, all classes meet on
weekday evenings from 6:30-9:30 PM. If the schools close due to the
weather, classes will be automatically rescheduled for the same time
period exactly one week later.

The three courses are:

* Smart Cycling Traffic Skills 101, the League of American Bicyclists’
essential, comprehensive, and very practical 9-hour cycling skills
course for *all* bicyclists;

* Bicycle Maintenance & Repair, a 3-hour lecture and demonstration; and

* Bicycle Mechanics Workshop, a 3-hour hands-on sequel to any course
listed above.

TO REGISTER, enroll with the local course sponsor IN ADVANCE:

* Fairfax County Adult & Community Education (703-658-1201 [or
703-658-1225] or [http://www.aceclasses.org] . Search “bicycle” and
“cycling” to find all classes, or go to [http://tinyurl.com/2kmm4g] .

* Arlington Adult Education (703-228-7200 or
[http://www.arlingtonadulted.org] . To view all bicycle classes, go to
[http://tinyurl.com/2dv57s] .

For questions about the instruction, contact the instructor, Allen
Muchnick, at or 703-271-0895.

=====

COURSE SPECIFICS:

SMART CYCLING–TRAFFIC SKILLS 101 (Cycling with Confidence!). Learn the
craft of cycling with on-bike and classroom instruction in key bicycling
skills for roads, paths, and groups: equipment use and care, breakdown
repairs, efficient pedaling, bike handling, training, vehicular (street)
cycling, and crash prevention. Bike and helmet REQUIRED at the second
and final 7-hr class session on Saturday (bring or buy lunch). One
weeknight and one Saturday session (10 hrs total).

Fairfax County Course, $119 ($75.40 for resident seniors):
* TI05302-10: Tu, Mar 23, 6:30-9:30 PM, plus Sat, Mar 27, 9 AM-4 PM,
Pimmit Hills Ctr

Arlington County Course, $85 residents/$109 non-residents, seniors
$65/$85:
* GI-816: W, Apr 7, 6:30-9:30 PM, plus Sat, Apr 10, 9 AM-4PM, Arlington
Career Ctr

* * *

BICYCLE MAINTENANCE & REPAIR. Lecture/demonstration on bike fit,
breakdown repairs, and the inspection, adjustment, lubrication, and
renovation of diverse components. Bike not required. One 3-hour session.

Fairfax County Sessions, $42 ($25.20 for resident seniors), plus $17 for
optional “$25″ textbook:
* TI05300-11: Tu, Feb 16, Plum Ctr, 6:30-9:30 PM
* TI05300-12: Th, Mar 18, Pimmit Hills Ctr, 6:30-9:30 PM
* TI05300-13: M, Apr 19, Pimmit Hills Ctr, 6:30-9:30 PM

Arlington County Sessions, $39 residents/$50 non-residents, seniors
$29/$39:
* GI-813B: W, Feb 10, Arlington Career Ctr, 6:30-9:30 PM
* GI-813C: W, Mar 17, Arlington Career Ctr, 6:30-9:30 PM
* GI-813D: Tu, Apr 20, Arlington Career Ctr, 6:30-9:30 PM

* * *

BICYCLE MECHANICS WORKSHOP. This self-directed, hands-on sequel to any
other bicycle class lets you tune up, fix, or modify your bicycle or
practice inspection, maintenance, or repair procedures. Bring bike(s),
supplies, and inspiration. One 3-hour session.

Fairfax County Sessions, $49 ($29.40 for resident seniors):
* TI05301-11: Tu, Feb 23, Plum Ctr, 6:30-9:30 PM
* TI05301-12: Th, Mar 25, Pimmit Hills Ctr, 6:30-9:30 PM

Arlington County Sessions, $39 residents/$50 non-residents, seniors
$29/$39:
* GI-814B: W, Feb 17, Arlington Career Ctr, 6:30-9:30 PM
* GI-814C: W, Mar 24, Arlington Career Ctr, 6:30-9:30 PM
* GI-814D: Tu, Apr 27, Arlington Career Ctr, 6:30-9:30 PM

====

Allen Muchnick
League of American Bicyclists Smart Cycling Instructor (LCI) #538-M
allenmuchnick@yahoo.com
703-271-0895
Arlington VA

Two bike safety classes from the League of American Bicyclists’ Smart Cycling program are being offered in Virginia in March.

Traffic skills 101 is a nine-hour course designed to develop your ability to ride with confidence and competence for pleasure, utility and sport, under various road, traffic, climate and terrain conditions. Classroom discussion and bike handling skills exercises are combined with on-road practice in the principles of vehicular bicycling. This course is a prerequisite for the LCI Training course below.

Where: Roanoke, VA

When: Thursday, March 4, 6-9pm; and Saturday, March 6, 9am-noon

Instructors: Barbara Duerk, LCI #480; and James Rosar, LCI #2203

Cost: $30

Registration: name and contact information mailed to 2607 Rosalind Ave., S.W. Roanoke, VA 24014 along with check for $30 payable to CONNECT NOW.

LCI Training

Also being offered is a League Cycling Instructor (LCI) training course. The LCI certification is the most widely recognized bike safety instructor credential in the US. Become certified to teach the Bikeleague’s Smart Cycling courses: Traffic Skills 101 & 201, Commuting, Motorist Education, and Kids I & II.

Where: Charlottesville, VA

When: March 19-21

Instructor: Preston Tyree, preston@bikeleague.org, 202-621-5446

Cost: $200

Prerequisites: Bikeleague membership, satisfactory completion of Traffic Skills 101, pass written test (at least 1 week in advance), acceptance by instructor.

There is a tight timeline between the above TS101 course and the seminar, so please set aside time to complete all the prerequisites.

We’re always happy to promote League safety classes, so please let us know about yours.

Winning Campaigns© Trainings are for leaders of grassroots bicycle and pedestrian advocacy organizations: board members, staff, and super volunteers.

This fall, the Alliance for Biking and Walking is partnering with the Virginia Bicycling Federation to bring their signature Winning Campaigns© Training to Richmond, VA. Join your fellow bicycle and pedestrian advocacy leaders to learn from expert coaches and each other through the Alliance’s proven curriculum on choosing, directing, and winning campaigns to increase bicycling and walking. After three days of fun and inspiring work with the country’s leading experts in advocacy, you’ll come away with the tools and confidence to not only advocate for improvements, but win them!

You’ll learn how to:

• Choose the right issue;
• Set realistic but visionary goals, choose the best strategies and tactics, and stick to timelines;
• Map out the power structure in your community, support and leverage allies, neutralize and convert enemies!
• Communicate effectively, reaching the right audience with the right message through the right media, …and
• Raise money, to strengthen your organization for the next bigger victory!
• In the end, you’ll have a detailed campaign blueprint that will assure a victorious campaign and set up your organization for greater victories in the future.

Location: Richmond, VA
Dates: Fri, November 13, 2009 through Sun, November 15, 2009

Pricing Information

Early registrations must be received by Mon, November 02, 2009 and cost $50 for Alliance Members; $100 for Non-Members

Regular Registrations cost $75 for Alliance Members; $125 for Non-Members

A limited number of scholarships are available from Virginia Bicycling Federation for Virginia advocates who are not supported by the organization they represent. Scholarship recipients must be a current Virginia Bicycling Federation (VBF) member or a designated representative of a VBF member organization. Contact Allen Muchnick (muchnick@CapAccess.org) for further information.

Scheduling Information:

The training begins Friday afternoon from 5PM to 9PM. The training continues Saturday 8am to 4:30pm, followed by a bike ride or walk, and a social gathering out on the town. Finally, Sunday’s schedule is 8AM to 2PM, allowing a participant over 18 hours of training devoted to developing a winning campaign.

Registration includes snacks Friday evening, and breakfast and lunch Saturday and Sunday. A bicycle or walking tour Saturday evening is also included.

Click here for more information and to register.

Two Northern Virginia adult education programs are separately sponsoring four cycling skills and bicycle maintenance courses taught by Allen Muchnick, a nationally certified League of American Bicyclists (LAB) Cycling Instructor. Except as noted otherwise, all classes meet on weekday evenings from 6:30-9:30 PM.

The four courses are:

* Bicycling 101, a 3-hour discussion of bicycling basics for new and
intermediate riders.

* Smart Cycling Traffic Skills 101, the League of American Bicyclists’
essential, comprehensive, and very practical 9-hour cycling skills
course for *all* bicyclists;

* Bicycle Maintenance & Repair, a 3-hour lecture and demonstration; and

* Bicycle Mechanics Workshop, a 3-hour hands-on sequel to any course
listed above.

TO REGISTER, enroll with the local course sponsor IN ADVANCE:

* Fairfax County Adult & Community Education (703-658-1201 [or
703-658-1225] or [http://www.aceclasses.org] . Search “bicycle” and
“cycling” to find all classes, or go to [http://tinyurl.com/2kmm4g] .

* Arlington Adult Education (703-228-7200 or
[http://www.arlingtonadulted.org] . To view all bicycle classes, go to
[http://tinyurl.com/2dv57s] .

For questions about the instruction, contact the instructor, Allen
Muchnick, at <allenmuchnick@yahoo.com> or 703-271-0895.

=====

COURSE SPECIFICS:

BICYCLING 101. Performance, equipment, safety, and maintenance basics
for new and intermediate riders: comfort and improvement tips,
self-sufficiency, use of gearing, and street cycling fundamentals. No
riding. One three-hour session.

Fairfax County Session, $49 ($29.40 for resident seniors)
* TI05299-31: Tu, Oct 13, Plum Ctr, 6:30-9:30 PM

* * *

SMART CYCLING–TRAFFIC SKILLS 101 (Cycling with Confidence!). Learn the
craft of cycling with on-bike and classroom instruction in key cycling
skills for roads, paths, and groups: equipment use and care, breakdown
repairs, efficient pedaling, bike handling, training, vehicular (street)
cycling, and crash prevention. Bike and helmet REQUIRED at the second
and final 7-hr class session on Saturday (bring or buy lunch). One
weeknight and one Saturday session (10 hrs total).

Fairfax County Course, $119 ($75.40 for resident seniors):
* TI05302-30: Th, Oct 22, 6:30-9:30 PM, plus Sat, Oct 24, 9 AM-4 PM,
Plum Ctr

Arlington County Course, $85 residents/$109 non-residents, seniors
$65/$85:
* GI-816: W, Oct 28, 6:30-9:30 PM, plus Sat, Oct 31, 9 AM-4PM, Arlington
Career Ctr

* * *

BICYCLE MAINTENANCE & REPAIR. Lecture/demonstration on bike fit,
breakdown repairs, and the inspection, adjustment, lubrication, and
renovation of diverse components. Bike not required. One 3-hour session.

Fairfax County Sessions, $42 ($25.20 for resident seniors), plus $17 for
optional “$25″ textbook:
* TI05300-31: Tu, Oct 20, Plum Ctr, 6:30-9:30 PM
* TI05300-32: W, Nov 4, Pimmit Hills Ctr, 6:30-9:30 PM

Arlington County Sessions, $39 residents/$50 non-residents, seniors
$29/$39:
* GI-813B: W, Oct 14, Arlington Career Ctr, 6:30-9:30 PM
* GI-813C: Tu, Nov 10, Arlington Career Ctr, 6:30-9:30 PM

* * *

BICYCLE MECHANICS WORKSHOP. This self-directed, hands-on sequel to any
other bicycle class lets you tune up, fix, or modify your bicycle or
practice inspection, maintenance, or repair procedures. Bring bike(s),
supplies, and inspiration. One 3-hour session.

Fairfax County Sessions, $49 ($29.40 for resident seniors):
* TI05301-30: Tu, Sep 29, Pimmit Hills Ctr, 6:30-9:30 PM
* TI05301-31: Tu, Oct 27, Plum Ctr, 6:30-9:30 PM
* TI05301-32: W, Nov 11, Pimmit Hills Ctr, 6:30-9:30 PM

Arlington County Sessions, $39 residents/$50 non-residents, seniors
$29/$39:
* GI-814B: W, Oct 21, Arlington Career Ctr, 6:30-9:30 PM
* GI-814C: W, Nov 18, Arlington Career Ctr, 6:30-9:30 PM

There’s still space for a few more trainees in the upcoming LCI training session in Blacksburg. This training is not offered frequently, so if you’re anywhere within driving distance of Blacksburg — which includes most of Virginia, DC, West Virginia, and North Carolina — don’t miss this opportunity to become a League Certified Instructor.

The prerequisite for LCI training is that you must already have taken the Road 1 course. You must also be Bikeleague member. If you’re not already a member, or have just joined, please contact Sharon Thorne at the Bikeleague for help with your registration.

This course is being offered by the YMCA at Virignia Tech, with support from the New River Valley Bicycle Association. Please register and pay at the VT YMCA website (scroll down the page). For further information, contact Beth Lohman of the New River Valley Bicycle Association, or Abigail Convery at the VT YMCA.

It’s a little more effort to register at this last moment, and make time to take this course. But don’t let this opportunity pass you by!

Three Northern Virginia adult education programs are separately
sponsoring three cycling skills and bicycle maintenance courses taught
by Allen Muchnick, a nationally certified League of American Bicyclists
(LAB) Cycling Instructor. Except as noted otherwise, all classes meet
on weekday evenings from 6:30-9:30 PM.

The three courses are (see longer descriptions, fees, dates, and
locations below):

* Cycling with Confidence (LAB Traffic Skills 101), the essential,
comprehensive, and very practical 9-hour cycling skills course for *all*
bicyclists;

* Bicycle Maintenance & Repair, a 3-hour lecture and demonstration; and

* Bicycle Mechanics Workshop, a 3-hour hands-on sequel to any course
listed above.

TO REGISTER, contact the local course sponsor at least one week IN
ADVANCE:

* Alexandria Recreation and Parks (703-838-4969 [or 703-519-2166] or go
to [http://tinyurl.com/23kxr2] , sign in with the “guest” button, and
select “sports” under “activity”).

* Arlington Adult Education (703-228-7200 or
[http://www.arlingtonadulted.org] . To view all bicycle classes, go to
[http://tinyurl.com/2dv57s] .

* Fairfax County Adult & Community Education (703-658-1201 [or
703-658-1225] or [http://www.aceclasses.org] . Search “bicycle” and
“cycling” to find all classes, or go to [http://tinyurl.com/2kmm4g] .

For questions about the instruction, contact the instructor, Allen
Muchnick, at <allenmuchnick@yahoo.com> or 703-271-0895.

* * *

CYCLING WITH CONFIDENCE (LAB Traffic Skills 101). Learn the craft of
cycling with on-bike and classroom instruction in key cycling skills for
roads, paths, and groups: equipment use and care, breakdown repairs,
efficient pedaling, bike handling, training, vehicular (street) cycling,
and crash prevention. Bike and helmet REQUIRED at the second and final
7-hr class session on Saturday (bring or buy lunch). One Thursday night
and one Saturday session (10 hrs total).

Fairfax County Course, $109 ($69.40 for resident seniors):
* TI05302-30: Th, Oct 16, 6:30-9:30 PM, plus Sat, Oct 18, 9 AM-4 PM,
Pimmit Hills Ctr

Alexandria Course, $70 residents/$95 non-residents:
* 110305-01: Th, Oct 23, 6:30-9:30 PM, plus Sat, Oct 25, 9 AM-4PM, Lee
Ctr

Arlington County Course, $85 residents/$109 non-residents, seniors
$65/$85:
* GI-816: Th, Oct 30, 6:30-9:30 PM, plus Sat, Nov 1, 9 AM-4PM, Arlington
Career Ctr

* * *

BICYCLE MAINTENANCE & REPAIR. Lecture/demonstration on bike fit,
breakdown repairs, and the inspection, adjustment, lubrication, and
renovation of diverse components. Bike not required. One 3-hour
session.

Fairfax County Session, $32 ($19.20 for resident seniors), plus $17 for
optional “$25″ textbook:
* TI05300-31: Tu, Oct 21, Pimmit Hills Ctr, 6:30-9:30 PM

Arlington County Sessions, $39 residents/$50 non-residents, seniors
$29/$39:
* GI-813B: M, Oct 20, Arlington Career Ctr, 6:30-9:30 PM
* GI-813C: W, Nov 12, Arlington Career Ctr, 6:30-9:30 PM

Alexandria Recreation and Parks Session, $25/$50 non-residents
* 110303-01: W, Oct 22, Lee Ctr, 6:30-9:30 PM

* * *

BICYCLE MECHANICS WORKSHOP. This self-directed, hands-on sequel to any
other bicycle class lets you tune up, fix, or modify your bicycle or
practice inspection, maintenance, or repair procedures. Bring bike(s),
supplies, and inspiration. One 3-hour session.

Arlington County Sessions, $39 residents/$50 non-residents, seniors
$29/$39:
* GI-814B: M, Oct 27, Arlington Career Ctr, 6:30-9:30 PM
* GI-814C: W, Nov 19, Arlington Career Ctr, 6:30-9:30 PM

Fairfax County Session, $39 ($23.40 for resident seniors):
* TI05301-30: Tu, Oct 28, Pimmit Hills Ctr, 6:30-9:30 PM

Alexandria Recreation and Parks Session, $25 residents/$50
non-residents:
* 110304-01: W, Oct 29, Lee Ctr, 6:30-9:30 PM

# # #

The YMCA at Virginia Tech is offering the Bikeleague’s Road 1 and League Certified Instructor (LCI) training courses in Blacksburg, with an eye toward creating a pool of local instructors. Road 1 is a prerequisite for the LCI training course, so both are being offered. The Road 1 course will take place Friday evening and all day Saturday, Oct. 17-18, and the LCI training session the weekend of Nov. 7-9, Friday evening through Sunday. Details and registration are available at the VT YMCA website.

To help potential instructor trainees clear the cost hurdle, the New River Valley Bicycle Association is offering $100 reimbursements to the first 7 of its members who complete the LCI training and licensing, and promise to teach at least one BikeEd course a year for the next 2 years.

For further information, please contact Aliana Havrilla from the VT YMCA, or Beth Lohman from the NRVBA.

For 2008, the Governor’s Conference on Greenways, Blueways, and Trails, the 54th annual Virginia Recreation and Park Society Conference, and the 10th annual BikeWalk Virginia Conference will be merged into one event October 4-7 in Richmond. It will be the largest conference ever held in Virginia focusing on outdoor recreation, trails, and non-motorized transportation. Conference details are available at the BikeWalk Virginia website.

VBF urges all bike advocates to attend, but mostly, to encourage your local officials and staff to attend — especially those from your regional (MPO) planning authorities. There is no better opportunity to network with people from state agencies like DCR and VDOT, to gain knowledge about best practices, and learn how to move your local projects forward.

Three Northern Virginia adult education programs are separately sponsoring five cycling skills and bicycle maintenance courses taught by Allen Muchnick, a nationally certified League of American Bicyclists (LAB) Cycling Instructor. All classes meet on weekday evenings from 6:30-9:30 PM.

The five courses are (see longer descriptions, fees, dates, and locations below):

• Bicycling 101, a 3-hour discussion of bicycling basics for new and intermediate riders.
• Cycling with Confidence (LAB Road-1), the essential, comprehensive, and very practical 9-hour cycling skills course for *all* bicyclists;
• Proficient Cycling (LAB Road-2), 9 hours of advanced cycling and mechanical skills for Road-1 graduates;
• Bicycle Maintenance & Repair, a 3-hour lecture and demonstration; and
• Bicycle Mechanics Workshop, a 3-hour hands-on sequel to any course listed above.

To register, contact the local course sponsor at least one week in advance:

* Alexandria Recreation and Parks (703-838-4969 [or 703-519-2166] or go to [http://tinyurl.com/23kxr2] , sign in with the “guest” button, and select “sports” under “activity”).

* Arlington Adult Education (703-228-7200 or [http://www.arlingtonadulted.org] . To view all bicycle classes, go to [http://tinyurl.com/2dv57s] .

* Fairfax County Adult & Community Education (703-658-1201 [or 703-658-1225] or [http://www.aceclasses.org] . Search “bicycle” and “cycling” to find all classes, or go to [http://tinyurl.com/2kmm4g] .

For questions about the instruction, contact the instructor, Allen Muchnick, at allenmuchnick@yahoo.com or 703-271-0895.

* * *

BICYCLING 101. Performance, equipment, safety, and maintenance basics for new and intermediate riders: comfort and improvement tips, self-sufficiency, use of gearing, and street cycling fundamentals. No riding. One three-hour session.

Alexandria Recreation and Parks Session, $25/$50 non-residents
* 140302-01: Tu, Jul 16, Nannie J Lee Ctr, 6:30-9:30 PM

* * *

CYCLING WITH CONFIDENCE (LAB ROAD-I). Learn the craft of cycling with on-bike and classroom instruction in key cycling skills for roads, paths, and groups: equipment use and care, breakdown repairs, efficient pedalling, bike handling, training, vehicular (street) cycling, and crash prevention. Bike and helmet REQUIRED at all sessions. Three 3-hr sessions (9 hrs).

Fairfax County Course, $109 ($69.40 for resident seniors):
* TI05302-20: M, June 16, 23, & 30, Pimmit Hills Ctr, 6:30-9:30 PM

Alexandria Course, $70 residents/$95 non-residents:
* 140305-01: 3W, Jul 23, Jul 30, & Aug 6, Nannie J Lee Ctr, 6:30-9:30 PM

* * *

PROFICENT CYCLING (LAB Road-2). Advanced cycling and mechanical skills for Road-1 graduates: ride hills, rural roads, urban arterials, and freeway merges; discuss endurance training and hot, cold, wet, and dark conditions; observe common maintenance procedures. Bike and helmet REQUIRED at all sessions. Three 3-hr sessions (9 hrs).

Alexandria Course, $70 residents/$95 non-residents:
* 140306-01: 3W, Aug 13, 20, & 27, Nannie J Lee Ctr, 6:30-9:30 PM

* * *

BICYCLE MAINTENANCE & REPAIR. Lecture/demonstration on bike fit, breakdown repairs, and the inspection, adjustment, lubrication, and renovation of diverse components. Bike not required. One 3-hour session.

Arlington County Sessions, $39 residents/$50 non-residents, seniors $29/$39:
* GI-813B: W, June 18, Arlington Career Ctr, 6:30-9:30 PM
* GI-813C: Tu, July 29, Arlington Career Ctr, 6:30-9:30 PM

Fairfax County Session, $32 ($19.20 for resident seniors), plus $17 for optional “$25″ textbook:
* TI05300-21: Tu, July 8, Pimmit Hills Ctr, 6:30-9:30 PM

Alexandria Recreation and Parks Session, $25/$50 non-residents
* 140303-01: Tu, Aug 19, Nannie J Lee Ctr, 6:30-9:30 PM

* * *

BICYCLE MECHANICS WORKSHOP. This self-directed, hands-on sequel to any other bicycle class lets you tune up, fix, or modify your bicycle or practice inspection, maintenance, or repair procedures. Bring bike(s), supplies, and inspiration. One 3-hour session.

Arlington County Sessions, $39 residents/$50 non-residents, seniors $29/$39:
* GI-814B: W, June 25, Arlington Career Ctr, 6:30-9:30 PM
* GI-814C: Tu, Aug 5, Arlington Career Ctr, 6:30-9:30 PM

Fairfax County Session, $39 ($23.40 for resident seniors):
* TI05301-20: Tu, July 15, Pimmit Hills Ctr, 6:30-9:30 PM

Alexandria Recreation and Parks Session, $25 residents/$50 non-residents:
* 140304-01: Tu, Aug 26, Nannie J Lee Ctr, 6:30-9:30 PM