Bicycle Training Programs

One way to reach large numbers is through the private sector. Corporations that routinely provide such services as smokers' counseling, Weight Watchers and computer classes for their employees should consider adding bicycle training classes. While it may seem far afield, bike training makes a great deal of sense. New York City probably has the country's largest population of non-cyclists, adults who would love to learn but are too shy to try. Cycling employees would arrive at work refreshed rather than harried and would have more control over their commuting. Even those who rode only for recreation on the weekends would be in generally better health.

These classes would focus on basic instruction, as well as on-bike training in traffic skills and bicycle handling. Classroom time would be spent on road sense, route selection, rules of the road and equipment choice and maintenance. Once in place, a solid program could be adapted for use in high school and college physical education classes, and in adult education programs. The program could be developed by the private sector and financed in part by private industry, the federal government and state and local agencies.