==
Bike-Walk Alliance of NH ==
Bike-Ped Items of General Interest
Downloads and "Fun Stuff" may be helpful
BWA-NH is pleased
to promote standardized bicycling and pedestrian education programs for all
levels of interest. Whether the program is offered by BWA, the League of American
Bicyclists (LAB) Certified Instructors outside BWA, or privately by other organizations,
we want to spread the word that bike-ped education is important and the courses
can be a lot of fun. Bicycling is a life-long activity, not a short-term sport
undertaken for a few years then dropped. From students in grade three through
college graduates and grandparents, there is a bike-ed program available for
you. Check out the LAB "TS-101" course
for adults which was conducted in April and will be offered again later this
year. At this time several bike-ed programs are being implemented by BWA for
elementary school age children, usually funded by Safe Routes to School grants
award to the towns. These include more complex pedestrain and bike-ed training
including on-bike practice when possible. For more details about the LAB courses
offered by BWA, please visit the LAB
web site or contact BWA at info@bwanh.org.
Some of the handouts used in support of bicycling in NH are available for downloading. Please scroll down for other links to "Fun Stuff" which also include "education with a twist."
-- "Road Hog/Road Warrior" brochure from NH-DOT is an excellent summary of the laws concerning interactions between bicyclists and motorists. The actual NH laws (called RSA's) are referenced. Taking a brochure in your bike bag can help when informing others about the "do's and don'ts" regarding our shared roadways!
-- "Be a Safe Bike Driver" handout (993 kb file size) used by BWA-NH in elementary schools. Covered are helmet fitting, bike checks, rules of the road, and proper clothing. This info is actually good for everyone to know, regardless of age! This handout is also available in color: Page 1 (1.5 mb) and Page 2 (186 kb).
-- Intro to bike racing for fun and sport including history, equipment, training plans, tactics, and safety.
-- "Ride Your Bike Safely" by Motosport provides many links and good info for children and motorists alike.
-- "The Bicycle Safety Guide" compiled by the Guardian Insurance Company. Many good resources and links are provided. (There is no connection to or endorsement of Guardian Insurance by BWA-NH.)
-- Another "Guide to Bicycle Safety" compiled by the "Parts Geek", an on-line discount automotive parts dealer, is listed for general reference. This guide is intended for children and does not reflect all NH laws or some of the LAB "best practices" but it is an "easy read."
-- Steps to become a League of American Bicyclists certified instructor may be of interest. Additional training is required to attain the "Master" level of certification as required to training and certify the "Bicycling 1-2-3" Youth and Skills Instructors.
-- Ride Leader Guidelines from the Granite State Wheelmen. Includes suggested actions if bicyclists ignore safety rules and if motorists harass bicyclists, this including blatant violation of the "3 Foot Rule."
-- Ride Sign-In Sheets (On-Road and Off-Road versions) used by the Granite State Wheelmen and BWA-NH. Hardcopies may be obtained from the GSW Office or Rides Coordinator but the downloadable version could be convenient.
-- Listing of NH Police Chiefs with non-emergency phone numbers for reporting incidents or requesting assistance. Harassment by motorists, flagrant violation of rules by bicyclists, or information requests might be reasons to call the local NH police department instead of "911".
"Fun Stuff" -- education with a twist
We find some articles
and videos which are both entertaining and informative without being actual
educational material. Feel free to check out these links and maybe get a few
laughs along the way!
And you thought you knew how to ride a bike?
These two German
girls on bikes are incredible! Wonder if they could ride a Century?
How about 16 girls and bikes?
"China's Got
Talent" -- bicycle acrobatics:
http://www.flixxy.com/chinese-bicycle-acrobatics.htm
Beware of the Beta -- new Google bike mapping story
The following contribution came from NH LCI Ken Colburn. His experience gives new meaning to the word "Beta."
"Beware of the Beta" story and map
Can you be seen when cycling?
One critical aspect of cycling is being visible. Here is are four awareness tests you can take in just a few minutes by watching the videos. Be sure to turn on the speakers connected to your computer!
BWA-NH wishes to
thank Peter Warner and the Transport for London (TFL) for permission
to post these video awareness tests.
"Whodunnit?"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ubNF9QNEQLA
"The Bus" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rz-ph32CnJA
"The Phone Test" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2cd63P54PaI
"Basketball Test" http://www.dothetest.co.uk
Did you pass the
tests on your first viewing? Just think about how motorists view bicyclists
then act accordingly. You must be seen to be safe, but thinking you have been
seen does not make you safe! Bicyclists must establish eye contact with motorists
before crossing their path. And better than just eye contact, a "friendly
wave" to get the motorist's attention can help avoid a crash caused when
the motorist did not "see" you.
For additional info about the bicycling education programs and materials offered by BWA-NH, GSW, and LAB, please contact:
Dave Topham
BWA-NH Director
LAB M-LCI # 39
603.898.9926
dave@bwanh.org