American Bicyclist presents the world of cycling to the League's members. The magazine focuses on important issues in bicycle advocacy and education, promoting cycling, cycling events, and enjoying the benefits of the cycling lifestyle.

The League of American Bicyclists is the national membership organization of cyclists. We promote cycling for fun, fitness and transportation, and work through advocacy and education for a bicycle-friendly America.

The League's magazine, American Bicyclist, is a celebration of cycling. The magazine is published quarterly and distributed to our membership of 40,000 individuals, nearly 500 recreational clubs (representing over 300,000 members), and 140 state and local advocacy organizations. Our readers are the most committed and passionate cyclists in the United States.

THE LEAGUE OF AMERICAN BICYCLISTS

The League of American Bicyclists, founded in 1880 as the League of American Wheelmen, promotes bicycling for fun, fitness and transportation, and works through advocacy and education for a bicycle-friendly America. The League represents the interests of the nation’s 57 million bicyclists.

With a current membership of 300,000 affiliated cyclists, including 40,000 individuals and 600 organizations, the League works to bring better bicycling to your community. Contact League officers, directors or staff at League of American Bicyclists, 1612 K Street, NW, Suite 800, Washington, DC 20006-2850. Phone: 202-822-1333; fax: 202-822-1334.

Download American Bicyclist Magazine, May/June 2007

PDF format, 2.2MB, 32 Pages.

WE ALL NEED BIKEED (PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE):

I read recently in a local bicycle advocacy bulletin that a newly minted League Cycling Instructor (LCI) received his certifi cate in the mail from LAB and later that evening taught a course to his fellow employees. Now that is turnaround!

There are more than 940 LCIs in America with more instructors certifi ed every month. The Bike Ed program is the reason I got involved with the League and has great potential to reach cyclists through certifi ed, insured instructors. It’s a bit of a hard sell though, to convince people who “know how to ride a bike” that they should take a course.

In fact, when I had an opportunity to sponsor bicycle education classes for a city where I was an employee, the only reason I attended was because I had the key to the room. Heck, I knew how to ride a bike. I had ridden for years! I had managed a bicycle shop, rode in events, triathlons and had toured. I was not afraid to hop on my bike and head out. But I attended the class because I was required by the city to be present while the facility was being used.

I sat through this four-hour introductory session that was the precursor to the on-bike section and road skills portion that would allow a student to complete Road I (a nine-hour course). At the end of the session I had learned some very important things. I learned that for the most part, I knew what I was doing, but that there were some subtle and not-so-subtle things that I could improve on in my riding.

For starters I was not really knowledgeable about bicyclists’ responsibilities as they related to our state vehicle code. I didn’t realize how many rights I had. I learned that I rode in the door zone too often because I wanted to “get out of the way” of motorists. I learned that some of the facilities in my community were not designed well and that it would be safer to ride outside of a substandard bicycle lane than to follow the “painted lines.” I learned the important message that my lane position conveys and that shoulder checks and scanning the environment also send a strong message to other road users.

I was convinced that EVERYONE needed this program. So I started to recruit students to the courses. I tried free food, I dared folks to sign up and my most successful strategy was to invite someone who “knew how to ride” to attend to make sure we weren’t missing anything.

Lo and behold, as folks took the class even the most experienced riders commented on how interesting the program was and how valuable the information was and some of them even admitted that they learned a thing or two.

LAB is working with the MS 150 ride organizers to introduce Bike Ed to the many riders that participate in their fundraising rides. Bicycle clubs and advocacy groups are offering education courses, taught by LCIs more and more frequently.

Let us know how the League can help you get Bike Ed featured in your community or with your group of cyclists! LCIs and others will be gathering this June in Austin, Texas for the fourth Bicycle Education Leadership Conference. Please join us!

Visit  The League of American Bicyclists Official Website

Our Mission: To promote bicycling for fun, fitness and transportation and work through advocacy and education for a bicycle-friendly America.

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