A little Traffic Cycling education can bring out the bicyclist in all of us.
Mary Poulsen helped organize the City of Blue Island's excellent Bike Commuter Challenge, but had never ridden her bike to work herself. She began, like so many newbie adult cyclists, with League of American Bicyclists' Traffic Cycling course, taught by League Master Instructor Larry Mysz. Larry had organized the class for the Friends of the Calumet-Sag Trail board and members. Mary writes:
"I was hesitant about taking the class as I hadn’t ridden a bike in 20 years and I am not in the same shape I was at that time! And I thought, 'What is there to know about riding a bike?'
"I was surprised. Our instructor, Larry Mysz, was great. He was very informative and although he is an avid bike rider, he explained things so that even I could understand. After taking the classroom portion of the class and learning about 'rules of the road', how to change the inner tube in the tire, and much, much more, I was anxious for the 'road' portion of my education. I learned so many things, but above all, I gained confidence in my riding ability. A big Thank You to the Friends of the Calumet-Sag Trail for giving me this learning opportunity and to Larry Mysz and the League of American Bicyclists for giving me the knowledge and confidence to ride my bike again!"
Today, as a final reward to herself for taking the course and a successful Blue Island Bike to Work Week, Mary rode to the office this morning. We have pictures (thanks Blue Island planning director Jodi Prout!).