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A Cycling Coalition course can make for a safer commute

Comox Valley Cycling Coalition teaches harmony on the roads
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Recent graduates of the Comox Valley Cycling Coalition Urban give their sign of approval. The next course goes June 12.

Although cycling is never really out of season on Vancouver Island, as the hours of daylight increase, and with summer holidays fast approaching, it’s a busy time of year for the Comox Valley Cycling Coalition.

The Cycling Coalition is a non-profit group of about 150 bike-friendly folks dedicated to creating a safe cycling environment and encouraging cycling as an economical, healthy and environmentally friendly mode of transportation.

The Coalition offers courses to both children and adults.

From bike rodeos in schools, to courses teaching adults the dos and don’ts of urban cycling, there is a bevy or programs available.

“Recently my husband and I attended the 4.5 hour Urban Cycling Course even though we have cycled for several years,” said CVCC member Katherine Gibson. “We came away with a renewed respect for the relationship between drivers and cyclists and vowed to fine-tune a few less-than-ideal habits. We are now part of more than 200 people who have gone through the program, which is taught by Ed Schum, a nationally certified Can-Bike instructor and instigator of the Comox Valley Cycling Coalition.”

The next Urban Cycling Course is being offered on Saturday, June 14 through Courtenay Recreation.

In keeping with the Coalition’s goal to educate the public about safe cycling skills, volunteers have also undertaken a series of bike rodeos with elementary school children in Grades 3 to 5. Completing its second year, more than 1,700 students in the Valley are now practising safer cycling habits. Coalition volunteers facilitate each event, teaching the children about the rules of the road and coaching them in cycling skills at each of the six bike stations.

Cyclists have been prominent on the roads this week, as the Valley is in the midst of Bike To Work Week (May 26-30). This event is dedicated to raising awareness of cycling as a legitimate transportation alternative and is celebrated in communities throughout the country.

The week also celebrates the many people riding to work while highlighting the positive impact that cycling has on the livability of our community.

Bike To Work Week will conclude locally with a social gathering on Friday afternoon. Cyclists are to meet at Broken Spokes at 4 p.m. where a 4.5-kilometre ride is planned, along Fitzgerald Street and the Courtenay Rotary Trail before heading back to the Broken Spoke for a barbecue and entertainment.

For more information about cycling courses, contact the Comox Valley Cycling Coalition  at www.cyclecv.com, or e-mail cvcycleskills@gmail.com.