Inside ...
A Word from the City
2
How to Use this Handbook
3
A World of Bikes
4
Is Your Bike Ready?
5
Bike Check
6
Don’t Be a No-Brainer. Wear a Helmet!
7
How to Choose a Bicycle Helmet
8
Tips for What to Wear
8
Do You Know Your Road Signs?
9
How to Choose a Bike
10
Bike Fit
10
Know Your Bike
11
Better Bicycling Is As Easy As 1, 2, 3:
12
1. Straight Line Riding
12
2. Shoulder Checking
13
3. Hand Signals
14
Gearing & Stopping
15
Getting Street Smart
16
• Cyclo Quiz
16
• On the Road
17
• 7 Safe Riding Tips
19
• Bike St. John’s Network
19
Lock Your Bike!
20
City Trail Riding
21
Know Your Laws
22
Hidden Words Puzzle
23
A Bigger Picture
24
Activities Answers
24
Where to Learn More: Kids CAN-BIKE Safe Cycling Courses
25
About CAN-BIKE
25
A Young Cyclist’s Handbook.qxd
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Page 2
Notice
This Handbook was written for children (minimum age 9) and their parents or guardians. We recommend
that all on-bike activities involving children, whatever their age, take place under adult supervision.
The Handbook was written and reviewed by nationally certified cycling safety instructors. It provides
information about laws contained in the Highway Traffic Act of Newfoundland and Labrador as well
as cycling-related by-laws of the City of St. John’s. It also presents advice not included in the law,
founded on the principle of best practices. While this Handbook will help protect your legal rights
as a cyclist, it is not a proper legal authority and should not be relied upon in a court of law.
In the event of a difference between material included in this Handbook and the Highway Traffic
Act, the Act shall apply.
For adult cycling enthusiasts, we have
a companion cycling safety handbook
“Getting around St. John’s: A Cyclist’s
Handbook”. To source this handbook
and information about CAN-BIKE safety
cycling courses please see the inside
back cover and visit our website:
The City of St. John’s is not responsible for and accepts no liability or responsibility for the
information provided herein.
www.bikestjohns.ca.
1
Acknowledgements
Writer:
Peter Haidelmayer
Thanks to the Cycling Master Plan Implementation Steering Committee of the City of St. John’s. Particular
Editor:
Bruce Mol
thanks to Deputy Mayor Shannie Duff for her championing of this project. Implementation of the Cycling
Graphic Design: Vivid Communications
Master Plan was made possible by the taxpayers of St. John’s, the Province of Newfoundland and
Illustrations:
Labrador Green Fund, Department of Environment and Conservation and ACOA.
Vivid Communications
Project Management: Delphi-MRC
ISBN 978-0-9868384-1-5
B I K E
S T .
J O H N ’ S
-
W A Y
T O
G O !
Copyright © 2011 Version 2.0, City of St. John’s.
Printed in Canada.
A word from the city
I am excited to say that St. John’s is Canada’s
The cycling committee and I have been hard at
newest cycle-friendly city!
work making the City of St. John’s Cycling Master
Plan a reality and we hope you and your parents
We have put this Handbook together so you can
can use this Handbook to talk about safe cycling.
learn more about how to have fun and stay safe
while riding your bicycle in the City of St. John’s.
What does our master plan mean for you?
In this book you’ll learn more about your bicycle
It means that you now have wonderful trails
and the rules of the road. We want you to enjoy the outdoors, our bicycle
to enjoy on your bike and everyone in the City can learn more about safe
trails and our residential City streets, but even more we want you to be
cycling and sharing the roads. We are very proud of our new Handbook:
safe. We hope that the safe cycling facts you learn in this book will help
“My Bike and Me: A Young Cyclist’s Handbook”. In it you will learn
you be a safe cyclist for life!
how to stay safe on residential City streets and have fun on your bicycle.
Parents, we encourage you to use this resource as an opportunity to talk
Cycling is a great environmentally friendly way to stay active and healthy,
to your children about safe cycling practices. Become a “Bike Buddy” for
while enjoying the beautiful City we are all proud to call home.
your child.
Happy and Safe Cycling to you All!
I look forward to seeing you riding your bikes, and remember to wear
your helmet and enjoy the ride!
2
Deputy Mayor Shannie Duff
Chair - Cycling Master Plan Committee
Mayor Dennis O’Keefe
M Y
B I K E
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C Y C L I S T ’ S
H A N D B O O K
How to use this Handbook
To our Young Cyclists,
We’ve made this Handbook fun and interesting especially for you. It’s filled with
all kinds of information, activities, and tips on how to cycle more confidently and more
safely. Read this Handbook and try the activities with an older cyclist - make them
your Bike Buddy.
To the Adults in the lives of our
Young Cyclists,
This Handbook introduces kids to safe cycling. The importance of the material lays
in how the child is guided to understanding cycling safety and, subsequently, developing
the traffic ‘common sense’ that we, as adults, take for granted. We’d like you to become
a Bike Buddy, a mentor and role model to guide children through the activities in this
Handbook. Please take the time to do the exercises together, discuss the importance of
each topic and make it fun. You can find out more about safe cycling in the companion
Handbook “Getting Around St. John’s: A Cyclist’s Handbook.” The many
suggestions in this Handbook have been simplified to present the essence of safe
cycling development. An excellent way to advance the cycling skills of the children in
your care is to enrol them in a Kids CAN-BIKE course offered through the Department
of Recreation (see inside back cover).
B I K E
S T .
J O H N ’ S
-
W A Y
T O
G O !
3
A World of Bikes
4
M Y
B I K E
A N D
M E :
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Y O U N G
C Y C L I S T ’ S
H A N D B O O K
Is Your Bike Ready?
Rear red light or rear red
reflector. Be seen: it’s the law!
Brakes. For hand brakes,
make sure you can easily
squeeze your brake levers.
Bell or horn. Use it:
be heard!
Rack or basket. Helps
you carry things around.
Front white light. See
and be seen: it’s the law!
Fenders. Keep spray
and mud off.
5
Pedal reflectors. When moving
they make you more visible.
B I K E
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J O H N ’ S
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Water cage. Keep your
water bottle handy.
Bike Check
Check yo
every rid ur bike before
e:
✓ Lever Brakes: Sque
eze the b
levers an
rake
d try to m
o
ve the bik
If the wh
e.
eels can
still turn y
need to g
o
u
et the br
akes fixe
d.
Tires: Squ
eeze side
s of tires
between
thumb an
d finger.
Pump it u
p if soft.
Quick Re
leases: If
you have
on your w
levers
heels, ch
eck them
make sur
to
e they ar
e tight. Ro
Read tire sidewall
to tighten
t
a
te
.
for recommended
Sound: Sh
ake, ratt
le and ro
air pressure.
bike, liste
ll your
n for unu
sual soun
ds.
Chain: Lu
bricate a
s needed
to reduc
e wear o
n gears.
✓
✓
✓
✓
Every few rides or at least weekly:
6
Bikes need at least
Lever Brake pads: not too worn
or crooked.
annual maintenance.
To maintain your own
Pedals: Push towards and away from bike to check
for wobble. Pedals should spin freely.
bike, consider taking a
Wheels wobble free? Spin to see if the wheel is straight
and doesn’t wobble side to side. Look for broken spokes.
internet, reading a
Tire wear: treads and sidewalls
not overly worn?
knowledgeable cyclist.
Cables: Visual check for
wear and fraying.
M Y
B I K E
A N D
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Y O U N G
C Y C L I S T ’ S
H A N D B O O K
course, searching the
book, or shadowing a
ct.
a
p
im
h
c
u
m
rb
o
s
b
a
Your skull doesn’t
Your helmet does.
• Two fingers width
between eyebrows
and helmet.
Wearing a helmet is plain
smart. Our brains are
made of fragile tissue.
One blow to the head
can result in death or
permanent brain damage.
• Side straps join
just below ear.
• Straps lie flat.
• Chin strap snug:
one finger max.
7
Wear helmet level
front to back and
side to side.
B I K E
S T .
J O H N ’ S
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W A Y
T O
G O !
Wearing a bike helmet makes
good sense and it’s the law!
How to Choose a Bicycle Helmet
Bike Buddy says…
• Choose a helmet that is a little larger than your head and adjust
sizing pads to give the helmet a snug fit.
• Always get a new helmet - used helmets may have
hidden defects.
• Light coloured helmets stay cooler and are more visible in traffic.
• Make sure it’s certified - check for the sticker inside.
8
Because Bike Buddy is a model cyclist he wears all the appropriate
clothing and accessories.
• Be visible! Bright colours are better than dark.
• Runners are better than sandals or flip flops; remember to tuck in your laces.
• Gloves and glasses are good.
• At night, reflectors on your jacket, pants and runners make you more visible.
Ankle strap reflectors are awesome.
M Y
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A N D
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Y O U N G
C Y C L I S T ’ S
H A N D B O O K
Do You Know Your Road Signs?
Helpful Signs
Riding on streets is different from playing in yards
and playgrounds. The people in cars need to know
what the people on bicycles are going to do.
Bicyclists have to obey signs just like the people
driving cars, trucks and buses. When everyone
obeys what the signs mean, then everybody shares
the road safely.
Activity: Draw a line between the sign and its name.
Trail
Narrows
Pedestrian
Crossing
Stop
No Bikes
Allowed
To see if your answers are correct go to page 24.
B I K E
S T .
J O H N ’ S
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W A Y
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G O !
9
How to Choose a Bike
Bike Fit
Choosing a bike requires you know
a few things ahead of time:
BMX frame size
• Sit on the seat and grab the handlebars you shouldn’t feel stretched out.
1.For what are you mostly going
to use your bike? (E.g. going to and
Mountain & road bike frame size.
• Standing up, with your legs on either side
of the top tube there should be about a
half fist of space between the top tube
and your crotch.
from school, trail riding, racing)
2.Does the bike fit?
• Sit on the bike seat. You should be able
to touch the ground with your feet.
If you can’t, lower your seat.
10
TIP from Bike Buddy
Choose a bike that is adjustable so
you can grow into it. Ask the staff at
the shop to show you how to adjust
the height of the seat and handlebars.
M Y
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H A N D B O O K
Know Your Bike
Activity: Match the words on the bottom with a part of the bike.
11
• Brake lever
• Gear shifter
• Rear derailleur
• Bottom bracket (hint: many tubes meet there)
• Cog set/Freewheel (hint: it has teeth)
• Seat stay (hint: it’s a tube)
• Chain
• Front derailleur
• Seat post
• Chain ring (hint: it has teeth)
• Front fork
• Top tube
• Crank arm
To see if your answers are correct go to page 24.
B I K E
S T .
J O H N ’ S
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W A Y
T O
G O !
Better Bicycling is as Easy as
You know how to ride but do you really know how to ride well?
Here are some handling skills you can start practicing.
Have fun and get the adults involved too!
Practice in a safe place
Bike Buddy says find a flat, paved,
car and hazard-free parking lot
Straight Line
Riding
When you ride in a straight line it shows other
road users that you are in control.
12
Practice your Straight Line Riding
• Put your bike in an easy gear.
See Gearing on page 15.
• Practice riding on a straight line making
sure you look ahead to where you are going.
• Try different speeds. The slower you go the
harder it is. How slow can you go?
M Y
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with a painted straight line (or
use chalk to draw a straight line
on the pavement).
Tip: start exercises seated with
both feet flat on the ground.
Shoulder
Checking
Looking behind you without wobbly riding will work wonders
when you need to know if the way is clear.
Practice your Shoulder Check
• Practice at first without riding. Sitting down
with both feet on the ground and your
hands on the handlebars, look over
both your shoulders to see what is
behind you.
• Practice until your handlebars hardly move.
• Now trying it while pedalling. Shoulder check
while riding on a painted line away from
a bicycling buddy.
• Note to Bike Buddy: They look BUT do they see?
From behind the cyclist, hold up one or both hands
and ask how many hands they see.
B I K E
S T .
J O H N ’ S
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W A Y
T O
G O !
13
Hand
Signals
Do you know you can let others know what
you want to do using hand signals?
Left Turn - Left arm out
Fingers somewhat apart
Palm back
Right Turn- Left arm out and up
Fingers somewhat apart
Crisp 90 degree angle
How to practice hand signals
• Practice your hand signals at home. Show your friends
and family. Hold each signal at least 2 seconds.
14
Stop and/or Slow down- Left arm
out and down, Fingers somewhat apart
Palm back, Crisp 90 degree angle
Putting it all together is as easy as
• With your Bike Buddy watching
• Practice in your driveway while standing over
your bike with both feet on the ground.
– Show them shoulder checks while riding
a straight line.
• Practice taking one hand off the handlebars while riding.
– Then show them all the hand signals while
riding a straight line.
• Practice while riding on a straight line - can you
signal without wobbly riding?
• You may wish to practise the increasingly popular
alternative right turn hand signal - extend the
right arm horizontally.
M Y
B I K E
A N D
M E :
A
Y O U N G
C Y C L I S T ’ S
H A N D B O O K
– Finally show off your ability to shoulder check
and then signal while riding a straight line.
g
n
i
r
a
g
Ge
n
i
p
p
o
t
S
and
If your bike has gears, use them to keep
your legs moving at the same pace.
1. Before going uphill, shift to an easier
gear so it’s easy to keep going.
2. Before stopping, shift to an easier gear so it’s easy
to getting going again.
Bike Buddy knows that sometimes you need to stop
real fast, other times just to slow down. Here’s how:
• If you have two brakes, use both.
• Apply equal front and rear. If you use too much
front you could go flying over your handlebars.
The easiest gear is
when the chain is
closest to the bike
– front and back.
• Don’t brake and turn at the same time.
• It takes longer to stop when it’s wet.
• Your Bike Buddy can teach you how to make
adjustments to your brakes so that they work
well every time you may need them.
B I K E
S T .
J O H N ’ S
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W A Y
T O
G O !
15
Getting Street Smart
Cyclists need to share the road with drivers. Make it easy for drivers
to see you and give you safety room. Ride predictably so drivers can
figure out where you are going and help you get there safely.
Cycling is fun. But let’s remember roads are not
playgrounds, and bikes are not toys.
Safe cycling is about making smart decisions.
Let’s go on the road and I’ll show you why.
- Are you riding safely?
Answer Yes, No or Sometimes to the following questions:
16
1. I ride on the right, in the same
direction as other traffic.
YES
NO
SOMETIMES
2. Before I make a turn I check ahead
and behind me over my shoulder.
YES
NO
SOMETIMES
3. I let drivers know what I am doing
by signalling my turns and stops.
YES
NO
SOMETIMES
4. I don't follow others through traffic.
I make my own decisions.
YES
NO
SOMETIMES
5. When riding, I stay off sidewalks.
Sidewalks are for walking.
YES
NO
SOMETIMES
6. I don't ride in crosswalks;
I get off my bike and walk.
YES
NO
SOMETIMES
7. I ride in a straight line and don't
weave between parked cars.
YES
NO
SOMETIMES
YES
NO
SOMETIMES
8. I stop at all stop signs and
red lights.
If you have answered YES to all of these then you’ve got Street Smarts.
If you’ve answered NO or Sometimes to any questions ask your Bike Buddy
if you are doing the right thing.
M Y
B I K E
A N D
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C Y C L I S T ’ S
H A N D B O O K
On the Road...
Bike Buddy asks see the cyclist who stopped
Bike Buddy says look! That cyclist is riding in
Bike Buddy says let’s watch a predictable
at the stop sign? Smart move. Then he checked
the opposite direction as the traffic. Drivers don’t
cyclist. She is doing a shoulder check, a signal,
if the road was clear. Imagine what would’ve
know what to expect from that cyclist. This is
and then a shoulder check again before moving
happened, if he didn’t.
dangerous to both the cyclist and the drivers.
into traffic. That cyclist has the sequence. Drivers
know what she wants to do, and she won’t
Always stop at a stop sign or red
light. Put both feet down. Then scan
left, scan right, then scan left again.
Things happen fast in traffic.
Go when it is safe.
B I K E
S T .
J O H N ’ S
-
W A Y
T O
G O !
Ride in the same direction
as traffic.
move in front of a car.
Always shoulder check before you
move across the roadway - then
signal - and then do a second shoulder
check to make sure that the way is
still clear.
17
On the Road...
Bike Buddy asks see the unpredictable cyclist
Bike Buddy says there’s another cyclist riding
Bike Buddy says look there is a truck, and a
riding off of the sidewalk in front of the car
on the sidewalk. LOOK! There’s a car backing
cyclist keeping a good distance away. Wise move!
waiting at the stop sign? Wow! That cyclist nearly
out! Every driveway can have a car coming in
Large vehicles have large blind spots. Their drivers
got creamed! Why? Because drivers don’t expect
or out. And pedestrians can move in front of
can’t hear bike bells either. Cyclists loose every
cyclists to be riding illegally on the sidewalk.
cyclists too.
time when too close to a truck or bus.
Walk your bike on crosswalks. Do not
ride on the sidewalk or in crosswalks.
It’s dangerous and against the law.
Don’t ride on the sidewalk - every
driveway is an intersection. There’s good
reasons it’s against the law to ride your
bike on the sidewalk in St. John’s.
Make the choice: Stay well clear of trucks
and buses.
18
If you’re riding with friends or a group, be street
smart. Beware of what’s around you, and make your own choices. The
person in front of you might not be making the right decision.
M Y
B I K E
A N D
M E :
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Y O U N G
C Y C L I S T ’ S
H A N D B O O K
Be like a hawk watching everything
that is happening around you.
Plan what you are going to do. Keep
your eyes up for:
• Rocks, pot holes, slippery grates.
• Cars coming out of driveways,
side streets and lanes.
• Cars turning in front of you.
• Opening parked car doors.
1. Whene
ver you
wear your h are on your bike,
elmet.
2. Mount
and dismou
nt your
the curb sid
e of the stre bike on
et.
3. When le
aving a driv
eway, s
with both fe
et on the gro top
un
Scan the sid
ewalk and ro d.
ad
pedestrians,
motorists an for
d other
cyclists. Loo
k left, right
and
left again.
Generally speaking, on slower speed residential streets, ride about
one metre (the width of a car door) from parked cars or the edge
of the road. Motorists behind can see you, and you are far enough
away to not hit a parked car door.
4. Use cau
tion at
it’s where m intersections ost collision
s occur.
5. Ride on
the rig
Chain side o ht side of the road.
f bike is clo
sest to
the curb.
Look out for these cool features as
part of the Bike St. John’s Network:
Signed On-Street Route
Perhaps a good way to get around with your Bike Buddy.
Bike Lanes
Bike lanes are designated road space for the exclusive
use of cyclists. Ride in the same direction as other traffic.
6. Don’t ri
de with earp
hones- you
need to hea
r traffic and
people.
7. Don’t ri
de on b
not at night, usy streets and
es
lights and re pecially without
flectors.
Where there are parked vehicles on the right, keep to
the left in the bike lane to avoid car doors and emerging pedestrians.
B I K E
S T .
J O H N ’ S
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W A Y
T O
G O !
19
Lock Your Bike!
It takes only a few seconds for someone to steal your bike. Don’t let it happen
to you. Lock it up every time, even if you think you’ll be right back.
• Remove quick release seat and accessories
(lights, reflectors, tools, etc.) that are easy to steal.
• Place the lock through either of the bike frame triangles
and lock to a bike rack or post. If you have quick release,
remove the front wheel so you can lock it together with
the rest of the bike.
• Lock up in well-lit busy areas with other bikes nearby.
20
Take a picture of your bike and write down
the bike serial number.
M Y
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C Y C L I S T ’ S
H A N D B O O K
City Trail Riding
Boy: Today I want to go on one of the City Trails?
Bike Buddy: Sure. First, let’s just check with your parents or
guardians. Bikes are permitted on the T’Railway and part
of the Grand Concourse has been designed for bikes. They
know how to check with the Grand Concourse Authority
to find out which of their trails permit bikes.
Boy: Cool!
Bike Buddy: Grab some water and a snack to keep us
hydrated and energized. This is a great multi-use trail.
Remember to ride on the right except when we
are passing people.
Boy: …and we ring our bells or call out to let them
know we’re coming, right?
Bike Buddy: Right!
Boy: …and we always ride slower around people
and pets and never off the trail!
Bike Buddy: That’s right! Do you remember why
we don’t ride off the trail?
Boy: Sure. Riding off trail kills plants, widens
and erodes the trail, especially when it’s wet.
Bike Buddy: Right on! This trail will be fun
forever - let’s ride!
B I K E
S T .
J O H N ’ S
-
W A Y
T O
G O !
21
Know Your Laws
Laws are here to help everyone
who uses the road, including you.
Did you know that “a person riding a bicycle upon a highway has
the same rights and duties as a driver”? That means that laws like
stopping, turning, and other rules apply to cyclists. It also means
cyclists can get fined.
(Newfoundland and Labrador Highway Traffic Act (HTA) Section 129(1))
Questions and Answers
Question: That means I better follow the laws because I don’t want to get
stopped by the RNC. I have to wear a helmet too right?
Bike Buddy: Yes, the St. John’s Bicycle Helmet By-Law says you must wear a bicycle helmet,
and that parents and guardians are responsible for ensuring children up to 12 years old wear
their helmet. (No 1332) (2)(a)&(3)
22
Question: There are a lot of rules aren’t there?
Bike Buddy: The rules are to keep people safe, so, no sidewalk riding, always ride single file
with friends and don’t give your friends a ride on your bike. (All HTA 129(2)) There are
a lot more rules than that.
Question: Like the thing about the bike lights?
Bike Buddy: Right, if you are riding a half hour before sunset to a half hour after sunrise,
you need a front white light, and a rear red light or rear red reflector on your bike. Naturally
you need a brake on your bike that works. (Fines: HTA 208. Consolidated NL Regulation 1007/96
Licensing and Equipment Regulations under the HTA (O.C. 96-211) Sections 22 & 25(11))
M Y
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C Y C L I S T ’ S
H A N D B O O K
Hidden Words Puzzle*
A list of words that deal with cycling and safety is on the right. Find these words inside the grid.
They run side to side, up and down, backwards, and even diagonally. When you find a word
circle it and cross it out from the list. Have fun!
C
B
M X
E
R
A
H
S
S
P
E
K
A
R
B
N
B
N
W A
S
H
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U
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V
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W I
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H
C
V
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W A
L
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AHEAD
DERAILLEUR
SHOULDER
N
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B
I
S
I
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N
U
F
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C
H
A
G
Z
D
BIKE
DRIVEWAY
SIDEWALK
S
N
B
J
V
I
O
D
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U
E
L
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I
A
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D
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Y
BMX
FUN
SIGNAL
S
R
O
T
C
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L
F
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R
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A
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Y
H
K
I
I
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BRAIN
HELMET
STOP
O
V
Y
T
C
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O
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Q
C
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O
L
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I
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V
P
X G
BRAKE
LIGHTS
STRAIGHT
BUDDY
LOCK
THINK
H
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To check your answers go to page 24.
B I K E
S T .
J O H N ’ S
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* Puzzle made at www.puzzle-maker.com
23
A Bigger Picture
You know cycling is fun and great for your body and
mind. But did you know cycling is great for the Earth?
Global warming refers to the warming of the Earth through the accumulation
of gases produced by burning fossil fuels like gasoline. The term “carbon
footprint” refers to the impact a person or organization has on the
environment in terms of the amount of greenhouse gases produced.
Cycling, like driving, is a form of transportation. Cars are a major source of carbon
emissions, which scientists believe contribute to global warming. Unlike driving,
cycling does not produce carbon emissions. Cycling helps reduce those emissions.
Let’s look at about how many kilograms of carbon dioxide/CO2
(a major greenhouse gas) are produced for 10 km travelled:
•3 kg of CO2 by Plane •2 kg of CO2 by Car •1 kg of CO2 by Bus
Riding to school or to fun places like parks, soccer games, or farmers’ markets
•0 kg of CO2 by Bike •0 kg of CO2 on Foot
is a great way to reduce your family’s carbon footprint.
Why not check out some of the greenhouse gas calculators on the internet?
Activities Answers
24
Road Signs? (page 9)
Know Your Bike (Page 11)
Trail
Narrows
C
Pedestrian
Crossing
Stop
No Bikes
Allowed
M Y
B I K E
A N D
M E :
A
Hidden Words Puzzle (Page 23)
Y O U N G
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Where to Learn More:
Kids CAN-BIKE Safe Cycling Courses
A Kids CAN-BIKE course is a great way to advance your skills so that you can ride more safely and more
confidently in your neighbourhood along with other 9-13 years old kids who already know how to ride their bikes.
In the course, you’ll take the next step beyond this Handbook.
You’ll learn by practicing handling skills on a practice pad, and by riding on residential streets (e.g. right
and left turns, pedestrians and crosswalks, intersections, parked cars, riding in a group, etc).
Through discussions in class, you’ll learn bike thinking skills (making good decisions), how to be more
street smart on your bike, and more about your bike.
Upon completion, participants receive
a CAN-BIKE certificate card.
About CAN-BIKE
CAN-BIKE is Canada’s only national safe cycling education program. CAN-BIKE
courses empower cyclists to ride more confidently and more safely. The Canadian
Cycling Association has continuously developed the CAN-BIKE program over the last
30 years and delivered it in many communities across Canada.
Bicycle Newfoundland and Labrador is the provincial CAN-BIKE delivery partner. In
association with Bicycle Newfoundland and Labrador, the City of St. John’s
Department of Recreation is offering CAN-BIKE courses to residents.
The CAN-BIKE program offers a proven curriculum delivered to national standards.
There are courses to suit a wide range of cycling ages, abilities and purpose. There are
courses for adults who have never ridden bikes, for children learning to ride on the
road, for adults riding on residential roads and bike paths, for rural cycling, and
advanced skill development for riding in all traffic conditions.
Individuals who do well in the advanced level course (CAN-BIKE 2) are eligible for the
CAN-BIKE instructor workshop where, based on their performance, they can become
a certified CAN-BIKE instructor.
To maintain national standards, CAN-BIKE instructors must be highly skilled cyclists,
have excellent risk management skills, know how to teach children and adults on the
road and in classrooms, and be an advocate for cycling safety in their communities.
Are you ready to become a better and more informed cyclist?
For further information on CAN-BIKE courses contact:
The City of St. John’s, Department of Recreation
e-mail: [email protected] or call: 709-576-8522
or visit www.bikestjohns.ca