Driver's Ed for Bicyclists:
The Effective Cycling Program

Why does someone who knows how to ride a bicycle need to take this class?
Effective Cycling (EC) instructors teach what most people don't learn from their parents: how to operate a bicycle safely anywhere, and how a bicycle and its motor (the rider) can work efficiently together. Many people are afraid of bicycling in traffic. The program develops skills and builds confidence by starting with parking lot practice, and then moving to quiet streets and later busier roads. The principles are the same ones taught in motorist and motorcyclist education.

Effective Cycling graduates learn how to choose the bicycle, equipment, and riding style that will let them ride comfortably and efficiently for hours--or just around the block. The course teaches techniques that can dramatically reduce the risks of bicycling. Graduates learn to avoid common mistakes--about 70% of car-bicycle collisions are at least partly the fault of the cyclist. They also learn how to get out of trouble when someone else makes a mistake. The curriculum includes basic mechanical skills such as fixing a flat. The 9-hour course combines classroom instruction, a video, parking lot practice, and on-road riding. Students who complete a written and on-road evaluation receive a certificate. The course fee ranges from $40 to $60.

The EC program also includes classes for children and their parents. There are certified Effective Cycling instructors distributed around Massachusetts. Classes can be offered through community colleges, parks and recreation departments, and adult education programs. The Bicycle Coalition of Massachusetts (BCOM) coordinates the statewide EC program. Contact BCOM at (617) 491-RIDE for a schedule of EC courses or to help promote or organize an EC class in your area.

Effective Cycling Road I Curriculum Outline

MODULE 1: EQUIPMENT
1. Parts of the Bicycle
2. Bicycle Selection
3. SIZE and FIT
4. GEARING
5. ESSENTIAL ACCESSORIES

MODULE 2: BASIC HANDLING SKILLS
1. ABC QUICK CHECK
2. Starting and Stopping
3. Steering a Straight Line & Turning
4. Scanning
5. Signalling

MODULE 3: HOW TO RIDE IN TRAFFIC
1. Effective Cycling Video
2. Where to Ride on the Road
3. Riding Through Intersections
4. What You Need to Know about Massachusetts Law

MODULE 4: EMERGENCY MANEUVERS & FLAT FIXING
1. Quick Stop
2. Rock Dodge
3. Quick Turn
4. Flat fixing

MODULE 5: ACCIDENTS, RIDING ENJOYMENT, AND GROUPS
1. Accident Rates and Types
2. Accident Prevention
3. Road Hazards
4. Riding Enjoyment
5. Commuting/Utility Trips
6. Riding on Paths and Trails
7. Group Riding

MODULE 6: EVALUATION
1. Road Evaluation
2. Emergency Maneuvers
3. Multiple Choice Questions
4. Course Evaluation by Students
5. Certificates