'Let's Ride' Teaches Cyclists Rules of the Road and More

You'd think that riding a bike would be, well, as easy as riding a bike. But that's just not the case for many.

The economy, ecology, the desire to be healthy, and fair weather are bringing many new or part-time cyclists out. Expert riders will tell you that, while the enthusiasm is appreciated, uninformed riders often break traffic rules, creating unsafe situations for themselves and auto traffic.

Many folks also don't know how to perform simple repairs on their bikes or lock them up properly to avoid theft.

So, for the first time ever, the South Orange Maplewood Adult School and the South Orange Maplewood Bicycle Coalition (SOMbike) are offering a class for suburban cyclists, young and old. The class will meet for four consecutive Tuesday nights, beginning July 6, at the South Orange Middle School at 7 p.m.

An inexpensive alternative for active family fun (only $50 to register), instructors Kirk Sohr and Tom Reingold, long-time Maplewood residents and avid cyclists, promise that this class will get you out and rolling again. You will learn basic repairs and adjustments, how to ride safely and confidently in traffic, and  the correct way to lock up your bike.

Kirk Sohr is a certified League of American Bicyclists instructor. He recommends the class for anyone who knows how to ride a bike but feels uncomfortable with their ability or with the thought of sharing the road with cars. "It's not a 'learn to ride a bike class,'" he said. "We expect folks to come knowing how to start and stop their bike, and to be able to turn in either direction." He adds that people need to come to class with their bikes, in working order, though, he added, "We'll make simple adjustments, in terms of fit and brakes, and air in tires."

Tom Reingold repairs and refurbishes bikes in his home. He is often called "The Go-To Bike Guy." He has also made cycling his 'go to' mode of transportation, finding a route to Costco in Union on local streets and riding to music rehearsals in Madison. "When you know how to ride safely, you will feel more comfortable and might ride more often," Reingold said. "The riding conditions aren't as bad as they look once you know how to protect yourself."

Sohr and Reingold have been active in SOMbike since its inception last October. Community outreach and education is a big part of their mission. The coalition holds regularly scheduled family rides, organizes longer rides, maintains an active website (sombike.com) and, in May, held Bike to Work Week events in both towns.

During the upcoming school year, the bike coalition is planning monthly activities in the middle and high schools to promote cycling.

"People who take 'Let's Ride!' will feel comfortable enough to start to get out on their bikes and enjoy one of the few activities that still has the ability to make even the oldest amongst us feel like a child again on their very first ride," said Sohr.

For more information, go to: www.somadultschool.org