Bicyclist Lane Chandler practices braking for instructor Wayne Cullop during the county-sponsored bike safety program at Udall Park.

Other articles by Ron Medvescek:

Concert offers tunes with your trout Kids get taste of music at camp Water inspires students' art Dog wash a gathering of greyhound lovers 'Frog Prince' holds a crowd 'Hansel and Gretel' keeps the little ones' attention

Health Care
Sierra Tucson
Eating Disorders Program Coordinator Trades/Construction
RANCHO RESORT
MAINTANANCE POSITION General
A1 Communications
Cable Techs Dental
Southern Arizona Endodontics
Dental Assistant

"Your hands follow your eyes. … You're communicating by your road position. … Today we'll teach you how to minimize your falling."

These were among the many tidbits of bicycling wisdom offered during the Pima County Bicycle & Pedestrian Program's free bicycle-safety class Saturday at Morris K. Udall Park, 7290 E. Tanque Verde Road.

Eleven riders straddled, stopped and steered their way through three hours of obstacle courses, riding tips and safety techniques before embarking on a three- to four-mile ride through quiet neighborhoods and along busy streets following the lead of certified instructors Wayne Cullop and Martha Lemen.

Class participants ranged in age from early teens to late 60s and they had varying degrees of riding experience, from beginners to folks looking for an opportunity to polish their skills.

"When you get out there you realize what you don't know," said Lane Chandler, 68, who had previous experience in other riding clubs but not on the open roads of Tucson. "You can always pick something else up."

The event was the culmination of a two-day training session that covered rules of the road, bike safety and maintenance, riding etiquette and biking laws.

Most took the class to gain confidence, learn about safety and understand their rights when sharing the road with traffic. Thirteen-year-old Scott Boyer was philosophical.

"I'm getting older and I need to be more aware, so I can make me safe and other people safe around me."

After the ride, the group gathered beneath a shady ramada at Udall Park, shared lunch, and told stories of their adventures. Then after a quick lesson on flat-tire repair they pedaled away more confident and self-assured than when they began.

The class, part of the Pima County Bicycle & Pedestrian Program, is offered throughout the year at a variety of locations. Learn more online at www.bikeped.pima.gov or call 243-BIKE (2453) for information and to register.