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Do you love riding your bike? Would you like to learn to ride better and add a few strings to your cycling bow? East Waikato Community Road Safety offer Free Adult Cycle Skills Courses.
The first course is due to be held in Thames on the 11 April, with further sessions in Waihi on the 2 May, and Matamata on the 30 May.
There are sessions available for all bikes including e-bikes, and specific dates for e-bikes only. All are Group sessions with a maximum number of 12 and so booking is essential.
You will need a road worthy bike and an approved helmet
You'll learn what ‘Pedal ready’ means
How to stay safe when you're cycling
What to look for to check your bike
The sessions are designed for adults who can ride a bike
The staff at the Hauraki Rail Trail enjoyed a morning of the cycle-skill training some time back. Diane and Marg are out on the trail all the time on their e-bikes. Almost 20 per cent of our Trail riders are now using the powered alternative.
Despite riding frequently, a refresher on some basic skills was a welcome reminder for Diane and Marg of how to stay safe on the Trail.
Maryann Kerr and Del Read ran a fun course, that tested some of what they thought they knew, with time to test their skills out on the road. Looking resplendent in their high-vis vests that come free with the course, the dynamic duo put into practice the use of gears, hill climbs, busy intersections, and hand signals.
“I highly recommend these courses for everyone out riding our trails,” Diane told us. “This year we had a couple of serious accidents on or near the trail, and often it’s the riders getting back on a bike after a while out of the saddle.”
If you would like to take part, phone Thames-Coromandel District Council on 07 868 0200 to book your space, or enquire about other locations and dates. You'll also find more information in the flyer below at the end of this story.
200 Bicycle Bells were supplied to the Hauraki Rail Trail by East Waikato Community Road Safety, promoting their Road Safety Is Everyone’s Responsibility.
The Hauraki Rail Trail has a limited supply of the free Bicycle Bells, which are available along with Hauraki Rail Trail wristbands at the Pūkorokoro–Miranda Shorebird Centre, the Cheese Barn at Matatoki, the Hub in Paeroa, Waihi Gold Discovery Centre, Te Aroha i-SITE and Matamata i-SITE.
Using a bell, not only reminds you of your childhood youth, but also offers a little extra safety for yourself and those around you.
When approaching other Trail users from behind, it’s a great way to make your presence known as you slow down to pass.
Please remember ringing a bell shouldn’t be intended as an expectation for pedestrians to move aside. In many cases cyclists can just as safely ride around a pedestrian, rather than expect them to move out of the way.
And of course a cheery good morning or afternoon works just as well!
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