Advocacy & Safety - Need some idea on cycling education

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leob1
11-11-09, 12:39 PM
My wife, who works for a company that tries to get cars off the road(ride sharing, carpooling, cycling, public transportation, ect.) has been tasked with developing a cycling education program, for both drivers and cyclist. The big issue is that the 'cyclists' that need it most; don't speak english, or very little english, and are wary of any government or government looking program, but they depend on bicycles to get to their jobs and other places. As this population increases, the problem of these 'cyclists' increases. The biggest issue seems to be a lack of knowlege of the rules of the road, like riding with traffic, etc., and being seen at night. The idea is to keep everbody safe.
I'm looking for suggestions on how to reach out and educate these people.
Thanks.

genec
11-11-09, 12:49 PM
Simple pictograph signs.

Show bikes and cars sharing the lane with arrows pointing in the same direction.

Show bikes lit up and with smiling cyclists. Show dark bikes with the circle slash.

As a publicity gimmick, give away lights to cyclists. I understand that in one city cops give unlit cyclists lights rather than tickets.
Ajenkins
11-11-09, 01:32 PM
Talk to the League of American Bicyclists. They have developed a range of courses, and have student material in both English and Spanish. A list of League Certified Instructors can be found on the LAB website; contact a local instructor or two; I know that in my LCI certification course, we had at least one candidate who was bilingual.

The courses the League has developed are very well organized, comprehensive and effective, and LCIs are very well trained. There's no point in trying to re-invent the wheel.

Pscyclepath
11-16-09, 07:42 AM
The League's "Smart Cycling" program focuses on teaching folks of all ages to ride in almost any traffic condition, with a little less than 1200 certified instructors across the country. More than half the instruction is carried out on the bike... first in a parking lot, then on the streets. The basic course ("Traffic Skills 101") materials are available in Spanish as well as English.