Just a couple of brief points:

--I am not advocating training as a cure-all for bicycling. What I was doing is to show how bicycling would look if it had followed the scuba model for equipment and training. I think an integrated approach is necessary, which includes some at least fundamental training, and some standardization of equipment requirements for the road.

--Rather than talk much more about it, I will be talking to the Bicycle Transportation Alliance here in the Portland Metro area, and my LBSs. There is already some activity concerning training, but in order to influence training, someone must train!

--I would like everyone reading this to ask a few simple questions of your LBS, and report back to this forum. Next time you go to your LBS, ask:

1. What training do you provide to bicyclists?

2. What safety equipment do you recommend to a new bicyclist who is buying a bicycle and outfitting it?

3. Do you have any training materials available for bicyclists?

4. Do you promote training programs by an outside agency or group for bicyclists?

That is four simple questions, and if you could compile the answers, without names of the LBSs, and present them here, we could get some ideas of the extent of training currently available.

Thanks,

John