Shane MacRhodes was in town. Shane runs the Safe Routes to School program in Eugene and is a co-founder of Kidical Mass. Last night he met with local LCIs at the Bicycle Kitchen in Sacramento. Tonight he presented the latest best teaching techniques at North Natomas TMA to a group of experienced LCIs plus a few rookie-LCIs.
Tag Archives: LCI 3879
Sierra Elementary Bike Club
We met in Placerville at
in library parking lot.
Staff advisor Alyson Fox arranged for an engraved lock which will go on the train trestle bridge, our turn-around point.
(Check back here to see our group picture. None of mine turned out. I hope Alyson has a good one she can share.)
On the ride back there was some dirt-trail riding – harder than it looks, but enjoyed by everyone who tried it – and totem building.
Alyson and Tristan enjoyed a post-ride ice cream.
As of this afternoon, ALL my jobs are done and there is nothing on the horizon for employment. It’s been a hectic two months so the upcoming break is quite welcome.
Sierra Elementary Bike Club
I went early today so I could ride the route we will be using for our final club ride. The road crossing to the bike trail is somewhat tricky – because of the curving road, I don’t think a left turn from the left lane position is a good idea, so students will ride on the right side, stop, then cross when it’s safe.
I made an old-fashioned (ha! from the 50s-70s) newspaper delivery bag for a new bicycling fun activity that looked something like this:
Because the asphalt part of the playground was in use, I set up 5 boxes among the trees. It was HARD to ride on soggy dirt and attempt to throw newpapers at the target. Almost everyone had to stop, throw the paper, then ride on. Attempting to catch the newspapers was almost as much fun.
This is our last on-campus club meeting. Tomorrow is the street ride.
Project Ride Smart ends
Lesson 7: all riding, on the street or on trails. To maximize our time, every morning Doug and I moved all 40 bicycles from the classroom where they were stored to the front of the cafeteria. It took 45 minutes and we each walked 2 miles (I checked), but it was worth it. Monday:
Tuesday. Guntej: “Miss Artlete, I want to be in your group.” You’re a very good rider and should go with Mr. Doug in the blue group. “I’d rather be in the red group.” I had room, so it was ok. Then Shamira made the same request, also ok to join. Aha! a group of friends managed to be together, only Elijah and I did not speak Punjabi, and my name was changed permanently to Miss Artlete. They were all delightful.
Wednesday. There was a shortage of volunteers to ride sweep for the groups. For the first time in 3 years, I led a street ride with the blue group. All competent and confident riders and a great way to end.
Just one time down the slide then it’s back to the bikes!
Project Ride Smart is the best bicycle-driving education program in the Sacramento region. I’m lucky to be a part of it.
Project Ride Smart – week 3
LCI Pollyanna joined us this week. She gave instructions at the starting point while Doug and I watched and evaluated students at the other end.
The most complicated maneuver is the multi-step left turn: scan, signal, scan, merge to left position, stop signal, brake evenly at the limit line, scan left/right and give left turn signal, go according to right-of-way rules. Students are scored 0-3, then grouped for street rides by ability.
I always take the red group and we stay on the bike trail and park paths. This north Natomas neighborhood has a series of connected parks with many bike paths. I tell my group how lucky they are because we have more fun and ride more. 
Sierra Elementary Bike Club
This bike club has grown in numbers this year. About 15 kids show up consistently! One of the students is holding Eddie’s Bakery – a large yellow truck, laminated and attached to foam-core board with two handles on the back. Everyone wants to “drive” Eddie’s Bakery truck to simulate approaching traffic to practice making good decisions going through an intersection. Eddie is notoriously irresponsible and unpredictable – some have even suggested he should get a DUI. So glad I only made one of him.
Auburn Elementary Bike Club
Today was the last club meeting for the Auburn Elementary Bike Club. It took two years to get permission for an off-campus ride … and today was the day! Everyone was excited. We rode in the neighborhood near the school and on a bike trail in a nature preserve. 
Thank you, Sacramento River Cats, for sponsoring our bike club this fall. And big thanks to Luke Brownell, 4th grade teacher and bike club advisor. We couldn’t have done it without you!
Project Ride Smart after-school coaching
Each year, there are several students who have never ridden a bike before. And, after the first day of blacktop drills, many more are discovered who have forgotten HOW to ride a bike in a controlled and predictable way. Therefore, we offer two one-hour after-school coaching sessions. Some students sign up early and others are “invited” to participate.
A near-miss as they whizzed by:
Of the ten students who had never ridden, all learned how to ride. Only two did not reach a sufficient skill level to go the the street rides. 
Sierra Elementary Bike Club
Josh, the adult in the picture, is one of our parents who frequently helps out at bike club meetings. All help is greatly appreciated!
Auburn Elementary Bike Club
arletelouise 