Selecting a Safe and Rider-friendly Practice Venue
Finding the ideal place to learn and practice cycling is not always easy. A flat, clean, smooth road with good visibility, which is closed to motor vehicles, is the ultimate venue. A bike path might make a good riding area if used at times of low cycling and pedestrian traffic. Some skills are better learned on grass; these include any drills where crashing is a possible outcome, such as wheel touching or drafting. The grass will not only soften the fall somewhat but also keep the speed down. Of course, other, more advanced skills must be learned on the open roads. To cycle safely and efficiently in traffic, one will have to experience sharing the roads. It is most important that a rider first knows the rules of the road and has good operating skills before mixing with traffic. Athletes should be taught the hazards of storm grates (wheels can get caught) and the proper way to cross railroad tracks if need be.
Competition motivates athletes, coaches and the entire sport management team. Expand or add to your schedule as many competition opportunities as possible. A few suggestions have been provided below.
- Host an area or regional cycling competition.
- Ask area cycling clubs if your athletes can compete with them.
- Join the local cycling club or the UCI Cycling.
- Contact your national governing body or go to www.uci.ch for contacts within each country.
- Create a cycling club in your community.
