Carbon Trace

I learned how to vandalize sidewalks with chalk grafitti

Seriously, what you’re seeing here is one of the unique and important components of CyclingSavvy traffic bicycling training. While there are many important differences between CS and other programs (differences I’ll be discussing regularly seeing as how I am now a CS instructor), the “chalk talk” feature of the road tour class is a real eye-opener.

What you see there is my drawing of this intersection — S. Kingshighway Blvd. crossing I-64 in St. Louis. I’m drawing it on the sidewalk as part of my training to teach bicyclists how to negotiate such traffic features safely and assertively.

Looks scary, doesn’t it? Well, it’s really a big purring pussy cat when you drive your bicycle through it properly.

My goal was to explain making a left heading north onto Kingshighway, crossing the intersection, avoiding a developing right-turn only lane, merging right with traffic exiting I-64, and finally making a right turn onto Hospital Dr. north of the intersection.

CyclingSavvy instructors encourage students to negotiate these traffic forms one at a time following the “chalk talk.” One instructor demonstrates (and then waits at a vantage point where s/he can watch the students as they perform). The other instructor manages the group so that each exercise is completed smoothly and safely. No student is forced to do anything that makes them uncomfortable. But the thing is: An important focus of CyclingSavvy is showing that bicyclists — even novices — can ride safely in traffic situations that are commonly thought to be for experts or “road warriors” only.

Not all on-road exercises look as dramatic as this one. But each one is chosen to demonstrate exactly the kinds of lane-positioning and traffic analysis skills necessary for safe bicycle driving in traffic. The lessons are powerful and empowering. As a bit of proof, read “I Am No Road Warrior” by Diana Steele. Here’s what she wrote about the road tour class:

The afternoon class on the streets (Tour of Orlando) was the best thing ever. The strategy sessions analyzing the traffic patterns and different road features were fascinating. Actually riding in traffic through these road features was nothing short of a revelation. Riding my bike solo through traffic on a heavily traveled section of the dreaded Colonial Drive, while the rest of the class watched, was amazing. And empowering. And I didn’t die!

CyclingSavvy, by the way, is no seat-of-the-pants organization. It is the result of hard work and hard thinking by bicycling advocates with serious expertise — former League Cycling Instructors Keri Caffrey and Mighk Wilson. CS is the official bicycling curriculum of the Florida Bicycle Association. It is a fully-insured program.

CyclingSavvy offers three classes:

1. 3-hour classroom instruction
2. 3-hour “training your bicycle” exercises
3. Road tour — putting it all together

The classes are independent, but students may not take the road tour class without having taken both the bicycle training and classroom portions. CyclingSavvy also offers a stand-alone class for leading group rides.