[SDCBC] talk is cheap - Re: all road users need education

[Bicyclist]

I may be being a little grouchy this morning... and though I do 
really appreciate the exchange of ideas (I am still learning too), I 
do hope that those of you who apparently care are or will actually do 
something... something in addition to riding your bikes and posting 
concerns and ideas.

Supporting the efforts of appropriate others with cash memberships 
and additional donations is probably the easiest way to help.
SDCBC membership can be entered or renewed on-line at 
http://www.active.com/event_detail.cfm?event_id=1285437 or send a 
check (or two) to SDCBC, P.O. Box 34544, San Diego, California, 92163.

Other means:

Volunteer to help SDCBC on the local level, CBC on the state level, 
CABO for your club or bicycle friendly organization, LAB on the 
national level. Or maybe you can suggest others? I bet that Kathy 
could offer suggestions.

Learn the craft; the laws and best behaviors. Then model them, being 
an good ambassador.
(As Will Rogers, American Cowboy humorist/philosopher said. "It's not 
what he [bicyclists] don't know that bothers me, it's what he knows 
for sure that just ain't so!")

Tell your friends. Be a ride leader or officer of your club - do not 
let them flaunt traffic law or courtesy... or drop your membership.

Become certified to teach others through the LAB LCI program, then 
teach others. Certification as an LCI is the best way I know to 
authenticate your traffic bicycling skills and improve 
teaching/advocacy skills.... and you might actually learn something.

Use the contacts you have or can develop to advocate for bicycling at 
work, school, church, community meetings, municipal meetings and 
committees, state and local transportation departments and agencies, ....

Become a recognized and/or voting member of the groups above or 
others. Speak up for bicycling and rational behavior in traffic.

Endow/bequeath/donate to appropriate organizations that support your 
views/desires such as (my favorites) SDCBC, CBC, CABO, LAB, Sierra Club, ...

Other ideas?

end of rant.


Jim Baross
San Diego, California
(A volunteer who gets paid for providing some training and instruction.)

Chair, SANDAG Bicycle Pedestrian Working Group
Vice Chair, Calif. Bicycle Advisory Committee
President, Calif. Association of Bicycle Organizations
Board Member, Calif. Bicycle Coalition
Spokesperson, San Diego County Bicycle Coalition
League Trainer & Effective Cycling Instructor #185 K-C
Chair SHSIP, Challenge Area 13 "Bicycling Safety"

"Cyclists should expect and demand safe accommodation on our public 
roads, just as does every other user.
Nothing more is expected. Nothing less is acceptable."
        Jack R. Taylor

"Cyclists fare best when they act and are treated as drivers of vehicles."
        John Forester

"Same Roads Same Rules Same Rights"
        SDCBC

"Roads are for people, not just for people in cars."
        Jim Baross