[SDCBC] FW: bike safety and good neighbor relations

[Brian Parent]

I think we (SDCBC folks) are united in our desire for safer road conditions 
for all road users.

I also think we agree that paying attention to the task of driving 
vehicles (motorized, or human powered) is key to a safer environment.

As cyclists, we can increase our safety by proper roadway positioning
which not only improves the likelihood that we will be noticed, and
decreases the likelihood that a motorist will decide to engage in an
activity that might distract them from roadway activity, but also makes
our intentions obvious to other road users, increasing their time to
react, and adjust as necessary.  Proper roadway positioning is therefore
courteous to other road users, as well as safer for all.
Proper roadway positioning does not mean always staying as far right
as possible, nor dies it mean always controlling a full lane.  It is 
a bit too complex to try to describe or teach via email, though not 
difficult to learn in person, and in actual practice.

I learned proper roadway positioning plus lots of other cycling gems
via the League of American Bicyclists' Road I course.  If you haven't
been through such a class, you owe it to yourself to take one.  In case
you're not already aware, SDCBC won a grant from the City of San Diego
to pay for such education.  That means you may now attend one of these
classes, and the City will pay your $50 registration fee.  See the
schedule of classes at www.sdcbc.org.