Education

GEARs now has sister organization called GEARs Education which offers classes, with help from Eugene SRTS, and the City of Eugene. These classes follow the curriculum of the League of American Bicyclists. Registration for classes is available online or by calling Paul Adkins, GEARs Board member, at (541) 255-2478.

Traffic Skills: This 9-hour class is recommended for bicyclists over age 14 and of all skill levels. It offers training needed to ride safely and legally in traffic and on the trail. Bicycle safety checks, laws pertaining to bicyclists, and techniques for avoiding crashes are part of this curriculum. We will be giving instruction with on-bike skills, crash avoidance techniques and basic bicycle mechanics. The culmination of this class is a ride through town in traffic. Complete the class in the 2 or 3 session format to receive your Road 1 certificate from League of American Bicyclists. Materials cost of $10 can be paid at the class. See schedule.

Traffic Skills for Families: Topics covered include how to perform a bicycle safety check, helmet fitting, bike sizing and basic traffic skills. Perfect for kids age 5-14. This will prepare your family to become bike to school regulars. See schedule.

Bicycle Commuting 101: This class is for adult cyclists who wish to explore the possibility of commuting to work or school by bike. This 1 hour course covers topics including route selection, bicycle choice, dealing with cargo and clothing, bike parking, lighting, reflection, and foul weather riding. These classes are offered as requested, so please contact Paul Adkins 541-255-2478 if you would like to coordinated one at your business or for your group.

Rides and Events

See the “Events” page for some great ride events happening all around the Northwest.

Blackberry bRamble and Jamboree Weekend -GEARs Education’s Annual Bicycling event features a family-oriented community ride through Eugene’s neighborhoods and parks on Saturday, July 31, 2010 followed by the annual supported century/metric century road ride on Sunday, August 1, 2010. Free blackberry pie after each ride! For the full description of the weekend of fun and biking see the bRamble & Jamboree page.

Public Awareness

We are currently developing, in partnership with the BTA, a campaign that will work to boost attentiveness and ease the tension between the road users.  We encourage you to take the Eye to Eye Pledge at the Eye to Eye website.

Community Building

Bike Day will be joining the Blackberry Jamboree -An annual celebration of bicycling featuring bike rides, entertainment, bike skills/safety, prizes, free Ben & Jerry’s ice cream, and bike blended smoothies. All Bike Day events are free. Join in the fun on Saturday, July 31, 2010, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. at a location to be announced.

GEARS Bike Fair -Gear up for the summer cycling season with a chance to see new bikes/products from local bike shops, plan rides for the coming season, and win great prizes! Coming again in the Spring! (Vets Club, 1626 Willamette)

Kidical Mass-a short, fun family ride through neighborhood streets and ending with treats and or play. Kidical Mass occurs on the third Friday of each month. See the website  KidicalMass.org for more information.