The reception has been very positive. We are encouraging businesses to contact us soon to get things rolling.
» more »GO MAINE officially announced the Bike Commuter Education Program on Friday, May 21, 2010 during the Bike to Work Day festivities in Portland, ME. The Sunrise Guide was the first business to officially sign up for the program on that day.
This program will help guide businesses that want to promote cycling within their organization and help the cyclists who want to commute by bike.
To support businesses, the program offers guidance on creating a bicycle friendly culture in an organization, understanding the needs of a cyclist who rides to and from work and outlining what facilities a cyclist would typically want at the workplace. While having all the facilities like showers and lockers is nice, it’s not a deal breaker. When an organization understands the cyclist’s perspective, many different options are possible. This program offers that type of guidance to businesses.
To support the cyclist, the program offers on-site training seminars by qualified cycling instructors. These sessions are adapted to the time available to employees during the day or scheduled after hours, at the business’ and employees convenience. Through these, existing or would be cyclists can learn the realities of cycling to and from work and the hard skills that go with it. topics include setting realistic goals, managing a work out on your way to work, bikes and other equipment, riding techniques, route selection, night riding, and general traffic safety. These classes are taught by instructors who speak from experience and are trained in safe cycling practices. Classes are for intro to intermediate cyclists of all ages.
Erik West, a League of American Bicyclist, Certified Cycling Instructor (LCI) is the Bicycle Commuter Education Program Director for GO MAINE. The program is made possible through funding from the MaineDOT. The Program will train and utilize qualified cycling instructors in the pool of instructors who currently teach for the Bicycle Coalition of Maine. Jim Tasse, Education Director for the Bicycle Coalition of Maine (and also an LCI) is partnering with West to establish a group of instructors statewide that can comfortably teach this cycling niche.
If you would like more information about this program or would like it to come to your place of business, please contact Erik West at ewest@gpcog.org or at 207-774-9891.
GO MAINE is a program of the Greater Portland Council of Governments. Sponsored by the MaineDOT and Maine Turnpike Authority. © 2010 Go Maine. All rights reserved.