Prime bicycling weather is just around the corner, and it is time to get you and your bike ready!

Bicycling safety: Classes

The University Bicycle Resource Center offers a free monthly class. The topic changes from month to month. You can generally learn – and practice – best techniques related to your bike and biking. 

If you prefer something virtual, recordings of the center’s virtual classes held in 2020 are available in a YouTube playlist.

The center’s current class schedule and shop hours are posted on the University Bicycle Resource Center webpage. The UBRC shop is located in the Helen C. White Garage (Lot 6), in the northeast corner of the ground level of the parking garage. There are also air and repair stations located throughout campus.

If you are interested in being added to the University Bicycle Resource Center monthly email updates, please email Dar Ward at darwin.ward@wisc.edu to be added to the email list. 

Bicycling safety: Key points

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation has great resources for bike safety. Key points include:

• Be visible: If you can’t see the driver, they can’t see you
• Be seen when stopped
• Obey traffic laws, signs, and signals
• Be aware of your surroundings
• Ride on the road, bike lane, paved shoulder or path
• Enhance visibility with proper lighting
• Wear a helmet

Bicycling safety: For kids

If you are interested in safety classes for kids, one option is Learn 2 Ride offered through Madison School and Community Recreation (MSCR). Check out their guide for Summer 2023, and go to page 19 to see a class description and class options.

Bike helmets for children – and lots of other safety equipment for children and for the home – can be purchased at the Children’s Safety Center at the American Family Children’s Hospital. The Children’s Safety Center also offers educational materials, as well as trained staff to answer your questions.  Another bonus is that most items are less expensive than local retailers. Call 608-890-8041 or email safety@uwhealth.org.

Note: Information for this article was taken from the University Bicycle Resource Center March 2023 Update, dated 3/2/2023.