Spokane's Bike Buddy
Program
Sharing the Secrets of
Bicycle Commuting
co-sponsored by:
Spokane
Bicycle Club and Bicycle Alliance of Washington
Contact us at: SpokaneBikeBuddy@aol.com
You need a Bike Buddy IF:
You an experienced
recreational
cyclist who just wants
to know
the best route to your
office.
Or, are you new to riding in
traffic
and want
to learn all the ins and
outs of
bicycle commuting?
Maybe you've tried commuting
but
weren't sure how to ride in the
rain, in
the dark or in traffic.
Whatever your situation, a Bike
Buddy can help get you cycling to
work.
You can become a Bike
Mentor IF:
You are an experienced
rider who regularly deals with traffic, weather, and carrying things on your
bike.
You are familiar with
good bike routes in at least one section of town.
You are willing to attend
a 2 hour
training session before you become a
mentor.
You can spend an
afternoon or evening visiting with a Bike Buddy, plus a Saturday or Sunday
morning riding with your assigned Bike Buddy.
How
does Bike Buddy work?
The Bike Buddy program is
simple – it matches you with a trained volunteer familiar with the commute
between your neighborhood and workplace. Buddies are available to help in as
many of the following areas as you need:
> Selecting a
comfortable route
> Riding safely in
traffic
> Fixing a flat tire
> Choosing gear for
commuting
> Taking your bike on
the bus
> Renting a bike
locker
> Determine if your
bike is "commute-ready"
> Other
tips and techniques
Sign up for a Bike Buddy via
email to SpokaneBikeBuddy@aol.com.
The Spokane Bicycle Club will assign someone
to you and that person will contact you to set up a mutually convenient time
and place to meet. Most mentors are willing to come out to your home or meet
over coffee to review equipment and map out a route. They are also willing to
do a test ride or two
with you to make sure you're comfortable with the selected route.
Bike Mentors
are needed! If you would like to
volunteer call Eileen at 747-3778.
The Advantages of Bike Commuting
Bike commuting lets you:
> Fit a workout into your busy day
> Feel energized when
you arrive at work
> Get more control
over your schedule
> Avoid parking
hassles & costs
> Help improve the
region's air quality
> Reduce wear and tear
on streets
It's worth the effort!
Why bother with a Bike
Buddy?
If you're new to bicycle
commuting, you'll get all of the support you need to get started. Once you start riding,
you'll also get a "new rider" packet with commuter items. On the
other hand, if you're a more experienced rider, you'll get help only in the areas
you specify. In all cases, you will
receive personalized, one-on-one attention from someone who has commuted by
bike for years!
How
about a Bike Buddy Presentation
at
your Office or Organization?
Experienced cyclists are
available to conduct lunchtime sessions on bicycle commuting for interested
colleagues. At the end of the session, participants can sign up to be
individually matched with a Bike Buddy.
