Can-Bike courses being offered in Waterloo

This one may have slipped under the radar. If you are interested in getting a Can-Bike 2 certification, or your Can-Bike Instructor's certificate, the City of Waterloo is hosting training sessions starting next week at the Waterloo Memorial Recreation Complex.

The Can-Bike 2 Course will be instructed by Bruce Hawkings and Philip Martin, beginning Thursday, Sept 10 from 6-9 p.m., with subsequent classes on Saturday, Sept. 12 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Thursday, Sept. 17 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.; and Saturday, Sept. 19 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The Can-Bike Instructor course will be taught by James Herman beginning Tuesday, Sept. 22 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. and then Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 26 and 27, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Can-Bike 2 is intended to help experienced cyclists become better riders in the urban environment. I believe that the No. 1 reason that adult cyclists give me for riding on the sidewalk is "riding in traffic is scary." Can-Bike 2 teaches you how to manage risk and respond to urban traffic situations. Take the course and learn to be confident that you can ride in traffic.

The Can-Bike Instructors course is intended to show experienced and confident riders how to teach cycling skills to others. (Can-Bike 2 is a prerequisite for Can-Bike Instructors).

The cost is normally about $180 per person, but Martin says the City of Waterloo is subsidizing this course for any Region of Waterloo resident, so the cost per student is $50 (plus HST).

I couldn't find the courses on the Waterloo website, but Martin says you can register directly by going to Waterloo's ExpressReg, and searching the course code for Can-Bike 2 (181279) or Can-Bike Instructors (181229). 

Full disclosure: I'm a graduate of both courses, and happily endorse them.

The investment you've all made in cycling infrastructure is already in place. You just have to feel comfortable using it. Can-Bike 2 is worth the investment if you want to get off the sidewalks and use the roads. And Can-Bike Instructors is a worthy investment if you want to help others join the cycling revolution.