Biking instructors aim to make riding in Sudbury safer

Sudbury will soon have certified cycling instructors.

The Canadian Cycling Association is training bike riders with the goal of making streets safer.

Sudbury resident Janet Evans, who is taking the course, said instructors will learn to teach proper hand signals and how to safely drive in traffic.

Evans said the more cyclists use the road, the sooner motorists will learn to drive alongside them.

"We need to have the critical mass of cyclists on the road actually using these skills so cyclists start to recognize them," Evans said.

About six instructors, who can be contacted throughRainbow Routes, will be certified next week.

Evans said she aims to share that knowledge with others, including how to signal and when it's safest to ride in a traffic lane or along the curb.

She noted cyclists need to learn know how to keep themselves safe, particularly in Sudbury, where there arent many bicycle lanes.

"If motorists see that you're taking the safety precautions... then they give you the mutual respect," Evans said.

The instructors intend to teach lessons in schools and at community events.