The Revamp of Effective Cycling

Training Wheels -- January, 1996

by Barbara Sturges

LAB's Effective Cycling Program

For the past 17 years, bicyclists across America have gained the skills and confidence needed to ride safely in any traffic situation by attending courses taught by League-certified Effective Cycling Instructor volunteers. The EC Program is based on the principle: "Cyclists fare best when they act and are treated as operators of vehicles." This principle was developed by visionary bicycling educator John Forester, author of the book, Effective Cycling.

The League of American Bicyclists continues to be a leader in the area of bicycle education by introducing its revamped Effective Cycling program. By the end of 1998 twelve courses will be available: Instructor Certification, Road I, Road II, Road III, Kids I, Kids II, Kids III, Commuting, Families, Motorist Education, Off-Road, and Bicycle Maintenance.

Descriptions of many of the courses were given in the Nov./Dec, 1995, Bicycle USA.

This edition of Training Wheels is an exciting departure from our past descriptions of materials available to teach bicycle safety. LAB has revamped its longstanding Effective Cycling (EC) program. In order to better understand the new program, I interviewed Jerry Hopfengardner, League Life Member and Education Committee Chair. Our conversation follows.

Training Wheels (TW): What will be different about the new EC program?

Jerry Hopfengardner (JH): There are three major differences.

• First, individual Effective Cycling Instructors (ECI's) have had complete discretion over content. Under the new program, ECI's will be specialists in standardized courses targeted to specific interest groups, for example; children, parents, commuters, off-road, etc. A student can enroll in the standardized course which meets his/her needs, ranging in length from one-half hour to ten hours.
• Second, it's no longer necessary to commit to a 10 week course in order to be taught the EC principles of riding in traffic. These principles are introduced in EC Road I and provide the basis for the entire program.
• Finally, the means of becoming an instructor is being streamlined.

JH: The public will arrange with a local instructor to take a course. The instructor will still decide where and when to offer a class. The main differences are that the course for which one enrolls will be more specific to the needs of the individual and that, as more ECI's are certified, more courses -- in more areas --will be available. We currently only have about 200 active ECI's -- for the entire nation! The problem, we feel, is that the current method of certification is so cumbersome. By streamlining the training we'll train more instructors, who then will offer more classes.

TW: In addition to training ECI's what is LAB 's role in the revamped program?

JH: We will have regional coordinators to assist local instructors in recruiting students and identifying facilities; to assist with logistics and record keeping. A network will be established linking the national office to regional coordinators and to the instructors in a given area. These regional coordinators will be paid by the national office -- with moneys coming from their recruitment efforts. We'll have an incentive program somewhat like a commission. Records will be kept at the national office which will also develop and provide all materials, written and video.

To support these efforts, instructors will give part of the proceeds from classes back to LAB, and the fee structure will be standardized. It is a program modeled after the American Red Cross courses.

TW: There are several ECI seminars scheduled for this spring which I understand will cost $225 until May 1; $300 after. Who do you anticipate attending these seminars and how are such individuals being recruited?

JH: The seminars currently scheduled will certify instructors to present Effective Cycling Road I, II, Kids I, Family and Motorist Education. Currently candidates are only being recruited through Bicycle USA. The seminars are for individuals who are knowledgeable about bicycling and the EC principles. Attendees must be leaders in the bicycling community. Within 6 weeks of the seminar, they must pass a road test and written test, and provide two letters of recommendation -- attesting to bicycle leadership qualities and accomplishments.

These requirements for course attendance ensure a baseline background understanding of EC principles so the seminar can focus on organizational and teaching techniques. One should come to a seminar knowing the mechanisms of EC and at the seminar, learn to teach them to others.

Regarding the pricetag -- previously becoming certified as an ECI did not cost as much in money but it was much more time and trouble than a two and a half day seminar! When I became certified, I had an 80 mile drive to the home of my ECI mentor. I had a long, extensive essay test to complete. I had to spend 30 hours teaching under the sponsoring ECI's direction (remember that 80 mile drive)! A half dozen other local cyclists began the process at the same time I did -- due to my perseverance I was the only one certified!

Another answer to cut cost is the approach many bike clubs are taking -- sponsoring one individual to attend who will come back and teach others!

TW: Must a potential site coordinator guarantee 10 attendees in order to have a seminar ?

JH: Bonnie McClun, LAB Education Director, is handling the logistics of arranging seminars to train ECI's. Seminars still available include: Hartford, CT and Amhurst, MA both April 12-14; Salem, OR April 19-21; Baltimore May 3-5; Millersville, PA June 3-5; Dayton, OH July 1-3. Registrations are due seven weeks prior to the course. See the Jan./Feb. Bicycle USA for contact persons. I would also remind Midwestern prospective ECI's of the seminar in Dayton just prior to this summer's Rally.

TW: What is the role of those individuals already certified as EC instructors in the new program?

JH: Current ECI's will be grandfathered into the basic courses, at least Road I and II. They can submit verification of their teaching to request grandfathering in other courses or, of course, take the seminars. Although some ECI's may be anxious about this, those who have been actively teaching should have no problems qualifying in areas they want to teach.

TW: I have heard the opinion that the revamp project is merely a means of LAB profiting by selling EC courses and materials. How would you answer that criticism?

JH: We don't anticipate making money; the League won't support it if it's a drain but we aren't making these changes in order to make money. We intend to offer quality materials and programs at a reasonable price. Moving to this new program is a courageous leap -- I feel it will invigorate LAB's education effort and enable us to better meet the demand for bicycle education brought on by the increased popularity of bicycling.

TW: What else would you like members to know about the EC revamp?

JH: Most importantly -- Effective Cycling continues to be based on John Forester's principle: "Cyclists fare best when they act and are treated as operators of vehicles."

TW: Thanks, Jerry. Maybe I'll see you in Dayton, before the Rally -- especially if Folks on Spokes or LIB wants to pay my way!