Letters - Learn about your bikeby Mark Weston, UVic studentIn your recent cover story (Three cyclists hurt, Oct. 11) your description of two of the three cycling accidents was, in essence: the cyclist braked and either went over the handlebars or off the bike — no collision with a vehicle actually occurred.
As a long-time commuter cyclist, I fully sympathize with the cyclists in question but I want to advise them, and all other regular cyclists, to be more aware of how to handle their bikes in emergency situations. A commuter cycling skills course, like those offered (for free) through the UVic Bicycle Users Committee will teach riders how to emergency brake without flying over the handlebars as a result — in brief, shift your weight backwards as you slam on the brakes, and all will be well.
I encourage the cyclists involved to learn from their road rash, as I have from mine, and keep on cycling.
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