Did you know that the Colorado State Police have a hotline for bicyclists to report aggressive driving if they see a motorist putting a bicyclist at risk?

The phone number is Star CSP (*277) when dialed from a mobile phone. Thanks to a State Patrol partnership with mobile phone companies calls to this hotline are free.

This is not like a normal phone number; you do not need to dial an area code. Simply press the * key (usually the lowest left key on a phone pad) and then 277. This number only works on mobile phones. If you are calling from a non-mobile phone dial 303-239-4501 or any State Patrol Communication Center.

When dialing Star CSP bicyclists should be prepared to communicate:

• Vehicle license plate number – this is mandatory
• Location and direction of travel
• Vehicle and driver description, if possible
• The aggressive driving behavior being demonstrated

The license plate number is the key. This allows the State Patrol to identify the vehicle owner’s name, driving record, and address. Without the license plate number, identifying the vehicle is impossible.

According to the State Patrol website, the information is entered into an aggressive driver database and police will send a warning letter after receiving three complaints. If the State Patrol receives additional complaints they send a trooper to make personal contact with the registered owner of the vehicle to take appropriate enforcement action.

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Classes begin at 7 p.m. at the Bike Co-op at 331 North College Avenue and run an hour and a half.

This class brings forty years of Smart Cycling curriculum developed by the League of American Bicyclists to both novice and experienced riders.  There is something for everyone here.

You may attend only the classes that interest you although, if you wish to receive a certificate for completing the class you must attend all sessions and take an exam.

There is no charge for the class unless you wish to receive the certificate.  In that case the fee is $60 ($30 for students and educators).

Description: This is a “sampler” class for those curious about Smart Cycling classes taught at the Co-op. The first 8 classes are 1 hour and 15 minutes each on Thursday nights at the Fort Collins Bike Co-op. There will be no class during Spring Break (March 18) The last class is a three hour on-road class Saturday, April 17th.

Call to let us know you are coming and then just show up!

Feb. 25 – Vehicular Cycling Philosophy and Practice (What this class can do for youth, adults, beginning cyclists, educators, commuters, and motorists);

March 4 – Picking a bike : what kind of bike should I buy ?

March 11 – Bike Maintenance Basics;

March 18 – Spring Break – NO CLASS;

March 25 – Safety equipment, Bike Clothing, accessories, & on-the-bike tools;

April 1 – Principles of Traffic Law (in general and in Colorado);

April 8 – How crashes happen and how to avoid them;

April 15 – Riding basics (classroom); April 17 (Saturday) Bike Handling basics – Parking lot drills (1.5 hours) On-the-road practice (1.5 hours)

To register for this course, contact:

Rick Price
Phone: 970-310-5238
Contact Email: Click For Email

Anyone is welcome to just drop in last minute as well.

Equipment required: A bicycle only on April 17.

Here are some helpful tips for first time winter bikers, and timely reminders for those who’ve been riding ice for years!

1. Don’t Wear Too Much

The first thing that many people think when considering winter bike commuting is that they’re going to be freezing cold. However, biking in any conditions generates heat, so the real problem is to stay cool enough. Wear breathable layers for your first couple of winter rides, and be sure to remember a hat and gloves, as ears and knuckles get the brunt of the wind. Top it off with a light coat that has vented armpits if possible.

2. Watch For Ice

Those who’ve seen what black ice to do to those poor car commuters on I-25 might be terrified that the first patch of street ice they hit is going to send them to the emergency room, but navigating slippery areas is a skill that doesn’t take that long to learn. First of all, TAKE IT SLOW! Cruising around that corner at top speeds without knowing if it’s iced over is a bad idea. When in doubt, stop pedaling and get ready to use one or both of your feet for balance in case you hit a slippery spot. For those that are really commited, studded tires can also be helpful for maintaining traction. (And, as always, WEAR A HELMET!)

3. Be Ready For Night Riding

In case you haven’t noticed, the sun sets earlier in the winter time, and even many mornings can be overcast and gray, making visibility a nightmare. Be prepared and always utilize a headlight and reflective clothing, especially when biking around in the late afternoon, or home from work in the evening.

More winter riding tips can be found at Bicycling Life (a site for everyday bicyclists) and ICEBIKE (home of the winter cyclist and other crazy people!)

Image Credit: The Real Estate Resource Team