Courtesy BikeAlameda

Have you ever taken a formal bike safety class? If not, you owe it to yourself to do so. It's a very worthwhile three-and-one-half-hour investment of your time. In this free class taught by league-certified bicycling instructors, you will learn the latest defensive techniques for riding in traffic, how to share the road with cars on busy streets, rules of the road, your rights and responsibilities, necessary equipment, avoiding crashes and fixing a flat tire.

Both novice and experienced cyclists have benefited from this class. Parents, who have taught their young kids how to ride their bikes, have learned how to drive bikes safely on the street so they can teach their children how to stay safe on their bicycles as they transition from sidewalk riding to street riding.

There is a lot more to it as a parent than just ensuring their children wear a helmet at all times; high-quality helmets will be for sale at the class for only $20 with part of the proceeds supporting BikeAlameda's bicycling advocacy work.

The class will take place from 1 to 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 28 at the First Congregational Church, 1912 Central Ave.

No bike is required for this classroom-style course. This class is designed for teenagers 14 and older and adults only. Although there is no fee for the class, space is limited and registration is required online at www.ebbc.org/?q=safety.