Welcome To The Shasta Wheelmen Bicycling Club Web Site

NOTICES Record Searchlight Redding Benito's Letter to the Editor April 27, 2008 Be courteous and share the road     As the weather warms, many cycling enthusiasts take to the roads of Shasta County in search of fresh air, exercise and nature. It is also the time that cyclists and motorists sometimes clash on these same roadways. For some motorists, cyclists are an obstacle or distraction on the roadway. For some cyclists, the drivers are inconsiderate and dangerous. Cyclists have a right to be on roadways so long as they keep up with traffic. If not, they must remain as far to the right of the roadway as possible except when avoiding debris, passing, etc. Most cyclists and motorists respect this law. However, some cyclists do not and they obstruct or delay traffic, angering motorists. Most motorists are courteous and patient with cyclists. However, some motorists throw things at cyclists, yell obscenities, blow horns, and swerve at or drive at the cyclists to scare or hit them. All of the above conduct is potentially criminal, but the latter is the most dangerous. Using a vehicle in an attempt to strike a cyclist is an assault with a deadly weapon; a felony punishable by a maximum of 4 years in state prison and revocation of the motorist's driving privilege for life. If anyone is injured or killed, the consequences increase. The bottom line is that there are discourteous drivers and discourteous cyclists, but most cyclists or motorists are courteous and follow the law. Because we share the roadways, let's do it in a way that does not harm anyone. The consequences are potentially severe to both the motorist and the cyclist. Cyclists, please ride in appropriate areas of the roadway in single file when possible. Motorists, don't antagonize or terrorize cyclists and never throw anything at or drive at a cyclist. Whether you are a cyclist or a motorist, the simple solution is to be considerate. Jerry Benito Shasta County District Attorney Redding

The Shasta Wheelmen Bicycling Club is a cycling group whose membership is family-oriented and welcomes riders of all ages. Founded in 1970, it is affiliated with the League of American Bicyclists, the California Association of Bicycling Organizations, and Adventure Cycling. Club rides are scheduled on each Saturday, Sunday, Tuesday,  Thursday and on some holidays. Guests are invited to attend these rides, with the provision that helmets are worn on all rides and liability waivers are signed. With Redding as the club base, a wide variety of terrain is available for riding, varying from flat to rolling hills to mountains. The Shasta Wheelmen interact with the public and with local government agencies to promote safe, effective cycling, improved road conditions to facilitate bicycle commuting as well as recreational riding, and cyclists’ rights to the use of the roads. Meetings are held on the first Tuesday of each month at Yaks Koffee Shop, 3274 Bechelli Lane in Redding, with guests welcome. The annual club project is the Shasta Wheelmen Jamboree, held on the first Sunday of May. Ride choices of 25, 50, or 100 miles are offered, with full sag support, rest and snack stops, a meal after the ride, and commemorative T-shirts available for sale. The beautiful scenery along the routes and the friendly support of club volunteers draw participants from many areas of northern California and southern Oregon. The Shasta Wheelmen welcome your interest. For further information write to us at PO Box 994292, Redding, CA 96099, visit our web site www.shastawheelmen.org , or email info@shastawheelmen.org .