Tulsa Nonprofit Offers Safety Seminars For Cyclists

Riding a bike on the road with cars can be a scary situation for cyclists, especially if they aren't familiar with their bike or the rules of the road.

Julie Etchison isn't exactly an avid cyclist, but she recently decided she wants to make more trips on two wheels.

“I've really wanted to get back out on my bike, but it's really intimidating to ride on the streets with the rest of the cars,” she said. “And really just not having that, not feeling completely comfortable and feeling safe."

People like Julie are exactly why the local nonprofit Tulsa Hub is putting on traffic Safety 101 seminars.

Tulsa Hub is an educational nonprofit, on a mission to change lives through cycling. Members say they’ve been operating here in downtown Tulsa for about 8 years.

Cyclists face a lot of hazards out on the roads when it comes to debris, other bikes, and especially cars and trucks.

Just last month, a cyclist was hit on Riverside Drive in a detour on the Riverparks bike trail.

He was banged up but otherwise OK -- a close call that could have been much worse.

“I think just the risk of injury is probably the scariest thing,” Etchison said. “So just any way to avoid that."

Tulsa Hub says learning the rules of the road and knowing how to communicate as a cyclist is key, as wearing a helmet.