BVC-CHAT Safety Presentantion to Intl. Students

[Jean Marie Linhart]

I gave a 10 minute presentation on cycling safety to A&Ms international
students orientation this morning.  It went well.  I had a captive
audience of about 200 students!  I brought my bike in to the presentation.
It was loaded down (and I do mean loaded down) with my giveaway
goodies, so I think it was a good visual.  Told them I was a serious
bike commuter, which helped my credibility.  I got to show them stuff
on my bike like my lights and helmet. I covered quite a bit with the
high points being: 

1) Wear a HELMET
   with minor points
    * Carry ID
    * Hands on handlebars
    * Brakes must work    
2) Use lights at night
3) Drive your car like a vehicle
    * Lane positioning
    * Stopping for stop signs
    * Sidewalks are for pedestrians

I had them laughing several times.  I thought the presentation went
quick and well.  I was happy with it -- I didn't think I could
do much with 10 minutes, but I felt like I did a lot.

They appreciated the giveaways.  I managed to unload 15 XL tshirts,
10-15 water bottles, 2 helmets and 10 gift certificates for
headlight/taillight sets at Aggieland Cycling.  I let the winners
tell me what they wanted, so those who were crying "Lights!"  
"Lights" got those -- we gave Aggieland $100 toward those light
sets.  (Aggieland gave us a 50% discount and will get them installed
too.)  The BVC president who has lots of BVC goodies stacked up
in the garage was VERY happy with the giveaways.  (Fewer goodies now!)

They would like a bike to give away if we can get one (used would be
great) at an event coming up this fall.  They can use that as incentive
to get folks to come.  So if there is one available
let me know so I can let them know.

Jean Marie