Welcome to the Ready to Pedal media resources page.

This page includes press information about Ready to Pedal as well as links to select segments from the Ready to Pedal DVD. Below, you will find integrated press materials including a press release, some frequently asked questions and finally, the video segments which can together provide you a glimpse at the informative, high-quality DVD production.

Growth Cycle, an organization specializing in bicycle-related consumer and retailer education programs and consumer products introduces Ready to Pedal, a comprehensive instructional DVD that prepares those new and learning bicycle riders for safe and fun bicycle riding and commuting. Endorsed by the League of American Bicyclists, a non-profit organization that promotes bicycling for fun, fitness and transportation and work through advocacy and education, Ready to Pedal employs expert content from industry veterans and the League with professional quality, in-depth visual instruction to educate and inspire novice riders.

For more information, interview requests and footage and b-roll requests, please contact:
Eric Doyne, Dispatch Comms., (415) 829-2575, eric@d.ispat.ch
Ray Keener, Growth Cycle, (303) 442-2466, ray@growthcycle.net

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Ready to Pedal Leverages Unique Content and Partnerships to Prepare and Inspire Throngs of New Bicycle Riders

Educational DVD Showcases Inventive Tips Endorsed by League of American Bicyclists

BOULDER, Colo. (March 2, 2009) — Created as a resource to accommodate rising interest in bicycle use, Growth Cycle introduces Ready to Pedal, a comprehensive instructional DVD that prepares new and learning bicycle riders for safe and fun bicycle riding and commuting. Endorsed by the League of American Bicyclists, Ready to Pedal employs expert content from industry veterans and the League with professional quality, in-depth visual instruction to educate and inspire novice riders.

"With rising gas costs, national interest eco-friendly alternative transportation and a down economy all leading towards an increase in bicycle use and new riders, the time is right for Ready to Pedal," said Ray Keener, Ready to Pedal producer and founder of Growth Cycle. "With Ready to Pedal, we've communicated useful tips visually so people can learn on their own and then connect with local bicycle retailers to get prepared, ride safe and have fun."

Ready to Pedal utilizes 50 expert tips conveyed as one-to-two minute video segments that are strategically categorized to cover key aspects of bicycle riding and preparation. The segments leverage action photography, close-up visuals, vivid graphics and common language, making the information simple for consumers to understand and retain. Additionally, segments utilize the latest in common cycling gear, accessories and tools that reflect current bicycle riding trends. Categories for the variety of tips covered in Ready to Pedal include:

Bike Basics Safety Gear Carrying Gear Biking in Traffic Right Routes

Riding to Work Mechanics Cold, Rain and Dark Riding Advanced Tips

Ready to Pedal captures the fun of bicycling and the essential tips and techniques a rider needs to stay comfortable and safe," said Andy Clarke, Executive Director, League of American Bicyclists. "The information is clearly presented, easy to digest, and fun to watch. It's even better to put into practice."

Ready to Pedal will be available for purchase for $14.95 at local bicycle shops across the country beginning this month. Ready to Pedal will be made available to bicycle advocacy organizations, bicycle clubs transportation officials as part of a national education and promotional campaign in spring of 2009. Additionally, more information and direct purchase is available by visiting www.readytopedal.com.

Ready to Pedal is one of several informative videos produced by Growth Cycle, a Boulder-Based organization specializing in bicycle-related consumer and retailer education programs and consumer products. Growth Cycle is operated by Ray Keener, a 30-year veteran bicycle industry marketer and producer of acclaimed interactive web- and video-based instructional tools.

Demo Videos

Below you'll find some great video sample tips to get you ready to pedal.

To view a demo video, click the title below.

Ready to Pedal FAQ

What's the genesis of Ready to Pedal?

As more and more Americans look to drive their cars less and use a bicycle for around-town errands and transportation, the need for a one-stop source of information and inspiration is clear. Biking can be a complex and multi-faceted activity, with many questions about traffic safety, the right gear, and appropriate techniques. Ready to Pedal answers all these questions with 50 friendly bite-size video tips.

What can I learn from Ready to Pedal that I can't get from my local bike shop?

An expert bicycle store employee may know everything in Ready to Pedal, and more. But it could take over an hour in the store to learn. On the Ready to Pedal DVD, all of the information is in one place, easily accessed from a computer or DVD player. Delivered in a fun, inspiring style that makes people want to ride! Plus computer graphics make challenging concepts like gear shifting and traffic safety easy to learn.

Why should I buy a Ready to Pedal DVD?

Bicycling makes sense in so many ways, yet it can be complex and intimidating for new users. So Ready to Pedal is the fun and easy way to get started for people who want to reduce their carbon footprint, stress levels, save money on gas, wear-and-tear on their car.

What will riding my bike around town do for me?

Here are just a few facts from the first of Ready to Pedal's 50 video segments, Why Ride?

• Cost per mile, pedaling versus driving. 58 cents a mile for cars, 8 cents for bikes
• Pedaling 20 miles a week instead of driving pays for a new $500 bike in a year
• Every gallon of gas burned produces 20 pounds of CO2
• 40% of greenhouse gases are produced by cars.
• Riding 20 miles a week for a year burns 400,000 calories
• Riding 20 miles a week for a year adds a month to your life expectancy

What are the 50 tips on the Ready to Pedal DVD?

All the videos run from one to two minutes. Our Three Facts Fast format makes the information easy to follow and remember:

BIKE BASICS

• Including tips on: fitting and sitting, pedaling, shifting, eating and drinking and pre-ride preparation

SAFETY GEAR

• Including tips on: helmets, tools, spare parts, visibility gear from lights to bells, safety equipment and safe riding

CARRY IT ALL

• Including tips on: carrying methods and recommendations on bags, baskets and trailers

TRAFFIC TIPS

• Including tips on: obeying the law, being visible, alert and thinking ahead

TECHNIQUE TIPS

• Including tips on: basic bike handling, where to look, steering and braking

RIGHT ROUTES

• Including tips on: choosing comfort over speed, test riding, finding the best cycling resources

RIDING for TRANSPORTATION

• Including tips on: what to wear, averting bike theft, combining your bike and car and taking advantage of Federal bike programs

MECHANICS

• Including tips on: how to clean, and lube a bike and how to fix a flat

COLD and RAIN and DARK

• Including tips on: equipping your bike and body and riding at night

ADVANCED TIPS

• Including tips on: selecting shoes and pedals, safe riding for various situations and surfaces and dealing with traffic elements

What are the sources for the information?

Ready to Pedal is a production of Growth Cycle, a Boulder, CO-based media production company that has been serving the needs of the bicycle industry since 1995 (www.growthcycle.net). Growth Cycle collaborated with the League of American Bicyclists on the Ready to Pedal production. The League is America's premier membership organization for bicyclists, providing information on advocacy, events, community, and education (www.bikeleague.org).

What else does Ready to Pedal encompass?

The readytopedal.com Web site includes a comprehensive resources library with links to a wide variety of information from the world of cycling. This includes relevant and up-to-the-minute information about how bicyclists and employers can apply for bicycle commuter tax credits, approved by Congress in late 2008.

What's the appeal for retailers?

The Ready to Pedal DVD is sold to retailers for use as an education and promotional tool. This allows the store to give the DVD to new bike buyers and repair customers to encourage their around-town cycling. Stores also give away the DVD at community events to promote both their store and the activity of cycling in their community.

How does a consumer buy a Ready to Pedal DVD and how much does it cost?

Consumers can get a Ready to Pedal DVD in two ways: Either by finding a local retailer at http://www.readytopedal.com/buy.html, or they can also order it directly from Growth Cycle through Amazon.com. The retail price of Ready to Pedal is $14.95.