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Cyclist Aims To Teach Frederick Riders Safety

By STEPHANIE MLOT

The Frederick News-Post

FREDERICK, Md. (AP) -- As the Frederick bicycling community grows, so does the need for education.

Alyssa Boxhill is hoping to fill that position as a newly certified instructor-in-training with the League of American
Bicyclists.

The dedicated cyclist joined Hood College spokesman Dave Diehl and Ad Hoc Bicycle Committee member Darius Mark for a prerequisite class at the college in September.

"(We) took the course in the interest of becoming better educated," Boxhill said, "for ourselves and to serve the
community as ambassadors."

The trio followed the course through the second week of November, when they traveled to Washington to participate in a real-world scenario on the city's streets to earn their certification.

Boxhill, 32, was tasked with leading other bicyclists around the capital, a task she called "pretty intense" exposure to teaching.

The new instructors are hoping to work together to complete training by the spring and be ready to teach classes and offer seminars for individuals and businesses in Frederick.

Boxhill once considered a career in education, but took a different path, now working as a graphic designer for Frederick
Memorial Hospital's marketing department. But the Frederick resident said she was excited about the opportunity to focus on something she is passionate about by coaching people in bicycle etiquette and safety.

Beginning with the benchmark Traffic Safety 101 course, Boxhill wants to bring general safety knowledge to the city. Part of the challenge for the new teachers will be to scrounge up enough participation to see the process through.

"There is a lot of prep work, to build up a registered base and get them committed," Boxhill said.

Following a set of workbooks provided by the League, Boxhill's classes will offer both in-the-classroom aspects and hands-on components.

An avid cyclist since 2006, Boxhill began riding while working in Washington. At first, the walk from her downtown Frederick home to the MARC station wasn't a hassle. But once she realized the economical and environmental benefits of bicycle commuting -- not to mention the time it saved -- she hasn't looked back. After a job change and office relocation, Boxhill bikes the mile to work "every day I can," she said.

"Since I am so passionate (about cycling), I want to share that," Boxhill said.

Her greatest interest in this new venture is the ability to bring information about the safest commuting options to other
employees at the hospital.

"I want to encourage people and give support to those already doing it," said Boxhill.

Everyone from master cyclists to children riding their first tricycle can benefit from more knowledge about bike and traffic safety, she said.

"The more exposure, the better," Boxhill said.
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Information from: The Frederick (Md.) News-Post,
http://www.fredericknewspost.com
(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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