Riding Safety Classes?

[BridgetownAJ]

Hey all!
I am hoping to start riding again soon, but I've never ridden downtown (or very much in Portland at all). So, I want to take a riding safety class. Anybody know where I could find one? I can't seem to figure out where to look..
Thanks!

[JeffW]

I know that Bike Gallery has some free commuting clinics (http://www.bikegallery.com/clinics.php), but I can't vouch for the content as I haven't actually attended one.

The best advice I can give is:
1) Be assertive - if you act like you know what you are doing and are supposed to be doing it, most people (including car drivers) will fall in line. This covers taking the lane, asserting your right-of-way at stops, etc.
2) Be predictable - think of car drivers like wild beasts: sudden movements might frighten them into attacking; act clearly and deliberately. This covers signaling, not riding against traffic (especially on a sidewalk), swerving, etc.
3) Smile at the a-holes. They're just jealous that you have the initiative to be out there.

[lynnef]

Washington County BTC regularly teaches Traffic Skills 101 classes. This is the League of American Bicyclists curriculum; all classes are taught by LCIs (licensed cycling instructors).

Schedule here:
Traffic Skills 101 classes

[BridgetownAJ]

Thanks guys! Exactly what I was looking for, and thanks for the tips as well JeffW