SACRAMENTO COUNTY, CA (MPG) - Four opportunities to ride with a Bike Patroller have been announced by the American River Bike Patrol. The get-acquainted rides are part of the patrol’s current membership drive and are open to cyclists 18 and over.

Ride-alongs, led by bike patrollers, will take place on Aug. 5, 12, 19 and Sept. 9, starting at 9 a.m. "If you like helping others and can ride a bike, these get-acquainted rides provide opportunities to hear, see and experience what bike patrollers do," said Recruiting Adviser Tim Viall.

"We're doing this now, as our final first aid class of the year occurs on Sept. 30 in Sacramento. That will be the last chance to become a bike patroller, this year." said Viall.

The Bike Patrol is an all-volunteer unit that provides safety patrols on over 69 miles of bike trails beside the American River and on the El Dorado Trail. "We help trail users stay safe and provide emergency bike repairs and first aid," said Viall.

The Aug. 5 ride-along will start from El Manto Access park on the American River Parkway in Rancho Cordova. The Aug. 12 and 19 ride-alongs will start from the Streng Volunteer Center at William Pond Recreation Area in Carmichael. And, the Sept. 9 ride-along will start from Black Miner's Bar at Folsom Lake State Recreation Area in Folsom.

To reserve a place at the presentation and 30-minute ride-along, email [email protected] or call 209-969-3875. Participants must bring a bike to ride.

More about the bike patrol is found at americanriverbikepatrol.org.