ISO - May 2010 e-Newsletter
Since the month of May is national bike month we are devoting this issue for all
those who are dedicated cyclists or just those who love to bike for fun. The weather
is now perfect to get back on your bikes. Go out there and have fun!
There are so many benefits to biking. It’s a great low-impact workout and although
your lungs and legs may feel it most, riding a bike helps your entire body to be
stronger and healthier. If biking replaces riding the bus or train or taking a taxi
then you’re definitely saving money on your commute. There is also the environmental
benefit of helping to reduce the pollution of cars and other gasoline-powered vehicles.
Before you go off to explore the world on 2 wheels, there are some important things
to remember. Keeping your bicycle well-maintained not only increases the lifetime
of your bicycle but also keeps you safe. In particular, check your brakes, quick-releases
(that attach your wheels and seat to the bike frame), cables and chain. Make sure
nothing is lose or broken and make sure there is enough air in your tires.
Remember safety first!
- Wear a helmet!1
- Follow the law. Bicycling laws are different in each state and if you are
sharing the road with drivers, you also need to obey traffic signs. If you have
a bike lane use it and avoid erratic behavior. On the other hand, don’t be invisible.
Wear light colors or reflective gear that’s appropriate to the weather, have clean
reflectors and a night use both front and back lights. Reflectors are not enough
at night!
- Learn to look over your left shoulder – You need to remain aware of your
surroundings and that means all around you. If you’re new at bicycling, a rear-view
mirror will help you to see the traffic behind so that you know when it is safe
to leave the bike lane to turn left, pass another cyclist or change lanes. Once
you’ve mastered looking over your left shoulder at the traffic behind it will also
help with making eye contact with passing motorists. Although motorists are supposed
to check behind them when pulling out of a parking space, don’t take it for granted.
Remain aware of vehicles with the engine on and passengers getting out of vehicles.
You wouldn’t want to get “doored”.
- Signal – for lane changes or turns, or stopping suddenly; motorists often
are very nervous driving around bicyclists because they don’t know what to expect;
make your intentions clear, and they’ll generally give you more space and time to
do what you need to do; you aren’t required to signal, however, if you need both
hands on your handlebars.
- Use good manners – if you make a mistake, give the “my bad” wave; if someone
does something nice for you, give a wave of “thanks”; never steal the right-of-way,
it is very offensive and terrible PR for bicyclists; give pedestrians lots of space.
That means no riding on the sidewalk if it is not allowed.
Remember to smile when you are biking!
There are lots of resources out there for bicyclists.
A lot of information can be found not only for beginners but those more enthusiastic
about bicycling here: http://www.sheldonbrown.com/
Also check out http://www.traillink.com/home.aspx to find great bike trails in your
area!
If you’re interested in further information about National Bike Month, try looking
for Bike Month events and information on the
League of American Bicyclists website.
And remember to share some of your biking adventures with us on facebook!
Happy and safe riding
- Photo courtesy of Zunal.com, http://www.zunal.com/webquest.php?w=18122