Bicycle Guide - San Francisco Bicycle Coalition

Transcript

San Francisco Bicycle Guide San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency 585-BIKE • www.bicycle.sfgov.org Nathaniel P. Ford Sr. Executive Director/CEO San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency “It’s an exciting trend that more and more people are choosing to bicycle in San Francisco for both transportation and recreation. Trips made by bicycle instead of by car have proven personal health benefits, and help all of San Francisco by reducing traffic congestion and air pollution. That’s why the MTA Bicycle Program continues to improve and expand facilities and training for bicyclists, freeing street space for transit, and making San Francisco a worldclass bicycling city.” This guide was made possible by Proposition K Sales Tax funding, administered through the San Francisco County Transportation Authority. It is produced and distributed in collaboration with the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition and the San Francisco Bicycle Advisory Committee. Please direct questions or concerns about the Guide to the MTA Bicycle Program at 415-585-BIKE, or send email to [email protected]. Illustrations by Kevin Keck Table of Contents Table of Contents ABC Quick Bicycle Check.......................................................................................................2 General Bicycle Rules............................................................................................................4 Where to Ride in Traffic Lanes: Intersections and Turns.......................................................7 Riding in Bike Lanes.............................................................................................................11 Riding on Bike Routes..........................................................................................................13 Bicycling at Night.................................................................................................................15 Riding in Rain and Fog.........................................................................................................16 Riding Near Streetcars, Trucks and Buses...........................................................................18 San Francisco Bicycle Route Signs......................................................................................20 Bicycles Allowed Use of Full Lane.......................................................................................21 Bicycle Parking in San Francisco.........................................................................................22 Bikes on Transit................................................................................................................... 26 Helmets................................................................................................................................28 Avoiding Collisions and Injuries...........................................................................................31 Grates, Plates, Trenches and Potholes................................................................................34 What to do if you get in a Collision.....................................................................................36 The “CoExist” Public Outreach Campaign...........................................................................37 Bicycle Safety Education.....................................................................................................39 Waller Street Bicycle Learning Area...................................................................................41 Parts of the Bicycle..............................................................................................................44 Bicycle Sizing and Fit...........................................................................................................45 Gearing and Shifting............................................................................................................46 Brochures and Publications.................................................................................................49 Important Telephone Numbers and Internet Links............................................. back cover   ABC Quick Bicycle Check “ABC Quick” Bike Check Safe bicycling starts with a safe and wellmaintained bicycle. These quick checks will take about a minute, and ensure that your bike is in safe working order: A = AIR C = CHAIN Tires lose a little air each day on their own. Make sure your tires are inflated to the proper pressure before you ride. Check air pressure every couple of weeks. Often, you can’t feel a tire which has lost a little pressure. If you can squeeze the tire, the air pressure is probably too low. Make sure your chain is not dried out or rusty, since it could cause sudden problems when riding. Also make sure it is not so worn or stretched that it hangs down. To check for stretching, take a ruler and check to see that the distance between the centers of link pins (see photo below) is exactly 12 inches. If the distance is more, the chain is stretched and should be replaced. If it is worn, replace it. If the chain is dry, lubricate it by using a greaseless chain lubricant. If you find stiff links in your chain, you may be able to free them up by carefully and slightly bending the chain sideways back and forth until the stiff link loosens up. B = BRAKES Squeeze the brakes to make sure the pads are not worn, and will stop the wheel from moving without applying much pressure. Have your brakes adjusted or replace the brake pads as soon as possible if either pad doesn’t touch the rim. Measure for chain stretch from link pin to link pin, as shown above. ABC Quick Bicycle Check The quick release lever should be closed in the upright position, as shown above. QUICK = QUICK RELEASES WEAR YOUR HELMET Check your wheel quick release skewers to make sure they’re closed and tight. Improperly fastening quick release skewers can allow your wheels to shift and rub against the frame of your bike, or even fall off! In an urban environment, you may want to consider using locking skewers to further deter thieves from stealing your wheels off of your bike. Fit and adjust your helmet correctly so that it fits snug and the straps and slides are properly adjusted. See section on HELMETS for more info. Your helmet is not technically part of your bike, but think about it like a seatbelt: it must be put on and fastened properly before you start your trip.   General Bicycle Rules On The Street General Bicycle Rules On The Street GENERAL RULES ON THE STREETS A person riding a bicycle on the street or highway has all the rights and is subject to all the duties applicable to the driver of a vehicle, including DUI, obeying traffic signals, and all rules of the road. The California Vehicle Code (beginning with VC 21200), defines the rules and responsibilities of cyclists. You will find complete bicycle related vehicle codes at http://www. dmv.ca.gov/pubs/vctop/vc/vctoc.htm. Scroll down to Division 11, Chapter 1, Article 4: Operation of Bicycles Bicyclists are required by California law to stop at STOP signs. ENTER THE STREET IN A PREDICTABLE WAY - Enter the street in a way that makes you visible to other users and yields right of way appropriately. Do not dart out into the street from a driveway, from the sidewalk, or from behind a parked car. Drivers are not expecting to see you in this situation and may not have time to stop. RIDE ON THE RIGHT SIDE - Because all vehicles operate on the right side, when drivers enter a road, change or cross lanes, by habit they look that way for possible conflicts, and often will not see someone coming from the wrong direction. Surprising motor vehicle drivers is never a good idea. Wrong-way riding is one of the leading causes of crashes, accounting for 15 to 20% of all collisions with cars. RIDING WITH TRAFFIC makes you more visible and predictable to other street users. Cyclist behind the car, going the wrong way. SIMPLY OBEYING THE LAWS AND FOLLOWING THE RULES OF THE ROAD WILL HELP YOU AVOID MANY COLLISIONS. RIDING DEFENSIVELY, BY BEING PREPARED FOR UNPREDICTABLE ACTIONS OF OTHERS, WILL ALSO HELP YOU AVOID COLLISIONS. General Bicycle Rules On The Street ADULTS DO NOT RIDE ON THE SIDEWALK. Sidewalks are for pedestrians, not for bicycles. The San Francisco Traffic Code prohibits adults from riding bicycles on the sidewalk: ARTICLE 5: SECTION 96. BICYCLE RIDING RESTRICTED. It shall be unlawful to ride a bicycle upon any sidewalk area, except at a permanent or temporary driveway or on bikeways heretofore or hereafter established by resolution of the board of Supervisors; provided, however, that juveniles under the age of 13 and riding a sidewalk bicycle, exercising due care and giving the pedestrian the rightof-way, may ride and operate their sidewalk bicycles upon the sidewalk, except such sidewalks as are in front of schools, stores, or buildings used for business purposes. (Amended by Ord. 394-78, App. 8/29/78) If the traffic on a street makes you uncomfortable riding on that street, choose an alternate route to your destination. Bikes should be walked on sidewalks, especially where there are pedestrians. If you feel that you must break the law and ride on a sidewalk, you must use extreme caution, stay away from doorways, and slow to walking speed. Children on children’s bikes (smaller than 21” wheels) may ride on residential sidewalks in San Francisco, but must also yield to pedestrians. COMMUNICATE! Whether you communicate by using hand signals, your voice, a horn or bell, your position on the street, or even polite hand gestures, making yourself and your intentions known is always a good idea. Using hand signals is a great way to indicate your intentions to motorists, pedestrians and other cyclists. Hand signals are not always possible (in heavy traffic, on rough pavement, while crossing RR tracks, etc.)   General Bicycle Rules On The Street so it also pays to show others what you are doing by using correct positioning on the street. (See section on LANE POSITIONING AND INTERSECTIONS) Use your voice or bell to let other cyclists know that you are passing – and always pass on the left side. Your voice, bell or horn, are also useful to alert drivers who are preparing to enter the street from cross streets, driveways, or parking lots. Sometimes these drivers are looking for gaps in motor vehicle traffic and fail to see objects smaller than motor vehicles. Drivers preparing for left turns at intersections sometimes do not see cyclists. Getting a driver’s attention in these cases is vital to your safety, but you should also plan to avoid a collision if the driver does not see you and pulls out in front of you. Slowing enough to be able to stop, or avoid the car with an INSTANT TURN, (see section on AVOIDING COLLISIONS) will prepare you to prevent a collision. Many urban cyclists “filter through” traffic stopped at red lights. This is often done between the stopped traffic and the curb. This practice is actually illegal, as it is considered “passing on the right.” There are many issues associated with filtering through stopped traffic, such as passengers getting out of cars, pedestrians walking through the stopped traffic, and very narrow spaces in which to maneuver. If you choose to filter through stopped traffic despite the obvious obstacles, you should do so with the utmost caution, and at significantly reduced speed. Where to Ride in the Traffic Lanes Where to Ride in the Traffic Lane: Intersections and Turns Where you ride on the street, or within the traffic lane, is vital to being visible, and allows others to predict where you are going and know what you are doing. Correct positioning on the street and appropriate paths of travel are great ways to be predictable, be visible, and communicate your intentions to other road users. you’re traveling at the same speed as traffic. Taking your rightful position in the lane keeps you out of motorist’s blind spots and reduces chances that oncoming traffic will not see you as they prepare to turn left across your path. On streets where the lane is too narrow for motorists and cyclists to share side-byside, and there is no shoulder or bike lane, ride at least 3 feet from the edge of the roadway, or at least 4 feet from parked cars. Stay out of the “door zone!” (The “door zone” is the area where car doors open and drivers get out.) This may mean that you will ride near the center of the lane in order to be visible and prevent motorists from passing you when there isn’t enough room. You may also take the lane when Use your position on the street to show others where you are going. By being in the correct position on the street, you make yourself more visible to others and communicate what you are doing and where you are going. When you approach an intersection, there are three choices: a right turn, a straight path of travel, or a left/u-turn. You can communicate your choice by where you ride in the travel lane, or by which lane you choose on multi-lane streets. THE RULE OF THIRDS   Where to Ride in the Traffic Lanes STRAIGHT THROUGH RIGHT TURNS For a right turn, the cyclist should be in the right third of the lane, and should not leave space for vehicles to pass on the right. A cyclist who is traveling straight should maintain a straight path of travel from one block to the next, staying out of the door zone of parked cars, and not wandering into the crosswalk (marked or not) or into empty parking lanes or spaces. A cyclist that fades right into the crosswalk while crossing straight through an intersection sends the false message that they are turning right, and vehicles may respond to this message by turning across the cyclist’s path. When you leave the lane and ride in the parking lane, you have given up your right of way, and when you want to re-enter the traffic lane, you will legally have to yield to traffic before riding back into the travel lanes. Where to Ride in the Traffic Lanes LEFT TURNS When making a left turn or U-turn at an intersection the cyclist should merge across the lane to a position in the left third of the lane, to show the intention to turn left. The rider below is making a “vehicular left turn” in the traffic lane. Polk at Market, you will be instructed to make an “L” left turn as seen in the sign below on Bicycle Route 25. Note: you should still stay out of the crosswalks as you cross. This type of turn is also called a “Box” left turn. LEFT TURNS FROM MULTI-LANE STREETS Vehicular Left Turn, In Traffic. “L” LEFT TURN (LIKE A PEDESTRIAN) If you do not feel comfortable making a left turn in traffic, you may choose to go striaght across, turn your bike to the left and cross straight again. This turn is called an “L” left turn because the rider’s movement across the intersection is shaped like a capital L. In some locations, like southbound If you are making a left turn from a multilane street you should merge to the right side of a designated left turn only lane. If the left lane of a multi-lane street is used for both left turns and straight movements, you should take a position in the center of the lane to avoid having a car pull up next to you and proceed straight, preventing you from making your turn.  10 Where to Ride in the Traffic Lanes LEFT TURNS USING MULTIPLE TURN LANES When making a left turn on a street with multiple turn lanes you need to be in the lane that will put you in the desired position on the street after you make your turn. The right-most turn lane will typically be the lane that delivers a cyclist to the right lane of the destination street, where the cyclist can then proceed without a merge or without crossing paths with vehicles. If a cyclist chooses the left of two turn lanes, he or she will end up in a middle lane of the destination street, after the turn, and will likely have to merge back to the appropriate position on the right side of the right lane to continue straight on their trip. Riding in Bike Lanes 11 Riding in Bike Lanes Riding in bike lanes provides a certain amount of separation from the motor vehicle traffic, and gives cyclists an added sense of comfort while riding in urban areas. There are still rules that make riding safer in bike lanes. DO NOT PASS ON THE RIGHT Passing on the right is a dangerous practice and should always be avoided. Others do not expect it and it may cause dangerous conflicts. RIDE IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION Always ride the same direction as other traffic. It is extremely dangerous, and illegal, to ride the wrong way in a bike lane. STAY OUT OF THE DOOR ZONE Some bike lanes may be close enough to parked cars, or cars may park so that their door reaches into the bike lane. You need to stay out of reach of opening car doors. ALWAYS SCAN FOR TRAFFIC AT INTERSECTIONS Keep an eye out for turning vehicles at intersections. Drivers sometimes look for gaps in motor vehicle traffic, and only see cyclists once it is too late to stop, so you need to make sure that you see all of the intersection, all of the time. This bicyclist is out of the door zone, safely in the bike lane. 12 Riding in Bike Lanes This cyclist is riding straight through this Polk Street intersection. A shoulder check allows you to see traffic behind you. RIDE A STRAIGHT LINE THROUGH INTERSECTIONS CHECK BEHIND YOU FOR TRAFFIC BEFORE LEAVING THE BIKE LANE When riding straight through intersections, do not fade to your right toward the curb and crosswalks as you approach intersections. These moves tell motorists that you are turning and they may anticipate a turn you do not make. Ride in a straight line from one bike lane to the one on the other side of the intersection. Before merging left into traffic to make a left turn, or even to go straight through an intersection when a bike lane is dropped at an intersection, you should check over your left shoulder behind you for traffic. The BookMobile shares the dashed bike lane as it prepares to turn right. MOTORISTS ARE ALLOWED TO MOVE INTO THE BIKE LANE 200 FEET IN ADVANCE OF MAKING A RIGHT TURN, and it is required for them to move right into the section of bike lane that is bordered by a dashed line (as shown in photo of the Bookmobile) as they prepare to make a right turn at an intersection. Cyclists should pass such motorists on the left, or wait behind them until they make their right turn. Riding on Bike Routes 13 Riding on Bike Routes The NEW SHARED LANE PAVEMENT MARKINGS are intended to show where cyclists should ride on the street to avoid a suddenly-opened door of a parked car, and alert motorists to the presence of bicyclists in the traffic lane. They will also be used in situations where it may not be obvious where cyclists should be riding, such as approaches to intersections with multiple turn lanes. A cyclist shares the right lane on Market with cars Class III Bicycle Routes (routes without striped bike lanes) necessitate bicycling in or near the flow of motor vehicle traffic. Sometimes it means sharing the same lane space as motor vehicles. On these streets it is important for bicyclists to remember to stay out of the “Door Zone.” In order to better inform both drivers and cyclists how to more safely share these traffic lanes, the City of San Francisco is pioneering a new pavement marking. After a several year effort, the MTA Bicycle Program got approval from the state of California to use this new pavement marking on Shared Lane Marking and “Door Zone” bicycle routes. More than 2,500 of these markings will eventually designate shared lane space on Class III bicycle routes throughout the city. On some streets, cyclists riding over the )N3HARED,ANES ")+%32)$%(%2% &INDOUTMOREAT WWWBICYCLESFGOVORG MTA Municipal Transit Authority This ad ran on Muni buses during 2005 to introduce the new Shared Lane Markings 14 Riding on Bike Routes marking will take the entire lane. According to the California Vehicle Code (CVC) Section 21202, cyclists are to stay on the right except to pass other cyclists or vehicles, to prepare to make a left turn, or when necessary to avoid conditions that make it unsafe to continue along the right. Riding a path to the left of the door zone, or other roadside obstacles, even if it means taking the entire lane, is permitted by the CVC. A cyclist rides safely past an open car door on Polk Street. If you see the Shared Lane Markings on the street, motorists have the right to be there, too. Shared lanes are different than bike lanes, which are set aside for cyclists and are marked by a solid white line and a different symbol. Cyclists are allowed on every street regardless of whether there is a marking or sign for them, unless specifically stated otherwise. Sometimes the Shared Lane Marking is used to instruct cyclists which lane to use, such as this double right turn lane on Howard Street. Cyclists traveling straight need to ride in the center of the lane marked with Shared Lane Markings to avoid conflicts with turning vehicles. Bicycling at Night 15 Bicycling at Night REFLECTIVE AND LIGHT COLORED CLOTHING are also very useful in making yourself visible to others at night. Wearing dark colors will make you blend into the darkness and make it much harder for motorists and pedestrians to see you. POSITION ON THE STREET is an essential way in which you can help make yourself visible at night. At night you still want to ride where drivers expect you to ride. See sections on where to ride on the street for more detailed information. Reflectors and reflective clothing make you more visible. VISIBILITY SHOULD BE YOUR FIRST CONCERN WHEN RIDING AT NIGHT. Because you may not be as visible to others, and may not be able to see all the details as well either, riding a bit slower at night is usually a good idea. Although many bikes are not fully equipped with reflectors and lights, you should know that state law requires you to have reflectors on the back, wheels and pedals of your bike, and a white front light that is visible from at least 200 feet, when riding at night. Many people use the blinking red LED (Light Emitting Diode) lights on the back of their bikes as well. 16 Riding in Rain and Fog Riding in Rain and Fog Wet weather can be slippery on two wheels, but taking some easy precautions will limit your risks. The first and most important rule for wet pavement is: SLOW DOWN! Visibility is limited in rain and fog, so use lights and reflectors when possible. Fog can also make the street surface as wet as rainfall. BRAKING AND STOPPING IN WET WEATHER: In wet weather your brakes take longer to engage, longer to stop your bike, and it is much easier to skid or slide your wheels as you brake. Start braking earlier, and use your brakes more gradually than you would on dry ground. The water makes a lubricating layer between the metal rim of the wheel and the rubber brake pad. In order to burn the water from your brake pads, you can also “pump” your brakes gently until they begin to work. THE FIRST RAIN: OILY STREETS: Watch out when it’s just rained for the first time in a long time. Streets get a coating of oil, tire rubber and other gunk that gets very slippery when you first add water. Be more careful and reduce your speed a bit on the first wet day or two of the season. SLIPPERY WET PAINT AND METAL: Lane and crosswalk lines can be slippery when wet. Cornering too fast in wet conditions can lead to nasty falls. Utility covers, streetcars tracks, drain grates, BART/Muni grates, and construction plates that lack non-skid coating can also be very slippery. Try to avoid these things when the street is wet. If you have to ride on them, don’t shift your weight or lean while riding on slippery surfaces. PUDDLES: What lies under the puddle? Unless you know for sure, you may want to ride around puddles to avoid potholes, cracks in the pavement or other things that lie hidden underwater. Even the debris that gathers in these low spots can be dangerous, or cause unwanted flat tires. DRESSING FOR RAIN For the novice and fair-weather cyclist riding in rain can be an obstacle, but you don’t have to let wet weather keep you off your bike. Good cycling clothing is wellvented and allows the rider to regulate temperature while staying dry. Most California rain –and San Francisco fogdoesn’t require a full rain suit, rain booties and a hood. Often, protecting yourself against the water sprayed up from the street is the main problem. Riding in Rain and Fog 17 FENDERS are a great way to minimize the water and grime that comes up off the street onto you and your clothes. There are now many kinds of fenders, both permanent and “snap-on” that can be installed on almost any bicycle. A dedicated pair of “rain shoes” will allow you to get to your destination without ruining your favorite shoes. Townsend Street after a rain, with water on the tracks. 18 Riding Near Streetcars, Buses, Trucks and other Large Vehicles Riding Near Streetcars, Buses, Trucks and other Large Vehicles Riding safely near large vehicles on city streets requires special attention and caution. STREETCARS AND RR TRACKS TIPS FOR SAFE RIDING AROUND BUSES AND TRUCKS: • Stay out of their “blind spots” • Never pass on the right • Do not try to squeeze through or ahead at bus zones – pass on the left • Ride far enough behind so that the driver can see you in their mirrors • Stay at least 4 feet from sides and wheels, so that you can’t fall under or into the wheels Use Caution When Crossing Streetcar and RR Tracks. Riding Near Streetcars, Buses, Trucks and other Large Vehicles 19 CROSS TRAIN TRACKS WITH CAUTION When riding near streetcars and railroad tracks, you need to pay special attention to the surface of the street. The weight of the trains may cause cracks or unevenness in the surrounding pavement as well. The tracks themselves can be slippery and awkward to cross – try to cross tracks at 90 degree angles whenever possible, as shown in the graphic above. It is easy to lose control as your wheel slides into a parallel track groove, and you will fall quickly and hard. Tracks also become more slippery when wet, so pay closer attention in foggy or rainy conditions. If you avoid the tracks on Market Street, you’ll also avoid the BART/Muni ventilation grates (see section on GRATES, PLATES, TRENCHES AND POTHOLES). AVOID CONFLICTS WITH TRANSIT It is also important to remember that when Muni tracks and grates on lower Market Street. you obstruct or delay a train or bus you create a ripple effect, inconveniencing not only the people on that train or bus, but impacting the route service in general. Transit lanes may look and feel like beautifully wide bike lanes. They are not, and you are not LEGALLY allowed to ride in them. It is legally transit-only space, and if you choose to use that space, you need to do so without any negative impacts to transit. Never challenge the streetcar! They are trains, weigh more than any vehicle on the streets, and require more time to stop. Do not ride through streetcar tunnels or dedicated rightsof-way. These areas are designed only for streetcars and riding in or through them is dangerous and illegal. Try To Cross Tracks at a 90 Degree Angle 20 San Francisco Bicycle Route Signs San Francisco Bicycle Route Signs THE BICYCLE ROUTE NETWORK IN SAN FRANCISCO has a unique sign, and numbered routes that are based on the Federal Highway system. The signs, with Golden Gate Bridge, bicycle icon, and route number, are complemented by the destination placards at the bottom of the sign. East-west bicycle routes have even numbers increasing from north to south, with route 50, on Market Street, dividing the city. North-South bicycle routes have odd numbers, increasing from east to west. Three digit numbers denote connector routes. Cross-town routes are indicated by signs with a red bridge. Local route signs show a green bridge. Directional placards below some route signs direct the rider to popular destinations. To avoid confusion with local highways, bicycle route numbers do not duplicate highway numbers within San Francisco (1, 35, 80, 82, 101, 280). Bicycles Allowed Use of Full Lane 21 Bicycles Allowed Use of Full Lane WHEN MAY BICYCLES USE THE FULL LANE OR “TAKE THE LANE?” What The Signs Means When this yellow advisory sign is seen on a multi-lane street, it is meant as both an encouragement to cyclists to ride in the center of the lane, if necessary, and a notice to motorists that cyclists may be in the middle of the lane and that motorists should change lanes to pass the bicyclist. WHERE THESE SIGNS ARE INSTALLED The intention of the “BICYCLES ALLOWED USE of FULL LANE” sign is to reduce unsafe behaviors by both motorists and cyclists, reduce related traffic injuries, and to encourage both cyclists and motorists to take the safest path where the right lane is narrow and must be shared. The sign has been installed on specific multi-lane streets with significant bicycle collision history. On multi-lane streets, where there are no bike lanes, shoulder, or Shared Lane Markings, and the right lane is too narrow for motorists and cyclists to share side-byside, bicyclists should ride at least 3 feet from the edge of the roadway or 4 feet from parked cars. You may need to ride in the center of the lane in order to be visible and prevent motorists from passing you when there isn’t enough room. You may also take the lane when you’re traveling at the same speed as traffic, which keeps you out of the motorists’ blind spots and reduces conflicts with oncoming traffic. 22 Bicycle Parking in San Francisco Bicycle Parking in San Francisco just a frame or wheel to a rack or pole, in combination with a cable, or a larger size, which will allow cyclists to lock a wheel and frame to a rack or will fit around larger diameter objects. On-Street Bicycle Parking at the Main Library. THEFT PREVENTION Bicycle theft is common in San Francisco. You must lock your bicycle whenever and wherever you leave it, even if it is only for a few seconds. Nothing will stop a determined thief, but locking your bicycle correctly with the right equipment, will discourage the thief looking for easy targets. USE THE RIGHT HARDWARE: If possible, combine two of these locking mechanisms when parking your bicycle: U-LOCKS: Purchase a lock made with strong components (like steel alloy). These come in a very small size, useful for locking CHAINS: A chain such as the “New York Lock” are very strong and secure; however, they are very heavy, so you will have to weigh relative security vs. how much weight you want to carry. Other, smaller chains may be helpful in augmenting a ulock, but can be cut easily, so ask questions of the retailer where you are buying the chain. You will also need some kind of lock to secure the chain around your bike. CABLES: This can be a good alternative to a chain, since they can be just as strong or stronger and are lighter and more easily carried. Use a cable at least 3/8” thick. Again, you will also need a lock. HOW TO LOCK YOUR BIKE LOCK THE ENTIRE BIKE: Make sure you lock both the wheels and frame. This might Both wheels and the bicycle frame should be locked to the rack. Bicycle Parking in San Francisco 23 bike racks DAVIS ST. ST. ST. ST. FRONT BATTERY SANSOME ST. ST. ST. ST. DRUMM ST. STOCKTON TAYLOR LEAVENWOR JONES ST. TH ST. RY ST. MONTGOME KEARNY LARKIN . ST EN TIN A EM CL BR SOUT H ST. ek M ST. re NEL . ST N NA AN G LIN C ION MISS ST. ROCK AN ST. HYDE . ST IE SS JE KISS 123 R . ST IN W IR IS . ST OPE HO FRANCO TRAINOR ST. BER BE 40 L . ST T ET . GG ST EL BB HU DA TERR Y 15TH ST. HENRY ADAMS ST. ISIS ST. NICE S OTI JESSIE MARIPOSA ST. LOVE MARIPOSA ST. TAH N AL 17TH ST. REAT ELGIN PARK ST. STEVENSON WOODWARD ST. MINNA ST. NATOMA ST. JULIAN ST. CALEDONIA RONDEL PL. on ENTERPRISE ST. 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GROVE 310 ST. 5 POST ST. HEMLOC HEMLOCK ST. R McALLISTE FULTON LEVA 415-585-BIKE KING, . GEARY BLVD SUTTER 101 FERN ST. BUSH ST. ST. . ST GATE AV. GOLDEN DR. www.bicycle.sfgov.org AV. ISTA TO ST. SACRAMEN H 7T ANZAV CLAY ST. 11 CONSER V AV. VISTA EMBARCADERO STATION MUNI / BART 17 H 4T RA N ST. WASHINGTO AUSTIN N ST. ST. JACKSON . ST E. DR. DR. ST. ST. ST. AV. . ST VEGA ST. ST. RY ATO Y ATOR CONSERV Y Lily Pond MIDDLE GARDEN ST. GREEN VALLEJO PACIFIC PL. WILMOT SUTTER ST. UNION 210 CALIFORNIA BUSH ST. LEONA TERR. TER N ST. ST. PINE ST. POST ST. RELL Y WASHINGTO ST. PINE ST. PERINE CALIFORNIA O'FAR BROMLE 11 ST. H 9T OUNT PARAM TERR. ST. 10 (secure attended bicycle parking) ST. FILBERT Y BROADWA lockers bike station . H 6T JE WY AN . ST. Y BROADWA TO ST. E AV. LUPIN ST. D WOO HARRIS PL. (wider roadway) garages with bike parking AV ST. GREENWICH CLAY ST. SACRAMEN HAYES KENNED JACKSON S CHESTNUT 101 6 ST. VALLEJO AV. PACIFIC BU . ST e parking. LIA MAGNO ST. GREEN . wide curb lane EM BA RC AD M H 8T E AV. GAT McALLISTER IFF LU LOMBARD N ST. PIXLEY ST. 106 ST. MOULTO ST. ST. N LYOT. S D EDWAR ST. GOLDEN . ST RD. 65 BLVD. EY BL EUCLID AV. front of a business DR. IR MAYFA fgov.org for a map onize, please call 55 ST. INGTON CLAY ST. IA ST. s on the sidewalks. If WES BROA T DWA Y ST. WASH CALIFORN CORNWALL ST. affic Services SI u want to go. K VISTA CT. JACKSON FRANCISCO ST. FILBERT UNION . WY. DO ST. GREENWICH RD A ST. LOMBARD S LOOP FTER BR TOLE CHESTNUT MILEY ST. SHA AV . M ALHA CO ST. FRANCISCO BL TH E POINT ST. BAY ST. VD MA . LLO RC A WY. CAPRA 4 ST. FRANCISCO . L BLVD. a place to lock your 165 TERR. ST. ST. BAY ST. BAY AV S . SHERM AN RD. SANCHES ST. PO FIC AV. PACI DR LO M B A R D AR CL LIGG E T T EL LIN ST. LO N TE POINT NORTH SO SIMOND RTON ST. ARGUEL rages install bicycle SUMNER EZ ST. MACRAE UR AV. MACARTH RD. es. They also helped AV. LETTERM A . VD . A AV C FER NAND MA EZ MO RODRIGU THOMAS TOR NEY BL O ESIDI PR RD AV. AV . HA RUGER IE AV. HA DIO ESI PR AV . PORTOLA MS DEE AS N GA RD on sidewalks and in RG AV THO . EDIE RNB URG RD. RD. . AV . RA N AN g and Traffic Bicycle LN BLVD MO 61 RIC GO CO RD. ID ER SH FISHER LOOP LIN . . CHABOT TERR. NEY KITTRED TERR. DOYLE BLA WY. AN ST. BEACH WY . O RV ST. NORTH CA SA RIC CE PRADO O ER ST. DRIVE MASON ST. ST. JEFFERSON BEACH BLVD. (bikes and cars share roadway - often narrow) ST. POWELL 2 N JEFFERSON a bicycle rack. See bike path bike route MARINA ochure for a map of (dedicated bike lane on roadway edge) (dedicated off-street - usually paved - bike path) where you want to go ,100 bicycle racks bike lane bike routes, garages, & lockers This brochure and map provide complete bike parking information for San Francisco. To request a bicycle locker, a bicycle rack, or this brochure, call 585-BIKE. mean you’ll need to remove your front wheel (if it has a quick-release hub) and lock it. If you lock just your wheel, a thief could steal the rest of your bike – or vice-versa. Leave as little slack in your chain or cable as possible, and make sure that there is little or no space in the middle of the lock that would allow a thief to pry the lock open. WHERE TO LOCK YOUR BIKE If you are planning to leave your bike all day at your place of work, you may want to consider finding bicycle parking inside a building or renting a bicycle locker. Habitual bike parking at a certain place and time alerts a thief to a possible theft opportunity. VISIBILITY: where possible, lock bicycles within sight of where you’re going. Don’t be the only bicycle parked in an area – it is safer to park where there is activity. BICYCLE RACKS: The MTA Bicycle Program has installed over 1,500 bicycle racks in all parts of San Francisco. Many are concentrated on bicycle corridors, so there is a good chance there will be a rack where you want to go. Ideally, racks are meant to provide short-term parking, so they are best used for recreation or shopping trips. If you find there is no rack where you intend to park, please contact the MTA Bicycle Program hotline at (415) 585-BIKE or e-mail www.bicycle.sfgov.org to request a rack. 24 Bicycle Parking in San Francisco 36_BikeRacksAd0503-Salmon 5/22/03 8:53 AM Page 1 bike racks request a rack BIKE RACKS Where you want to go ON-STREET BICYCLE PARKING: The MTA Bicycle Program has also recently taken the precedent-setting step of removing automobile parking and installing bicycle parking in its place in front of the Grove Street entrance of the Main Library. This project has been very successful in eliminating sidewalk encroachments and expanding bicycle parking spaces at the same time. SECURE BICYCLE PARKING - If you plan to park your bike at your workplace or residence, you may want more secure parking - that is, parking your bike in a garage which has bicycle racks and an attendant, or renting a bicycle locker from the MTA Bicycle Program. Garage locations with bicycle racks can be found on our website, www.bicycle.sfgov.org, or on the “San Francisco Bike Map”, available for purchase at many bike shops, book stores and Rainbow Grocery at 13th and Folsom Streets. BIKESTATIONS are a relatively new alternative for secure bicycle parking. They are located at transit hubs in San Francisco and provide free, attended parking and www.bicycle.sfgov.org 585-BIKE long hours. There are bikestations at the Embarcadero Bart Station and at the Caltrain Station at 4th and King Streets. There are also bicycle racks inside the paid entrance of the 16th Street and Civic Center Bart Stations. Although 16th Street and Civic Center parking are not directly attended, they are more secure than parking your bicycle on the streets. WHERE THERE IS NO BIKE RACK: PARKING METERS – If you lock your bicycle to a parking meter, make sure to use a u-lock, since thieves can just slip a bike locked with a chain or cable over the top of the meter. Be aware that bikes locked to meters often twist and fall, creating an obstacle for pedestrians. SIGN POLES – These are not the best place to lock your bike, since often a sign at the top of the pole is not enough to stop a thief from lifting your bike over the top, as with a parking meter. Also, check whether the pole has a secure footing before you lock to it – it may be easily pulled out of the ground. Bicycle Parking in San Francisco 25 TREES – Do not lock a bicycle to a tree – it damages the tree trunk and roots. BICYCLE REGISTRATION AND RECOVERY SAN FRANCISCO CITY ORDINANCES REQUIRING BICYCLE PARKING REGISTERING YOUR BIKE – When you obtain a new bike, write down the serial number, take a photo, and put them in a safe place. You might also register your bike at the National Bike Registry, a good on-line resource at www.nationalbikeregistry.com. Information regarding which garages and buildings are required to install bicycle parking can be found on our website, www. bicycle.sfgov.org. A summary of the San Francisco bicycle parking ordinances is as follows: 155.1 – requires bicycle parking in City-owned and leased buildings 155.2 – requires bicycle parking in certain privately-owned and all Cityowned automobile garages 155.3 – requires shower and locker facilities in certain new or renovated buildings 155.4 – requires bicycle parking in certain new or renovated buildings 155.5 – requires bicycle parking for residential uses If you find a garage or building out of compliance, the Planning Department should be notified. It is important to have the serial number so that you can prove the bike that was stolen and recovered is yours. In addition, it helps the police identify and locate the proper owner. WHAT TO DO IF YOUR BIKE IS STOLEN Report the theft to the police. Call 415/5530123 - then request a printed version of the report at 415/553-1289. Provide clearly detailed descriptive information and the bicycle’s serial number. The San Francisco Police Department is linked to the national database of stolen property, so you can call the SFPD at any time to ask if a bike with your serial number has been returned anywhere in the U.S. 26 Bikes on Transit Bikes on Transit SF MUNI: Nearly all Muni buses have bike racks that hold two bikes on a first come, first served basis. Bicyclists should remove packs and other detachable items from the bicycle before loading it on the rack, and should not hang helmets and other objects from the bicycle before loading. To see a short instructional video on loading bikes on Muni bus racks, go to www.bicycle.sfgov. org. When riding Muni buses with your bike, you may want to lock your bike before placing it on the rack, and/or sit in the front of the bus where you can see your bicycle. Bike thefts have occurred from bus racks. You will also want to alert the driver when you are getting off, so that the bus doesn’t leave the stop before you have off-loaded your bicycle. Bicycles are NOT allowed on Muni Metro trains, cable cars, or on the FMarket historic streetcar line. Folding bikes are not allowed inside any Muni vehicles, but may be placed unfolded on bus racks, on a first- come, first-served basis. 415.673.6864 www.sfmuni.com Loading bikes on Muni buses is quick and easy. BART Bicycles are allowed on BART trains during all times but peak commute hours in the heavy commute direction. Bikes are not allowed in the Downtown Oakland stations during peak commute hours at all. Folding bicycles are allowed on all BART trains, but during peak commute hours they must be folded before entering the train. Many BART stations have bike lockers, some stations have bike parking inside the paid areas near station agent booths, and all stations have on demand bicycle parking racks. For more information on exact trains that prohibit bicycles, see the BART schedule at: www.bart.gov 510.465.2278 Bart Bike Lockers 510.464.7133 CALTRAIN Rail service between San Francisco and Santa Clara: the northern-most car (with bike decal on the door) carries 16, 24, or 32 bicycles. Bicycles should be clearly tagged with destination and stacked in order of exit station. Cyclists must be 16 years of age or older. 800.660.4287 www.caltrain.com Bikes on Transit 27 SAMTRANS Bus service between San Mateo and San Francisco Counties. Buses are equipped with bike racks that hold two bicycles, and bicycles are allowed inside coaches with less than 50% passenger occupancy. 800.660.4287 www.samtrans.org AC TRANSIT Many buses are equipped with bike racks that hold two bikes, including Transbay lines N and O. Cyclists must load and unload their own bicycles. Call 511 www.511.org GOLDEN GATE TRANSIT Buses: All GGT buses are equipped with racks that hold two bicycles. Ferries: Bicycles are welcome aboard all Larkspur and Sausalito Ferries on a firstcome-first served basis up to 25 bicycles. The new Larkspur Catamaran allows 15 bicycles. Call 511 or 711(TDD) (Buses and Ferries) www.511.org AMTRAK Bicycle are allowed on all four roundtrip Capitol Corridor trains, which run between San Jose and Sacramento, and on connecting buses. Bikes are permitted on two of the four round trip San Joaquin trains and the connecting buses. Scheduled departures leave from SF Ferry Building via bus connection. 800.USA-RAIL www.amtrak.com CALTRANS BAY BRIDGE BIKE SHUTTLE 510.286.0589 www.dot.ca.gov BLUE AND GOLD FERRIES (VALLEJO BAYLINK AND ALAMEDAOAKLAND FERRIES) Ferries from San Francisco to Tiburon, Vallejo, Alameda and Oakland. Bicycles are allowed at the Captain’s discretion, on firstcome, first served basis. Blue and Gold 415.773.1188 www.blueandgoldfleet.com Vallejo Baylink 707.643.3779 www.baylinkferry.com Alameda/Oakland 510.522-3300 www.eastbayferry.com ALAMEDA HARBOR BAY MARITIME FERRY Provides service from Alameda to San Francisco. Special service to 49er and Giants games. Bicycles allowed at Captain’s discretion. 510.769.5500 (Serving SBC and Monster Parks) 28 Helmets Helmets SHOULD YOU WEAR A HELMET? The easy and obvious answer is Yes! California law requires bicyclists under 18 years of age to properly wear an approved bicycle helmet whenever riding on public roads, and in public parks. For adults, wearing a helmet is always the best idea. A helmet can save you from preventable and unnecessary head and brain injury. A brain injury is very serious, and should be avoided whenever possible. Standard adult bike helmet designs are still most commonly used, but many commuters are choosing go with more head coverage – either because they come from a BMX, skateboarding, skating, or skiing background, or because they just want more protection. The rise in commute cycling and the explosion of the helmet fashion industry has even led to “commuter” helmets, that have a tougher shell and can better absorb the abuse of daily bike rack parking, storage under your desk, and so on. PROPER HELMET FIT, ADJUSTMENT AND USE As shown below, helmets should be worn level on the head, with one finger’s width between the rider’s eyebrow and the bottom edge of the helmet. Ear slides should be positioned just below the ears and chin straps should be snug, with no visible slack under the chin. If your helmet does not fit correctly, it will not protect you as well. Similarly, if you do not adjust the straps, buckles and ear slides correctly, even a properly fitted helmet may not protect you like it could and should. Even the ear slides are crucial to protecting you brain. Take a moment every couple of months to re-check your helmet and adjust it as needed. REPLACING YOUR HELMET You should usually replace your helmet after any significant crash. Damaged helmets should be thrown away or returned to the manufacturer for replacement. Many helmet companies offer “Replacement F ITTING B ICYCLE H ELMET RIGHT A The helmet should fit snugly. Use the foam pads to make it fit. 2 El casco debe de cubrir la frente. 2 The helmet should cover the forehead. Gently try to roll the helmet backwards and forwards, and side to side, on the head. The helmet should not move more than 1/2 inch in any direction. State of California DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH SERVICES State and Local Injury Control Sacramento, California Fitting a Bicycle Helmet RIGHT 1 El casco debe de sentirse ajustado. Use las esponjitas para ajustarlo. 1 The helmet should fit snugly. Use the foam pads to make it fit. 4 Fasten the strap under the chin, with one finger’s width of space between the strap and the chin. The helmet must ALWAYS be buckled. C OMO P ONERSE EL C ASCO DE B ICICLETA Y H ACERLO BIEN The helmet should cover the forehead. 3 Move the plastic slide to make the straps meet just below both ears. 4 Abroche la correa bajo la barbilla, dejando un espacio del ancho de un dedo entre la correa y la barbilla. El casco SIEMPRE tiene que estar abrochado. Fasten the strap under the chin, with one finger’s width of space between the strap and the chin. The helmet must ALWAYS be buckled. 3 Mueva la hebilla de plástico deslizable para que las correas queden justamente debajo de las orejas. Move the plastic slide to make the straps meet just below both ears. Mueve el casco hacia atrás y hacia adelante, y de un costado al otro, lentamente al tenerlo puesto en la cabeza. El casco no se debe de mover más de media pulgada hacia ningún lado. Gently try to roll the helmet backwards and forwards on the head. The helmet should not move more than 1/2 inch in any direction. State of California DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH SERVICES State and Local Injury Control Sacramento, California The bilingual helmet fitting guide above is designed for youth, but applies to all ages. It is available as a pdf at www.bicycle.sfogv.org. Helmets 29 Policies” and will replace a crashed helmet free, or at reduced cost, so that they may inspect and learn from crashed helmets. THE LIFESPAN OF A BIKE HELMET Common wisdom is that a styrofoam bicycle helmet should be replaced every three to five years, depending on how hard it is used, exposure to the elements – especially sun – and original manufacture date. A sticker inside your helmet should tell you when it was “born.” SF Bicycle Coalition volunteers distribute free helmets to youth, and do bike tune-ups at a community event in the Bayview. HELMET RESOURCES Several studies have shown that cost is a large factor in bicycle helmet use. Helmets can usually be found at larger discount stores, starting at around $15. If you want a higher quality helmet, there are now discount purchase programs available to school, community, and faith-based groups, to help provide access to people who otherwise might have to spend the cost of a helmet on something more urgent, like rent or groceries. The MTA Bicycle Program is also establishing a “Helmet Bank” so that the children of low-income families will have better access to bicycle helmets. For information on the SF Helmet Bank, call 585-BIKE or email [email protected] and leave a message. HELMET BUYING GUIDE Choose a helmet you like, that fits you correctly, and that you will want to wear. In addition to life-saving potential, bicycle helmets have several other benefits. You will keep cooler with helmets because of the way the vents are designed on your helmet. A continuous flow of cool air is driven over your head like a cool breeze. Some helmets come with a visor, or better yet, a removable visor. 30 Helmets HELMET SAFETY STANDARDS CPSC and Snell Memorial Foundation are the two helmet certifications to look for when buying a new helmet. The older ANSI and ASTM standards may still appear in older batches of helmets still in retail stock. Look for CPSC and/or Snell certification stickers inside the helmet. Bicycle helmets typically come in at least 3 different sizes. Small is typically 20 to 22 inches; Medium is typically 22 to 23 1/2 inches; and Large is typically 23 1/2 to 24 1/2 inches. Infant, Toddler, Youth and XL sizes are often available also. For accurate sizing, measure your head right above the eyebrows, where the helmet should be worn. Bicycle helmets come with changeable fitting pads, so you can adjust your helmet to fit perfectly. After you purchase your bicycle helmet, read the instructions carefully, and make sure your helmet fits snug and securely. The owner’s manual will also inform you of any crash replacement policy that the manufacturer may offer. More expensive helmets do not equate to safer helmets. The added benefits you get are lighter weight, advanced strapping systems, more vents, or more rugged construction. Be aware of gimmicks. You want a smoothly rounded outer shell, with no sharp ribs or snag points. A large number of vents may mean less area contacting your head, which could concentrate force on one point. “Aero” helmets are not noticeably faster, and in a crash the “tail” could snag or knock the helmet aside. Skinny straps are less comfortable. Dark helmets are harder for motorists to see. Rigid visors can snag or shatter in a fall. Helmet standards do not address these issues--it’s up to you to make these choices. Avoiding Collisions and Injuries 31 Avoiding Collisions and Injuries Wear your helmet! Helmets will never prevent collisions, but they do a great job of preventing brain injuries when worn properly. For more information, see the section on HELMETS in this Guide. EMERGENCY BICYCLE HANDLING SKILLS Sometimes you’ll do everything right and still end up in trouble. It is a good idea to learn a few physical skills that will allow you to take evasive action when you find yourself in a sticky situation. These and other skills are part of the “Road 1” class offered free by the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition in collaboration with the MTA Bicycle Program and the San Francisco County Transportation Authority (See BICYCLE EDUCATION section of this Guide.) This class, in conjunction with the in-class “Street Skills” session, provides cyclists with training in urban riding skills that will reduce the risks of collision and injury. Both classes are based on the national curriculum Shoulder check near the Civic Center. Instructor teaching safety skills during “Road 1” class. of the League of American Bicyclists (LAB) and are taught by certified LAB Cycling Instructors (LCIs). For more information on these classes, or on becoming an LCI, please call 431-BIKE or visit www.sfbike. org/edu. The following skills can help you avoid crashes and collisions. Each skill takes practice to master, but is worth the time and effort. Practice these maneuvers in a safe, controlled place – not on the street in traffic! Instructor teaches the shoulder check at “Road 1” class. 32 Avoiding Collisions and Injuries SHOULDER CHECK: This is simply looking behind you over your left shoulder to see what is coming behind you. Why look over your left shoulder? It’s the one that is on the side of traffic, and when you look over it, you’ll see what traffic is coming up behind you. Practice looking back over your left shoulder without swerving. You need to be able to do this shoulder check while riding a steady straight line, so that you don’t swerve into traffic or into parked cars! An easy way to practice this is to ride straight away from a friend and have them hold up some fingers. When you look back yell out how many fingers they are holding up. Repeat this drill until you can ride straight while looking back, and are comfortable doing it. As the rider brakes for a “Quick Stop” she shifts her weight back on the seat and lower, to improve traction on the asphalt. QUICK STOP: This skill involves stopping as fast as you can, without skidding, losing control, or going over the handlebars. As you begin to brake evenly with both brakes, you will slide your weight back on your seat, giving the rear tire more traction. This will help you stop faster and under better control. In a typical stopping situation, 80% of your weight is on your front wheel. At high speeds this can mean that you lose control, that your rear tire skids, or that you fly over your handlebars. “Road 1” students dodge a sponge while learning the “Rock Dodge”. ROCK DODGE: The Rock Dodge is a simple and useful skill for urban riding. It allows you to quickly and easily avoid rocks, glass, bottle crowns, small potholes, and other things you don’t want to ride over or through. To practice this skill, while riding straight at speed, you will first “twitch” your handlebars slightly one direction, and then “twitch” them back in the opposite direction. This steers the bike out from underneath you and instantly creates a slight lean in your bike, while allowing your body to continue in its straight path of travel. The wheels and tires will avoid the rock and you’ll still be happily on your way. You may also want to put your weight on your pedals and lift your weight slightly from your seat. If you hit the rock with your weight on your seat, you are more likely to Avoiding Collisions and Injuries 33 get a flat tire. If you shift your weight to the pedals, this type of flat tire can usually be avoided. Students practice instant turns during “Road 1” class. INSTANT TURN: This skill is useful in avoiding a collision when a car overtakes you and makes a right turn in front of you. If you do not have time to stop, you’ll need an escape route and the best thing to do is to follow the car around the corner. This requires high speed cornering skills, that you can gradually learn from this drill. The other time this is most useful in city traffic is when you have an oncoming vehicle make a left turn in front of you. In order to practice this skill you need an asphalt surface (playground, tennis or basketball court, empty parking lot, etc.) Start slowly and pick up speed as you repeat the drill and get more comfortable with this skill. As in the Rock Dodge above, while riding straight at speed, you will first “twitch” your handlebars slightly, but in the opposite direction of the way you want to turn. This steers the bike out from underneath your body and instantly creates a lean in the direction you wish to turn and prepares you to turn much sharper without losing control. After the “twitch” of the handlebars you will then turn your handlebars the other direction and turn hard into your INSTANT TURN. NOTE: This skill is awkward-feeling and it will take some time to develop a comfort level while doing the Instant Turn. At first, your body will fight to do the opposite of what you ask it during this drill. For this reason you should start slowly and build the skill as you get more comfortable. 34 Grates, Plates, Trenches and Potholes Grates, Plates, Trenches and Potholes Utility covers are ground smooth over the years and become more slippery. The streets of San Francisco are under nearly-constant repair. The resultant steel plates, open trenches, and asphalt patchwork add obstacles to the existing tapestry of metal utility covers, sewer drain grates, and BART/Muni ventilation grates. Potholes and broken pavement can also require your full attention. Metal utility covers can be also be slippery and often make for a rough ride. All of these potential obstacles require your attention and care in navigation. Potholes and broken pavement should be reported to DPW Street Repair at 695-2100. DRAINAGE GRATES should be avoided if aligned incorrectly, so bicycle tires can fall between the bars. In the 1990’s Peter Tannen, former Bicycle Program Manager, rode every street within the City limits and had every misaligned drain grate replaced or retrofitted. For this Herculean task Tannen was recognized by the California Bicycle Safety Network, and his efforts ensure that one less common obstacle plagues San Francisco bicyclists. A misaligned drain grate can trap a bicycle wheel. This drain grate is aligned to prevent trapping bicycle wheels. Grates, Plates, Trenches and Potholes 35 BART grates and Muni tracks present issues for bicyclists. It requires skill and balance to safely ride across the BART/MUNI VENTILATION GRATES, and it is advisable to avoid them even in dry conditions. When wet they are especially slippery. After the construction of the Muni Metro and BART underground systems, the local bicycle messenger community dubbed these grates “The Cheese Graters” after witnessing cyclists crash on them. You will find these large grates on Market and Mission Streets. Be prepared. The HEAVY STEEL CONSTRUCTION PLATES used to cover trenches and other roadway construction are required by City Code to have non-skid surfaces. Unfortunately, sometimes the non-skid coating wears off, or old smooth plates are used. Without a non-skid coating these plates are slippery and can be hard to negotiate. All street trenching work must be patched and/or ramped every day – no abrupt edges of ¾ inch or more may be left overnight. Report any smooth plating or open trenches you encounter to the Department of Public Works’(DPW) Street Construction Coordination Center at 554-SCCC (7222). This construction plate lacks required non-skid coating. 36 What to do if you get in a collision What to do if you get in a collision If you are involved in a bicycle crash, always assume you are injured and DON’T REFUSE MEDICAL ATTENTION, even if you feel that you may not need it. You may be in shock, injuries may not be apparent immediately, and professional medical documentation is critical in any insurance claims, not to mention for your health and well-being. to write down what you think happened as soon as possible, and in as much detail as you can remember. If you can, draw a diagram of how the collision happened. Always carry ID, medical insurance information, and emergency contact information, especially if you’re riding alone. CALL 911 AND REPORT THE COLLISION IMMEDIATELY. ALWAYS MAKE A POLICE REPORT. If you are injured, it is required that the Police come to the scene and make a complete collision report. IF YOU DO NOT GET A POLICE REPORT ON THE SCENE, obtain the other driver’s license number, insurance information, vehicle license plate number and description of both the car and driver. If this isn’t all possible, write down or remember the license plate number.In property damage-only collisions, the police are not required to come to the scene to complete a report. In this case, you should go to the local police station and file a “counter report”. This is critical in the event of later insurance claims or legal action. DON’T DISCUSS FAULT IMMEDIATELY AFTER A COLLISION. You may want to reassure a shocked driver that things will be okay, but don’t say anything that limits or admits fault in the collision. Make sure DOCUMENT YOUR INJURIES AND PROPERTY DAMAGE with photos or videotape, and save all receipts and repair estimates. Save your bike even if it has been totaled. Contact your insurance company if you have coverage for your bicycle. You may also want to contact an attorney. The CoExist Campaign 37 The CoExist Campaign THE COEXIST CAMPAIGN is an ongoing effort by the MTA Bicycle Program and the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition. Initiated in 2001, the campaign combines outdoor media messages, grassroots level promotional incentives, and even engineering implementations to foster cooperation and peaceful use of shared lanes on San Francisco streets. A primary objective of the CoExist Campaign is to ensure that bicyclists will not ride in the “door zone,” where they are at risk of collision with the open doors of parked cars. Critical to this effort is alerting motorists that bicyclists have the right to share the traffic lane, and that motorists should pass bicycles safely, with caution and respect. For more information on CoExist, or to get CoExist stickers, go to www.bicycle.sfgov. org or www.sfbike.org. CoExist stickers for bumpers and bikes. “Door Zone” CoExist poster. 38 The CoExist Campaign These light-hearted posters sought to engage both bicyclist and motorist, promoting safe lane sharing. Another product of the CoExist Campaign is the “Watch For Bikes” side-view mirror sticker. This clear sticker, available by calling 585-BIKE or emailing bicycle@ sfgov.org, is placed on vehicles driver side mirror to remind the driver not to open car doors without first checking for bicycles. The “Watch for Bikes” section peels off and is applied directly to the driver’s side mirror. Bicycle Safety Education 39 Bicycle Safety Education environments. For more information, or to sign up for classes, visit www.sfbike.org/ edu or call 431-BIKE. A “Road 1” student completes the written test. FREE Nationally Certified Classes for Bicyclists! In a collaboration between the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition, the MTA Bicycle Program, and the San Francisco Transportation Authority, the city offers adult bicycle education classes. In-class “Street Skills” and on-road “Road 1” classes are offered at regular intervals throughout the year. These classes are a recognized national curriculum from the League of American Bicyclists Bike Ed Program, and are taught by trained and certified League Cycling Instructors (LCIs). For more information on the League of American Bicyclists, visit www.bikeleague. org or call (202)-822-1333. The two part series is designed to teach new and novice cyclists the skills and awareness to bicycle safely and confidently in urban New Instructors prepare for Road 1 class, with lead instructor Bert Hill (left). The city also maintains a MiniCity that is available for use at Schools, Community events, Health Fairs, and other public events. This MiniCity is a mock street environment, complete with signs, signals, mini cars, buildings, and a set of railroad tracks. The MiniCity can be set up on any large asphalt surface, such as playgrounds, basketball or tennis courts, or at the Waller Street Bicycle Learning Area (see below). The MiniCity allows trained staff to teach children necessary street skills in a safe and controlled environment. For more information, or to plan for an event, call 585-BIKE. 40 Bicycle Safety Education Susan Silber teaches new riders at World Environment Day, 2005 . Kids learn safety skills and get their bikes tuned up at Bayview Fit-n-Fun Fair. The Waller Street Bicycle Learning Area 41 The Waller Street Bicycle Learning Area The City also has a Bicycle Learning Area on a closed block of Waller Street west of Stanyan Street. The Learning Area is designed for use by individuals, organized groups, and the City-sponsored bicycle safety classes noted above. The Learning Area is set up to use with the MiniCity as well. You can practice safety skills there without having to worry about traffic or pedestrians. For more information and an instructional brochure, call 585-BIKE or go to www.bicycle.sfgov.org, or visit any Stanyan Street Bike Shop. THE WALLER STREET BICYCLE LEARNING AREA is designed to be used both as a self-service practice and training area for adult bicyclists who wish to prepare themselves for the skills necessary to ride on city streets, and as a child bicycle safety instructional facility where parents and/ or trained cycling instructors may teach children the “rules of the road” and specific bicycle safety lessons. The layout of the Bicycle Learning Area includes skills stations and mini streets. 42 The Waller Street Bicycle Learning Area The Learning Area is organized around THREE BASIC BICYCLE SAFETY PRINCIPLES: 1. Bicyclists must be visible to others using our streets. 2. Bicyclists’ behavior must be predictable. 3. Bicyclists must communicate with all other types of street users. Defensive cycling is key to safe bicycling in urban areas. Be prepared for conflicts and practice behaviors and skills which minimize or avoid these conflicts. The drill stations and mock streets within the Learning Area are designed to build both the physical skills necessary to ride on city streets, and the awareness of and correct bicyclist positioning on different types of streets and travel lanes. Bicyclists should always be in control of their bicycle and responsible for their actions. STATION 1: LOOK OVER YOUR LEFT SHOULDER This drill is a fundamental of urban cycling. The rider must be able to look back over her/his left shoulder (which is closest to the path of motor-vehicles) and check for traffic approaching from behind. This must be done while maintaining a straight path of travel. The rider does not want to veer into moving traffic or into parked cars while making a shoulder check. STATION 2: WEAVE / ROCK DODGE Station 2 is designed to help the rider develop or assess the fine motor skills necessary to steer the bicycle in tricky situations. It can be used both to develop simple steering skills, and then later to develop emergency maneuvers, such as the “rock dodge,” which can be used to avoid potholes or debris in the path of the bicycle. The rider begins by riding around the marked spots on the ground in a series of “S” patterns. For the “rock dodge” the rider practices a more instantaneous “flick” of the handle bars that allows the bikes’ tires to avoid the spot, while the rider’s body maintains more of a straight path of travel. This second maneuver requires more comfort and skill on the bicycle and should only be added after a rider can easily navigate the Station and has increased the speed with which they can do so. STATION 3: BRAKING AND STOPPING Controlled braking and stopping are very important to safe bicycling. This Station is designed to teach the rider how to brake in a controlled manner, and stop at a designated spot without skidding, losing balance, or otherwise losing control of the bicycle. The rider pedals from the start line to the line that says “BRAKE.” At this line, the rider begins to apply the brakes. Hand The Waller Street Bicycle Learning Area 43 brakes should both be applied evenly and equally. Foot, or “coaster,” brakes should be applied evenly while the pedals are in the “3 and 9 o’clock” position with both pedal cranks parallel to the ground. This gives the rider the most control of the brakes and allows for even downward pressure on the pedal used for braking. Note: Riders should practice braking without skidding! A skid does not give the rider control…and needlessly wears out tires. STATION 4: CHAOS CIRCLE The circle is designed to teach children the need for basic traffic rules, and to further develop handling skills. Groups of more than 6 riders should be sent to ride inside the circle with a single rule: “Stay in the circle.” Riders will experience conflicts, near collisions, and frustration. After letting them ride for only a moment or two, an instructor should stop the group and ask what was happening and why. The riders will already see the need for rules and some kind of order. This is an opening to explain why we have traffic laws and “rules of the road.” Beginning with the simplest of rules, using the correct side of the street. Ask them to imagine the mayhem if all street users drove, rode, and walked in the way they had just been doing in the circle, with no other rules. Children can then be instructed to ride within the circle, with some rules: ride clockwise; ride two abreast; etc. Riders can also practice riding in a controlled space by doing a “lap” around the inner circle in each direction without touching the inner or outer circle. STATION 5: MOCK STREETS The miniature streets are designed to provide a training ground for practicing riding on the types of streets riders will encounter while riding in the city. It is suggested that novice bicyclists choose streets with slower more calm traffic until they develop the skills and experience to negotiate streets with heavier traffic and multi-lane streets with more complex situations and traffic patterns. When in doubt, take the safer or less-traveled route. 44 Bike Parts and Terms Bike Parts and Terms Know your bike. The illustration below names the parts of typical bikes. Bicycle Sizing and Fit 45 Bicycle Sizing and Fit Your bike should fit your body. Seat height and reach to the handlebars are essential, and more subtle sizing issues help to make your bike a close extension of your body. Correct bike fit allows you to completely control your bike. SEAT HEIGHT Your seat should be at the height where your reach to the pedal in the bottom position almost fully extends your leg straight, but not quite. If your seat height is too high you’ll extend your leg too far, and could cause injury. If your seat is too high, you may have to rock from side to side in order to reach the pedals, and this is obviously not desirable. Correct seat height does not allow for the rider to sit comfortably on the seat and touch the ground with both feet. You should only be able to reach the ground with one foot, and will probably have to stretch to do so. Novice riders and children may want the seat height a bit lower than normal in order to feel more comfortable getting on and off the bike. As the cyclist gains more experience on the bike, the seat height should be raised to its full correct height, so you get the most out of the energy you put into the pedals and reduce strain on your legs and wear on your knees. HANDLEBAR REACH Handlebar reach is more an issue of comfort, use and even medical history, such as back injury. City riding generally calls for a more upright riding position, and this will mean that it is shorter reach from the seat to the handlebars. An upright position allows the rider to see better in traffic, and be seen better by drivers and pedestrians. Being visible to others and seeing your urban environment are both key to avoiding common collisions. Most sport riders, whether road riders or mountain bikers, choose a position leaning more forward. In this position the rider should just be able to see the hub of the front wheel over the handlebars. This position gets the rider lower, reduces wind resistance and distributes the rider’s weight more evenly, but can limit visibility. One general rule is that you never want to have your handlebars so far forward that you have to lock your elbows to reach the handlebars, as it will reduce your ability to react and steer fluidly and quickly. PROFESSIONAL BICYCLE FITTING If you are interested in complete professional bicycle fitting, call local bicycle shops to see if they offer this service. 46 Gearing and Shifting Gearing and Shifting The gears on a bike allow you to ride all kinds of terrain: flats, up hills and down hills. Learning to use the gears may come easily to some riders, or may be more of a challenge. With San Francisco’s hills, it is a good idea to learn to use your gears, or you’ll likely be walking up some of our steeper hills. BICYCLE GEARS are changed in two groups: front “chain rings,” located on the pedal cranks (see picture below), which are changed by using the shifter lever on the left handlebar; and rear gear “cogs,” located on the back wheel (also pictured below) , which are changed by using the shift lever on the right handlebar. Note: some bicycles are now equipped with indicators on the shifters that show which gear you are in. (ie. Gears 1-8 on the right shifter and Chainrings 1-3 on the left shifter. In this case the lower the number, the lower the gear.) When the chain is on each of the front “chain rings,” there is a corresponding group of gears (5-10 gears) on the back wheel that you can use. The small chain ring, which is closest to the inside, and nearest the bike frame, allows you to use the lowest set of gears. These lowest gears are used for climbing steep hills. The middle and outer chain rings give you a middle range of gears and a high range of gears. The middle range of gears are the most commonly used. The high gear range is usually used for going fast on flat roads or going downhill. If you sit on your bike and look down at the chain and gears they will look something like the pictures below. On both the front chain rings and rear gear cogs, when the chain is on the left side of the range of gears, you are in a lower gear. Conversely, when the chain is on the right side of the range of gears, you are in a higher gear. Side view of a bicycle drive-train: rear gear cogs; rear derailleur, chain, front derailleur, front chain rings and pedal cranks. Gearing and Shifting 47 Front chain rings (3) Rear gear cogs (8 speed) HOW MANY GEARS DO I HAVE? If you have 8 or 9 gear cogs on the rear wheel, and 3 front chain rings, you have 24 gears (8 gears x 3 chain rings) or 27 gears (9 gears x 3 chain rings). This wide range of gears allows the rider to ride at a more consistent level of effort when riding uphill, downhill or on the flats. Learning to use your gears effectively will allow you to ride more smoothly and comfortably in all situations. Practice PEDALING CADENCE (pedal revolutions per minute) “Cadence” is how fast you are pedaling. Combined with the gear you are in, cadence dictates how fast your bike goes. Typically, a pedaling cadence of 75-90 revolutions per minute is the most efficient and has the least impact on your knees. Assuming that you pedal consistently at 75 rpms, and you are in a “low” gear that turns the rear wheel a lower number times per pedal revolution, your bike will go slower. At the same pedal RPMs, when you are in a “high” gear, your bike will go faster. These two types of mountain bike shifters both show the rider what gear the bike is in. SHIFTING GEARS Shifitng gears on your bike is done by moving the shift levers to pull (or release) metal cables, that in turn move the front and rear derailleurs. The derailleurs in turn move the chain from one chain ring (front gears) or gear cog (rear gears on the back wheel) to another. YOU CAN ONLY SHIFT GEARS WHEN YOU ARE PEDALING! The chain must be moving in order for it to move from one gear to another. If you shift when the pedals are not turning, the result will be a noisy and abrupt change of gears when you start pedaling again, and you may even cause the chain to fall off of the chain ring or rear gear cog. 48 Gearing and Shifting ANTICIPATE WHEN YOU WILL NEED TO SHIFT. If you are approaching a hill and will need a lower gear to climb the hill, don’t wait until you are struggling to pedal up the hill to change gears. Shift before your pedaling cadence starts to slow down, and you will make a smoother transition into the hill. Similarly, if you are going down hill, you may want to shift before you build up too much speed, or when you begin to pedal your pedals will spin freely and not help to push you down the hill. Finally, shift to a lower gear as you approach stop signs and red signal lights. You’ll need a lower gear to start from a stop, and shifting while trying to begin riding across a busy intersection may be troublesome, directing your attention away from the traffic and down to your gears. Also, starting from a stop in high gear is slow and hard, and puts undue strain on your knees. Prepare for stop signs and signals by shifting down as you slow to a stop – and remember to keep pedaling while you shift, or you’ll start out on the green light by having your chain jump violently from the old gear to the new one. Brochures and Publications 49 Brochures and Publications City. The map shows all the bicycle routes within the city, indicating the type of bicycle facility on each street or path. The map also shows street grades, so that the cyclist may plan the flattest routes through the city’s hilly terrain. The back side of the map also contains important safety information and handy transit linkages for bicycles (also see the TRANSIT section of this guide). The map may be purchased at local bike shops, book stores, and select grocery stores. You may view a “pdf” version of the map at www.bicycle.sfgov.org. THE CITY BICYCLE PARKING BROCHURE is available by calling 585-BIKE. The map above is included inside the brochure and details bicycle parking throughout the city, along with key bicycle routes. THE SAN FRANCISCO BIKE MAP AND WALKING GUIDE is an excellent resource for planning bicycle trips throughout the bike racks ST. ST. ST. DAVIS ST. BATTERY FRONT RY ST. ST. SANSOME KEARNY ST. DRUMM AV. ST. ST. ST. POWELL STOCKTON JONES ST. TAYLOR ST. TH ST. LEAVENWOR . ST A TIN EM SOUT H ST. ST. ST . N NA BR AN G LIN MARIPOSA ST. LOVE TAH REAT 17TH ST. . ST IN W IR IS FRANCO R OPE HO 40 L . ST T ET . GG ST EL BB HU DA MARIPOSA ST. Y 123 . ST TERR HENRY ADAMS TRAINOR ST. BER ST. NICE ST. NATOMA ST. MINNA ST. EL IE SS JE KISS OTI S ISIS RONDEL PL. HOFF ST. ALBION ST. NN ST FRANKLIN JESSIE ELGIN PARK ST. WOODWARD ST. STEVENSON JULIAN ST. 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SUTTER 101 FERN 47 LEVA 415-585-BIKE WILMOT GEARY BLVD 51 OAK ST. HAIGHT 310 ST. BUSH ST. ST. H www.bicycle.sfgov.org ST. TO ST. SACRAMEN 9T ST. CLAY ST. ST ST. GROVE FELL ST. E. ST. ST. R McALLISTE FULTON N ST. WASHINGTO AUSTIN GATE AV. GOLDEN ST. DR. DR. AV. ISTA EMBARCADERO STATION MUNI / BART 17 7T ANZAV DR. Y Lily Pond MIDDLE AV. VISTA ST. H RA ST. VALLEJO JACKSON PL. ST. ST. ST. GREEN 210 AV. PACIFIC CALIFORNIA BUSH ST. GARDEN ST. ST. UNION H Y ATOR CONSERV KENNED PERINE SUTTER 11 ST. 8T OUNT PARAM TERR. CONSER V N ST. WASHINGTO N ST. TER Y BROMLE (secure attended bicycle parking) ST. FILBERT Y BROADWA 10 lockers bike station . PINE ST. PINE ST. POST ST. VEGA ST. HARRIS PL. (wider roadway) garages with bike parking AV 6T JE WY AN . Y BROADWA ST. S GREENWICH CLAY ST. LEONA TERR. RELL ST. ST. VALLEJO AV. JACKSON CALIFORNIA O'FAR ST. GREEN TO ST. HAYES E. PIXLEY SACRAMEN E AV. LUPIN ST. D WOO 6 N ST. MOULTO ST. BU ST. CHESTNUT 101 wide curb lane EM BA RC AD M LOMBARD MAGNO ST. PACIFIC LU . 106 ST. LIA N LYOT. S E AV. GAT GOLDEN RY ATO affic Services D EDWAR ST. McALLISTER e parking. . ST 65 BLVD. RD. EUCLID AV. onize, please call DR. IR MAYFA fgov.org for a map front of a business EY IA ST. CORNWALL ST. IFF 55 WY. DO ST. UNION WES BROA T DWA Y N ST. WASHINGTO CLAY ST. CALIFORN s on the sidewalks. If BL u want to go. SI a place to lock your 165 TERR. AV . ST. FRANCISCO ST. FILBERT L ST. JACKSON A TOLE GREENWICH . BR CO ST. FRANCISCO BL ST. LOMBARD RD VISTA CT. M ALHA CHESTNUT (bikes and cars share roadway - often narrow) TH E POINT ST. BAY ST. VD MA . LLO RC A WY. CAPRA 4 ST. FRANCISCO . MILEY ST. S LOOP SHA FTER K PACI ST. BAY ST. BAY AV . SHERM AN RD. BLVD. FIC AV. DR LO M B A R D SIMOND ST. SANCHES ST. PO rages install bicycle SUMNER AR CL LIGG E T T EL LIN ST. UR AV. LO ST. ARGUEL AV. LETTERM A . VD RTON EZ ST. MACRAE MACARTH RD. on sidewalks and in es. They also helped BL O ESIDI PR . A AV C FER NAND MA EZ MO D AV . RD. AV . INFANT RY IE N AN S POINT NORTH SO AV. RD RD RUGER HA AV. AV . DIO ESI PR GA HA N RA 61 RODRIGU THOMAS TOR NEY PORTOLA MS DEE AS . AN AV . MO g and Traffic Bicycle RG AV THO . EDIE RNB URG RD. RD. BLVD ORE LN ID ER SH FISHER LOOP RIC GO CO KITTRED TERR. LIN . CHABOT TERR. NEY WY. TE ST. BEACH BAKER ST. DRIVE MASON DOYLE BLA WY . O RV ST. NORTH CA SA RIC CE PRADO O ER ST. ST. ST. JEFFERSON BEACH BLVD. GRANT 2 N JEFFERSON a bicycle rack. See bike path bike route MARINA ochure for a map of (dedicated bike lane on roadway edge) (dedicated off-street - usually paved - bike path) where you want to go ,100 bicycle racks bike lane bike routes, garages, & lockers 50 Brochures and Publications FROM A TO Z BY BIKE, is a safe cycling guide for kids and adults, published by AMC Media, PMB 729, 250 “H” Street, Blaine, WA 98230. To obtain free copies of this booklet call 585-BIKE or email bicycle@ sfgov.org. FIND THE TWELVE HAZARDS This single sheet lets children identify common obstacles to safe bicycling. For free copies with answers on the back, call 585-BIKE or email [email protected]. BICYCLING VIDEOS AVAILABLE FOR LOAN The MTA Bicycle Safety Program maintains a video library. Titles range from children’s videos to adult commute videos and address issues from safety on the street and helmet use to bicycling history. A limited number of videos are also available in Spanish. If you are interested in borrowing videos, call 585-BIKE or email [email protected] for more information. SAFE BICYCLING IN SAN FRANCISCO is out of print, but this early safety guide is still available for viewing at www.bicycle. sfgov.org. Important Telephone Numbers and Internet Links Bicycle Information Hotline Bicycle Safety Information Bicycle Rack Installation 585-BIKE (2453) www.bicycle.sfgov.org San Francisco Bicycle Coalition 431-BIKE (2453) Bike Buddy Commute Program (Bicycle commute assistance) www.sfbike.org Potholes: DPW Street Repair 695-2100 [email protected] SF Bicycle Advisory Committee 585-BIKE (2453) www.bicycle.sfgov.org SF Police Department EMERGENCY: 911 Non-emergency (24 hr): 553-0123 Caltrans Bicycle Program (916) 653-2750 DPT Parking Enforcement 553-1200 Abandoned bikes 695-2017 To Report Debris in Bike Lanes 28-CLEAN (282-5326) -also tree/bush trimming DPW Street Construction Center 554-SCCC (7222) (trenches and plates) Bay Area Regional Bicycle Information 511 or www.511.org -also traffic and Transit info California Bicycle Coalition (916) 446-7558 League of American Bicyclists (202) 822-1333 www.bikeleague.org National Bike Registry www.nationalbikeregistry.com Muni General Information 673-MUNI MTA Reception Front Desk 701-4500