Transcript
BE ALERT, BE VISIBLE, BE ASSERTIVE
Cycling has become a more popular way to stay active and provide exercise. Not only does a person receive a cardiovascular workout but he/she also can use biking as a cheaper mode of transportation. On average a family spends $8000 per year on buying and maintaining a car. Alternatively, a good bike can be purchased for $300, last for years and cost almost nothing to operate. Also, biking reduces pollution and energy use. Getting involved in cycling can be a great way to keep fit or get fit, as well as, cleaner and cheaper way to get from place to place.
EQUIPMENT Bike Selection 1. Comfort o Mountain and hybrid bikes usually have the most upright riding position o Road bikes tend to have a lower riding position for aerodynamics o Wider mountain and hybrid tires provide a smoother ride than skinny tires
2. Distance o Skinny, high-pressure road tires are good for long distance riding o Road style mountain bike tires are more comfortable but might slow you down o Touring bikes offer a more comfortable, wider tire and upright riding position
3. Touring o On-road touring bikes have low gears and sturdy frame construction to carry gear o Racks can be fitted to any mountain bike, full suspension included o Any bike can be used for touring with the addition of an easy-to-attach trailer
4. Off-road o For off-road and trail riding, suspension and fat tires with large knobs for traction o Full suspension bikes allow longer rides with less fatigue for a small weight penalty o Hybrids and mountain bikes work on dirt and gravel roads
THE HELMET 1. Wear a helmet o A helmet is your last line of defense in an accident; never ride without one o Helmets can reduce serious head injuries by 85% in a crash o New Jersey state law requires that children under the age of 17 wear an approved bicycle helmet while riding a bicycle. The law also applies to any child in a restraining seat which is attached to the bicycle, or in a trailer being towed by the bicycle. o A youngster who violates this requirement shall be warned of the violation, and the parent or legal guardian of that youngster may be fined up to $25 for the first offense, and up to $100 for a subsequent offense. o A helmet will not protect your head if it is not properly fit 2. Helmet Fit o Make sure that the helmet fits on top of the head, not tipped back o Always wear a helmet while riding a bike, no matter how short the trip o After a crash or any impact that affects your helmet, replace it immediately 3. Shell and pads o Find the smallest helmet shell size that fits over your head o Helmet pads should not be used to make a helmet that is too big fit your head o Leave about two-fingers width between your eyebrows and the front of the helmet 4. Straps o The straps should be joined just under each ear at the jawbone o The buckle should be snug with your mouth completely open o Periodically check your strap adjustment; improper fit can render helmet useless 5. Ventilation o In general, the more vents the better; improper ventilation can cause overheating o Helmets with good ventilation can actually be cooler than riding with no helmet at all o More vents usually mean a higher priced helmet; buy one that you are proud to wear 6. Colors o Helmets come in all different colors in different models; buy a highly visible color o Shell color does not affect the temperature of the helmet against your head o Pick a color that encourages you or your kids to wear it The Tires The proper inflation of a tire is between 40 and 65 psi (pounds per square inch). When riding on hard surfaces, such as asphalt roadway a higher PSI is used and when riding on softer surfaces, such as back road or sand a lower PSI is used.
SAFETY - Bicyclists are to follow the same rules as any other vehicle on the roadway. It is important for your safety and the safety of those around you to know the law. Be educated! 1. Why education? o Cyclists who have received education are less likely to be involved in a crash o Helmets do not decrease crash frequency, only severity o Education decreases crash frequency and severity 2. Bicycle driver's education o Education is essential for the proper operation of a bicycle on roadways o Bicyclists are drivers of vehicles and the law treats them as such o A majority of bicycle-related deaths are caused by mistakes made by the operator 3. Motorist driver's education o States require driver's education before they will license you drive a motor vehicle o Motorists do not learn how to properly deal with bicycles on the roadway
ABC Quick Check 1. A is for air o Inflate tires to rated pressure as listed on the sidewall of the tire o Use a pressure gauge to insure proper pressure o Check for damage to tire tread and sidewall; replace if damaged 2. B is for brakes o Inspect pads for wear; replace is there is less than ¼" of pad left Check pad adjustment; make sure they do not rub tire or dive into spokes o Check brake level travel; at least 1" between bar and lever when applied 3. C is for cranks, chain and cassette o Make sure that your crank bolts are tight; lube the threads only, nothing else o Check your chain for wear; 12 links should measure no more than 12 1/8 inches o If your chain skips on your cassette, you might need a new one or just an adjustment 4. Quick is for quick releases o Hubs need to be tight in the frame; your quick release should engage at 90° o Your hub quick release should point back to insure that nothing catches on it o Inspect brake quick releases to insure that they have been re-engaged 5. Check is for check it over o Take a quick ride to check if derailleur’s and brakes are working properly
EMERGENCY MANUEVERS : Riding safely on the road requires a knowledge and understanding of traffic laws and the principles that determine and govern these laws. However, even when you ride predictably and occupy your proper place on the roadway, situations may arise that necessitate an emergency maneuver on your part. The ability to execute an evasive maneuver could mean the difference between a close call and a serious or fatal accident.
1. Rock Dodge To execute a Rock Dodge, keep riding straight until you are very close to the rock. Just before the rock, turn the handlebars suddenly with out leaning so the front wheel goes around the rock. For example, if you steer to the right of the rock you will automatically start to fall (lean) left. However, you will catch yourself as soon as your wheels have passed the rock by steering more to the left than is natural. Your wheel snakes around the rock (see illustration), but your body and handlebars have barely moved. 2. Emergency
Stop
To execute a Quick Stop, shift weight back over the rear wheel by sliding behind the saddle. Apply more front brake than rear; release the brake a bit if the rear wheel skids. Use your arms to push the bike out in front of you. Keep the handlebars straight; do not try to turn.
3. Quick Turn If a car turns right while you are next to it, you will have to turn, stop or hit it. A quick turn is the best option. The first move is to quickly jerk your handlebar LEFT for a split second. It's important that you do not turn to the left, only your handlebar should move briefly. This sudden move will make the bike lean to the right and set up your turn. After your bike is leaned to the right, you must lean in and initiate the turn. Leaning hard on the outside pedal will help you maintain traction in the turn. Remember that there might be an obstruction around the turn; pay attention.
SHARING THE PATH 1. Courtesy o Respect other trail users; joggers, walkers, bladers, wheelchairs all have trail rights o Respect slower cyclists; yield to slower users o Obey speed limits; they are posted for your safety 2. Announce when passing o Use a bell, horn or voice to indicate your intention to pass o Warn other well in advance so you do not startle them o Clearly announce "On your left" when passing 3. Yield when entering and crossing o Yield to traffic at places where the trail crosses the road o Yield to other users at trail intersections o Slow down before intersections and when entering the trail from the road 4. Keep right o Stay as close to the right as possible, except when passing o Give yourself enough room to maneuver around any hazards o Ride single file to avoid possible collisions with other trail users 5. Pass on left o Scan ahead and behind before announcing your intention to pass another user o Pull out only when you are sure the lane is clear o Allow plenty of room, about two bike lengths, before moving back to the right 6. Be predictable o Travel in a straight line unless you are avoiding hazards or passing o Indicate your intention to turn or pass o Warn other users of your intentions
7. Use lights at night o Most trail users will not have lights at night; use a white front and red rear light o Watch for walkers as you will overtake them the fastest o Reflective clothing does not help in the absence of light
8. Do not block the trail o For group rides, use no more than half the trail; don't hog the trail o During heavy use periods (holidays and weekends) stay single file o Stop and regroup completely off of the trail
9. Clean up litter o Pack out more than you pack in o Encourage others to respect the path o Place all litter in its proper receptacle
10. Limitations for transportation o Most paths were not designed for high-speed, high volume traffic o Use paths keeping in mind their recreational nature o It might be faster to use roads and avoid the traffic on the paths during heavy use
TEN COMMANDMENTS OF BICYCLING I. Wear a helmet for every ride and use lights at night II. Conduct an ABC Quick Check before every ride III. Obey traffic laws: ride on the right, slowest traffic farthest to right IV. Ride
Information was found on the following websites: www.seattlebicycleclub.org www.bikeleague.org
