Bike Buddies Needs Your Input! What do new cyclists NEED to know?!

Hello Chainlinkers, how's it goin?

So, many of you read and replied to the last post about starting Bike Buddies, a volunteer organization that would link up aspiring cyclists with enthusiastic volunteers that want to see more pedaling on the road.  The first forum is here with more details.  The idea of program is to alleviate any nervousness and/or fear that comes with riding in Chicago streets.

As we are thinking about what key points we need to communicate with the program's participants, we want to know what has helped you feel comfortable on the road.  What you say here may influence how we train volunteer Bike Buddies who will be the folks chatting and riding with the new folks.  So please reply with what you think would be most important to share with newbies.

Feel free to write whatever you feel necessary but a few questions to get your mind moving could be...

  • What is some of the best advice you've gotten that has helped you feel comfortable?
  • What do wish someone had told you before you started cycling?
  • What are some of the trickiest parts of Chicago riding and how do you avoid or maneuver them properly?
  • What are the top 5 things every cyclist should know?

Thanks for helping, I and all of the new Chicago riders appreciate it!

Lastly, if you would like to contribute to the formation of Bike Buddies, please email chibikebud@gmail.com and we'll be connected :) Thanks!

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Permalink Reply by Joe Willis on February 4, 2012 at 8:55pm
•What are the top 5 things every cyclist should know?
These are in no poticular order!

1) NEVER use a cable lock for your bike! If you do it is already stolen!

2) If you are going to lock to a pole don't be a sucker and check to see if it is attached (bolted in the post). If you are not 100% sure on teh pole move to a better spot!

3) I know it is a beautiful holiday weekend but saty away from the lake path. You will end up walking more than riding.

4) It's not a matter of "if" you get hit , it's a matter of when you get hit! Remember this and respect it!

5) Lights at night are NOT a suggestion! Front and rear are a must, the brighter the better! Allways assume thay can't see you.

I could easily do 10-20 more but I will let everyone else get a turn.
Permalink Reply by Timothy Hager on February 5, 2012 at 2:25am

Route choice is very important. 

Fully inflated tires really do make a difference.

Permalink Reply by Thunder Snow on February 5, 2012 at 2:38am

You could have the novices read the excellent book, "Urban Bikers' Tricks & Tips" by Dave Glowacz, then discuss what's there.  In fact if you haven't looked at that book in a while, it's a quick worthwhile read.  I check it out of the library from time to time.

Permalink Reply by Anne B. on February 5, 2012 at 4:03am

I'll add more later but first thing that comes to mind is if you're uncomfortable with biking through a big intersection get off your bike and walk it through on the crosswalks. It costs you maybe 30 seconds but is well worth it and I see even seasoned cyclists do this at the mess that is Damen/Fullerton/Elston- esp. on the northbound. I usually get off and walk there too--if it's crazy stressful to you each time, it's not worth it. I know it sounds like common sense but when I first started biking in this city I was for some reason determined not to get off my bike. Now I know better!

Permalink Reply by Anne B. on February 5, 2012 at 4:11am

I'm concerned about telling new cyclists "It's not a matter of "if" you get hit , it's a matter of when you get hit!" ...I mean, I agree that it's largely true but if you'd told me that when I first started biking here I'd have been really put off by it and people have enough fear starting out. I think it would be better to share defensive biking tips, as well as tips on what to do IF you are in a bike accident but making it sound wholly inevitable doesn't seem likely to encourage new cyclists. 

Permalink Reply by Kevin C Dormant on February 5, 2012 at 4:26am

+1. Aside from the fact that I disagree with the statement, I think you'll freak out the new riders if you tell them they are assured of getting hit.



Anne B. said:

I'm concerned about telling new cyclists "It's not a matter of "if" you get hit , it's a matter of when you get hit!" ...I mean, I agree that it's largely true but if you'd told me that when I first started biking here I'd have been really put off by it and people have enough fear starting out. I think it would be better to share defensive biking tips, as well as tips on what to do IF you are in a bike accident but making it sound wholly inevitable doesn't seem likely to encourage new cyclists. 

Permalink Reply by mike w. on February 5, 2012 at 4:27am

Learn self sufficiency, refuse to be stranded:

Always carry a good pump, tyre levers, patch kit, and a spare tube -and know how to use them.

Permalink Reply by Kyle on February 5, 2012 at 5:25am

For me, it was:
1. Security and where to lock up. I started to commute after I learned there's a bike rack in the parking garage of my building, free to use for tenants. I worked in the building for 10+ years before I asked/was told.
2. Just how many bike trails and lanes are in the area. Google maps with the bike option helped.
3. The presence of sites and support groups such as this and Bike Winter.
4. How FUN it is.
5.. It's true that you don't have to ride hard enough to require a shower when using a bike for transportation.

Permalink Reply by Far'arned Retrogrumpalunkus #63 on February 5, 2012 at 5:44am

Unless you have a really cheap bike you need two good-quality U-locks.  One (at least) should be a high-end model OnGuard Brute or Kyrpto NYC model with 16mm or greater shackle and 4-way latching mechanism.  The other can be a mid-range model but should still have latches on both sides of the shackle (no dog-leg end.)

Both locks should be long enough to go through a wheel and the frame as well as the bike rack.  On a pole this is very difficult to reach.  But poles should be avoided because even one that is bolted down can be easily unbolted and the bike taken.  Many poles in town are "sucker poles" that are not even bolted and can be simply lifted out of the base.  IMHO all poles are sucker poles and unless you are sitting where you can watch the bike I'd not use one.  Use a bike rack of the inverted U design where you can get both wheels with a U-lock, through the frame and also through the rack with both.  This makes the thief cut BOTH locks to get your bike rather than just one.

If you leave a wheel exposed it will eventually get stolen.  Look around at bikes locked in bike racks and poles around the city and see how many of them are missing wheels or otherwise stripped.  It's a real problem in this city.  The nicer the components you have and the more you lock it outside the quicker they will disappear.  It's not a matter of IF you will get parts stolen if you don't lock them up but WHEN.  

Don't ride a bike that you can't afford to replace.  There are plenty of really nice low-priced options out there that will get you from point A to point B.  If you want to be a thief-magnet with a high-end bike left outside then go for it -just budget for the inevitable replacement. 

These are the facts in a high-crime city like chicago.  

Cable locks are worse than useless.  They give a false sense of security and don't even slow down a bike thief.  They may work OK wherever it is  you came from.  They do not cut it (or maybe they DO CUT) here in the big bad city.  

Permalink Reply by Jessica Rio on February 5, 2012 at 6:14am

Off the top of my head, I think novices especially benefit from:

- learning how to put bikes on public transit, esp buses. It is helpful to be inter-modal in any case, but gives added assurance to those that aren't inclined or ready to learn how to fix a flat etc.

- understanding they are legitimate vehicle traffic and how to confidently merge with car traffic when needed, such as to make a left turn or when street conditions in the bike-way are dangerous

- reinforcing traffic rules and learning biking courtesies. I agree with an above comment that people don't need to be taught to be sticklers, and they should be encouraged to think of themselves as models for other bikers as well as motorists

- getting tips about commuting to work - packing a change of clothes, etc.

- figuring out that riding safely doesn't have to suck any of the joy out of cycling

Permalink Reply by S.Presley☠ on February 5, 2012 at 6:45am

This would be a great location to bring a group to practice how to place your bike on a bus...

CTA HQ:567 w. lake street

Photo taken at the "Crash-a-versary" ride in September.

Jessica Rio said:

Off the top of my head, I think novices especially benefit from:

- learning how to put bikes on public transit, esp buses. It is helpful to be inter-modal in any case, but gives added assurance to those that aren't inclined or ready to learn how to fix a flat etc.

- understanding they are legitimate vehicle traffic and how to confidently merge with car traffic when needed, such as to make a left turn or when street conditions in the bike-way are dangerous

- reinforcing traffic rules and learning biking courtesies. I agree with an above comment that people don't need to be taught to be sticklers, and they should be encouraged to think of themselves as models for other bikers as well as motorists

- getting tips about commuting to work - packing a change of clothes, etc.

- figuring out that riding safely doesn't have to suck any of the joy out of cycling

Permalink Reply by Far'arned Retrogrumpalunkus #63 on February 5, 2012 at 7:20am

The CTA folks also bring out the bus rack demonstration machine to the big final day rally of Bike to Work Week at Daley Center.   I think I've seen them at a few other bike events too.

Doing Bike to Work Week is a great way to get started if you haven't yet as there are a lot of riders out on the road, there are pit-stops out there manned by dedicated riders and organizations giving out free stuff, and the big rally at Daley Center on Friday is a fun way to mingle and see a bunch of displays and booths of bike-related products and get even more free stuff like a T-shirt and a breakfast.

But don't WAIT for Bike to Work Week to start commuting.  If you still haven't started it's a good time to start though!  It's too bad that it isn't earlier in the "season" (for those who aren't up to BikeWinter and still see a bike "season.)



S.Presley said:

This would be a great location to bring a group to practice how to place your bike on a bus...

CTA HQ:567 w. lake street

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