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 Ken Lee on February 19, 2012 at 4:48pm

Jessica R has great observations on city riding. One thing I have learned (it applies to driving a car too) - a small delay is not the end of the world. Stopping while someone parallel-parks their car is better (I think) than squeezing into a lane of traffic. And that mindset as one approaches a car-filled intersection works wonders.

FYI this comes from a very impatient car operator.

Permalink Reply by BikeBoy5 on February 19, 2012 at 10:28pm

Know and USE those Defensive Driving Techniques that we were taught in Driver's Training...or Google them!  They will save your life!  Always keep in mind that ANY accident in which you are involved is YOUR fault.  Defensive Driving Techniques done correctly will allow you to avoid accidents.

Don't dilly-dally.  Make decisions boldly so there is no ambiguity in the minds of anyone (car, bike, pedestrian) of what you are going to do.

Be seen!  Reflective vest, lights, reflectors, bright clothes.  The worst thing to hear is a car driver on the phone saying, "I didn't see him!  He came out of nowhere!"  And wear a helmet!  You can't fuck with physics.  The stats don't lie.

Don't get stranded.  Carry a new tube or two, a pump, patchkit, tyre irons and know how to use them.  Practice a time or two changing both front and rear tubes.  And keep the tyres inflated!  Nothing is worse than having to work too hard because of soft tyres.  And I find carrying rain gear is much better than getting wet and cold.

Get tyres for how you're going to ride.  I see so many new riders commuting on the streets on mountain bikes with knobby tyres when they'll never ride on dirt because that was what the guy at the LBS sold them.  Talk to bikers and to several LBS salesfolks about what you need before you buy.  If you are going to commute on your bike, ask people who commute why they have the type of bike they do.  Many opinions, but follow the trends of the opinions.

Two kinds of bikers...ones who have been hit (doored, knocked down) and those who will be.  I'm still one of the latter, after 6 years of commuting (knock wood).

Be careful.

 

BikeBoy5

 

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