Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Rene Lawell on February 12, 2012 at 1:10pm

Great tips for new riders Jeff!

I might add also, get a good helmet, gloves, and cycle mirror and a air horn.

They make relativley good ones that run on batteries or air pump. and they are loud enough for a car to hear you. Bells are meant for walkers and other cyclists on paths, where there is not much street noise.

Get a good lock with a thick cable and a u-lock with a combo, not a key. they can break into the key ones.

Make everything on your bike removable, ie bags, and stuff.

Never leave your bike unattended.

Find a bike store you can trust for getting work done on your bike.

Wear bright colors so you can been seen  or a reflective vest with lights

good for now!

Rene'

Jeff Schneider said:

New (actually, all) riders should be taught:

1) Geography - the streets that you need to know for biking are entirely different than those you need to know for driving (e.g., Leavitt vs. Western, Paulina vs. Ashland);

2) Proper tire inflation makes a huge difference in riding efficiency, and can help prevent flats far from home;

3) Defensive and courteous riding - this doesn't mean strict adherence to stop signs, etc.  It means watching the other vehicles on the road, anticipating what they will do, and trying to help everyone get where they are going - e.g., signaling turns, not passing a vehicle or bike when they are signaling a turn, not taking right-of-way out of turn at 4-way stops, giving both bikers and cars room to maneuver around obstacles.

4) The importance of lights and reflectors at night - remember, drivers have a lot of things vying for their attention (cars, potential parking spots, phones, etc.); they won't necessarily be on the lookout for ninjas.

5) A bike left parked outside for any length of time  (especially in the same spot every day) will be stolen.  If at all possible, keep bikes inside at home and at work.  For running errands or other short stops, a U-lock (or even a crappy cable) and wheels with axle nuts vs. QR's is almost always enough to deter impulse theft by non-professionals, especially if the bike is parked where there are a lot of people around. (Note:  This comment is based on my personal experience only - the people who follow the stolen bike registry may have other ideas.)

Keeping these things in mind have helped me enjoy (without injury) around 25k miles of city riding in the last 5 years...

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Permalink Reply by Debra J on February 12, 2012 at 2:37pm

I think it is important to tell new riders not to let their guard down while riding on the lake front bike path. For all my near misses with cars and having the hell scared out of me by crazy, and just plain inconsiderate, drivers, my three collisions have all been with other bikes on the path. It just gets really crowded sometimes. And, regardless of how crowded it is, there are always some yahoo peds, bikers, and others out there. I always say I'm going to quit the path, but I am a sucker for the lake. And it really is great at times of year other than the summer. But even last weekend, on a low-traffic afternoon, a family of 5 on rollerbladers stopped smack in the middle of the path and posed for a picture. I was able to navigate around them without incident, but that kind of stuff happens all the time. Which leads me to think that I should start a separate thread on what's the craziest sh*t you've seen on the lfp?

In terms of street riding, I think it's important to give people tips on how to navigate intersections. I also think it is really important to tell new riders about how much space they should keep between themselves and parked cars. It seems that the tendency for people who don't ride on the street often is to ride close to parked cars, as opposed to a little closer to traffic.

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Permalink Reply by Jeff Mrzs on February 17, 2012 at 9:00am

I agree with everything you say except the helmet part. I'm on the fence on the helmet debate. But I come from a background of skateboarding & snowboarding without them. I think the helmet give you a false sense of security and in studies I've read motorists are inclined to pass closer to you if you are wearing a helmet. But I've only had near door experiences, my only accidents are of the right hook variety.

Shelley Scott said:

Random thoughts....

for winter biking, warm fingers and warm toes=happiness. I can wear a simple waterproof windbreaker year round and be fine--I warm up once I get moving, but the toes need extra layers (and waterproof boots for extra warmth) and the fingers need my big goretex mittens once it dips below 30. 

I am always always always watching the doors of parked cars. It is true that it's a violation on the part of the car driver if he/she opens the car door into the bike lane (moving traffic), but prevention is the key to happiness here. My awareness has helped me swerve and prevent many collisions, but despite my cautiousness, I've still been doored twice, breaking my fall with my helmet both times. For me, helments are NOT optional as I truly believe they saved my life. (Cracked bike helmets make lovely hanging flower planters by the way.) Cracked helmet is easy to replace; cracked skull is not.

I use the city's online bike map to plan my routes http://www.cityofchicago.org/cityinfo/cdot/bikemap/keymap.html and also have a print copy covering most of the front of my refrigerator for quick reference.

If your destination doesn't have a good place to lock your bike, request that the city install a bike rack  http://chicagobikes.org/bikeparking/#rackrequest. I've been successful several times in getting a rack installed.

I always carry an extra tube and simple tools to change a flat. The one time I forgot those items I got a flat and had to learn on the fly how to use the bike rack on the front of the bus. As someone else posted, it would be good to try to learn that before needed to avoid the anxiety of having difficulty putting it on the bus rack the first time.

Cars have often yelled at me to ride my bike on the sidewalk. If possible I calmly tell them it is against the law in the city since I'm older than 12. I refuse to take on any of their road rage. Breathe in. Breathe out. Repeat. That's the best way to deal with cardrivers' road rage--don't let the situation escalate.

I smile at the drivers next to me when I'm stopped at a light. I truly think this helps them be more considerate of me.

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Permalink Reply by Gene Tenner on February 17, 2012 at 9:16am

Buy a cantaloupe, musk melon or small watermelon. Put it on your shoulder. Knock it off. While staring at the splattered melon, consider adding 15 miles per hour to it and having it hit a curb.

Jeff Mrzs said:

I agree with everything you say except the helmet part. I'm on the fence on the helmet debate. But I come from a background of skateboarding & snowboarding without them. I think the helmet give you a false sense of security and in studies I've read motorists are inclined to pass closer to you if you are wearing a helmet. But I've only had near door experiences, my only accidents are of the right hook variety.

Shelley Scott said:

Random thoughts....

for winter biking, warm fingers and warm toes=happiness. I can wear a simple waterproof windbreaker year round and be fine--I warm up once I get moving, but the toes need extra layers (and waterproof boots for extra warmth) and the fingers need my big goretex mittens once it dips below 30. 

I am always always always watching the doors of parked cars. It is true that it's a violation on the part of the car driver if he/she opens the car door into the bike lane (moving traffic), but prevention is the key to happiness here. My awareness has helped me swerve and prevent many collisions, but despite my cautiousness, I've still been doored twice, breaking my fall with my helmet both times. For me, helments are NOT optional as I truly believe they saved my life. (Cracked bike helmets make lovely hanging flower planters by the way.) Cracked helmet is easy to replace; cracked skull is not.

I use the city's online bike map to plan my routes http://www.cityofchicago.org/cityinfo/cdot/bikemap/keymap.html and also have a print copy covering most of the front of my refrigerator for quick reference.

If your destination doesn't have a good place to lock your bike, request that the city install a bike rack  http://chicagobikes.org/bikeparking/#rackrequest. I've been successful several times in getting a rack installed.

I always carry an extra tube and simple tools to change a flat. The one time I forgot those items I got a flat and had to learn on the fly how to use the bike rack on the front of the bus. As someone else posted, it would be good to try to learn that before needed to avoid the anxiety of having difficulty putting it on the bus rack the first time.

Cars have often yelled at me to ride my bike on the sidewalk. If possible I calmly tell them it is against the law in the city since I'm older than 12. I refuse to take on any of their road rage. Breathe in. Breathe out. Repeat. That's the best way to deal with cardrivers' road rage--don't let the situation escalate.

I smile at the drivers next to me when I'm stopped at a light. I truly think this helps them be more considerate of me.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Far'arned Retrogrumpalunkus #63 on February 17, 2012 at 9:21am

If you think that a cheesy bike helmet is going to help you at speed hitting an immovable object like a curb or a sold rock you are kidding yourself.

Even a motorcycle helmet is pretty ineffective against these kinds of head-on injuries.  It's good for the fall off the bike -not much more.

If you are that hung up on helmets then you should probably be wearing one as a ped -or in the shower.  Falling from 5-6 feet will smash that melon...

Gene Tenner said:

Buy a cantaloupe, musk melon or small watermelon. Put it on your shoulder. Knock it off. While staring at the splattered melon, consider adding 15 miles per hour to it and having it hit a curb.

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Permalink Reply by Gene Tenner on February 17, 2012 at 9:31am

May you be happy and safe and your heart filled with joy, too. I guess that is why they are mandatory for professional racers; they are just no good.

James BlackHeron said:

If you think that a cheesy bike helmet is going to help you at speed hitting an immovable object like a curb or a sold rock you are kidding yourself.

Even a motorcycle helmet is pretty ineffective against these kinds of head-on injuries.  It's good for the fall off the bike -not much more.

If you are that hung up on helmets then you should probably be wearing one as a ped -or in the shower.  Falling from 5-6 feet will smash that melon...

Gene Tenner said:

Buy a cantaloupe, musk melon or small watermelon. Put it on your shoulder. Knock it off. While staring at the splattered melon, consider adding 15 miles per hour to it and having it hit a curb.

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Permalink Reply by Far'arned Retrogrumpalunkus #63 on February 17, 2012 at 10:06am

If you want to know the answer to that question look at who's paying for all the "bike safety" programs.

95%+ of the money comes from helmet manufacturers.  Follow the money.

Really...

Gene Tenner said:

May you be happy and safe and your heart filled with joy, too. I guess that is why they are mandatory for professional racers; they are just no good.

James BlackHeron said:

If you think that a cheesy bike helmet is going to help you at speed hitting an immovable object like a curb or a sold rock you are kidding yourself.

Even a motorcycle helmet is pretty ineffective against these kinds of head-on injuries.  It's good for the fall off the bike -not much more.

If you are that hung up on helmets then you should probably be wearing one as a ped -or in the shower.  Falling from 5-6 feet will smash that melon...

Gene Tenner said:

Buy a cantaloupe, musk melon or small watermelon. Put it on your shoulder. Knock it off. While staring at the splattered melon, consider adding 15 miles per hour to it and having it hit a curb.

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Permalink Reply by Gene Tenner on February 17, 2012 at 10:14am

Another conspiracy theory heard from.

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Permalink Reply by Rene Lawell on February 17, 2012 at 12:21pm

I have a comment on the recant helmet issue.

I ride a motorcycle as well, and I wear my helmet on it

I have seen to many accidents where the guy was not wearing his helmet

which btw is rated for high speed crashes, and the head injuries is what kills

many times you will see a concussion, but the person lives to tell the story.

On the bicycle, I wear my helmet as well. What can it not help. and the better helmet you buy the denser the foam inside, and BTW when you were skating you should have wore a helmet there too. a skater helmet, to help protect the base of the skull where your spine meets your head.

I personally feel to each his or her own. it is a gamble either way, but personally I like the odds better with the helmet.

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Permalink Reply by mike w. on February 17, 2012 at 2:34pm

Aw, geez...not another round of the Great Helmet Debate. PLEASE?

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Permalink Reply by Fran Kondorf on February 17, 2012 at 2:55pm

Helmets are good. You may not want to mess up your hair. Your choice.

But, please. For the love of God, people.

When you ride at night, ROCK SOME LIGHT.

If I can't see you don't get pissed when I run into you or you get run over by a car.

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Permalink Reply by Bruce Mitzit on February 18, 2012 at 9:41am

JP's absolurely right on good tires. I've put 3000 miles on my Schwalbe Marathons w/o a flat. Use Schwalbe tubes, too. Pumping up is much less necessary.

Lights, lights, lights, lights. Bright and visible:more is better. Fresh batteries. You don't see cars with one light, do you? There's a reason for that. Red tail lights are more important than white front ones. Ride the tail lights high so it can be seen through a following driver's windows. Keep the light low so it doesn't shine into other's eyes. --Your blinding light in my eyes does not impress.

Helmet-mounted lights are 8 feet off the ground and are not immediately recognizable, and so confuse, delay reaction. Ride with an extra supplemental bar- or fork-mounted light.

Before fenders, I thought bicycle riding was miserable. Much less crud on your drive train too.

Carry money and a phone and ID. Only use the phone when both feet are on the ground.

Considerate drivers: They really aren't trying to kill you! If you meet one who is, call the cops: they're very helpful and can cause pain to aggressors. Seeing pain applied can be very satisfying.

Park your bike in the house/car. If you stop to lock up for a cuppa, drink it keeping an eagle eye out.

J.P. said:

,,,.

- Invest in some serious flat resistant tires (Schwalbe Marathon Plus, Continental Gatorskin, Panaracer t-serv). A good tire will usually cost you $40+

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