The Chainlink

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 Fran Kondorf on February 5, 2012 at 1:10pm

Lots of great points so far.

Here are some things I wish I knew when I started out-

 Learn how to do basic maintenance. Flats, adjustments, etc. Builds confidence and connects you to your bike.

 Be alert and learn how traffic flows, wherever you ride.

 Take control of your own safety by seeing ahead, eliminating variables, and being able to stop on a dime.

 Be visible, especially while riding at night.

 Ask for help when you need it. Your fellow cyclist will typically go out of their way to lend a hand.

 And be sure to make friends with the crew at your LBS.

 

 

Permalink Reply by Doug Haynes on February 5, 2012 at 2:32pm

In no particular order:

1. How to properly lock up and secure a bike when parked.

2. What to do in the event of an accident.

3. Rule regarding, and how to, take bike on public transportation.

4. Basic of maintaining a bike.  Nothing fancy, just being aware it needs to be lubricated and maintained over time and not ignored until it fails.  It is amazing how many people I see ride a simple issue until it becomes an expensive one.

5. How to dress for the shit weather.

Permalink Reply by Mike Zumwalt on February 5, 2012 at 2:50pm
Carry basic tools with you and enough money on a cta card for atleast a trip and transfers.
Permalink Reply by Michelle S on February 5, 2012 at 5:46pm

Riding for transportation is different from riding for recreation: It's OK to go slowly and not work up a sweat. 

Riding slowly is a lot less stressful than riding fast since you have more time to react to other people's movements.

Learn the correct hand signals and use them, for courtesy to others and your own safety. Ride in a straight line whenever possibly and ride predictably.

It's OK to only ride on quiet side streets first, then work up the guts to go on a street with a full bike lane like Halsted, then move up to a shared lane, etc. As you gain experience, you'll gain confidence. Baby steps.

If you have absolutely no interest in or aptitude for anything that has to do with the mechanics of your bike, you don't have to bother learning. Just bring your cell phone and $20 for minivan cab fare and you'll be fine.

Permalink Reply by J.P. on February 5, 2012 at 7:25pm

Here's what I learned in the first few months after starting riding daily in the city: (and I was completely clueless)

- A good local bike shop is awesome and can fix a lot of things for little money

- Stay away from the gutter and parked cars. Riding a little further to the left is safer and increases your visibility

- QR is evil (have them replaced asap if you think of locking up your bike in the city and leaving it for longer than 20 seconds)

- Get an old, cheap bike and replace parts. This way you have a semi-custom build bike after a while and the thieves will still only see and old, cheap bike.

- full fenders on both wheels can really help.

- side streets are your friend, in particular in the beginning. BUT stay away from alley ways. Your changes of getting a flat are very high in alley ways.

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

-Ride defensively, adjust speed (speed matters even for cyclists)

Permalink Reply by theresa castillo on February 6, 2012 at 1:05am

also..don't leave them in a saddle bag on the back of bike...cause when you need them they are not there. also a multi tool very important...helmets are a necessity. keep the bike lubed!

mike w. said:

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 Gene Tenner on February 6, 2012 at 9:07am

You have a legal right to the road, so claim it and hold your space, but remember that the right includes obeying the same rules of the road that the cars are expected to obey.

Permalink Reply by Eric R on February 6, 2012 at 9:50am

Save the yelling (at cabbies, suburban SUV drivers, etc.) for extreme circumstances, it will only make you more angry :)

When in doubt, ring a bell.

Permalink Reply by Julie Aberman (Hochstadter) on February 6, 2012 at 11:25am

Yes, great book  - link here

Thunder Snow said:

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 Carma Nibarger on February 6, 2012 at 5:00pm

What to do if/when they get into an accident

Permalink Reply by Anne Alt on February 6, 2012 at 5:36pm

+1

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 Kevin C Dormant on February 6, 2012 at 5:37pm

Riding a bike is fun.

The people who seek out purportedly more experienced strangers for instruction or "buddying" either already know this, or strongly suspect it. Reinforce it. Keep it simple. If they express concerns, address them. "Fun" is vastly underrated.

 

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