Spring Bike Smarts

With longer daylight and warmer temperatures, many of us are hitting the road again by bike. Safety and preparation are key to having your best ride – and many more to come.

Tune It Up:
Before you hit the road this spring, take your bike to bike shop to get a tune up. Cables, brakes, chain – these are all items that may need to be replaced yearly. Maintain your bike on a regular basis to avoid mechanical issue.

Use Your Head:
Always wear a helmet. Even on short rides in low traffic areas, a helmet is a necessity for every rider no matter how experienced. Be sure it fits snugly on to your head, not resting too far back.

Protect Thy Eyes:
Not only will sunglasses keep the sun out of your eyes, but they also offer protection from bugs, rain and items that might kick back from cars on the road. Find a pair that comes with multicolored lenses for different weather scenarios.

Keep Your Ears Open:
Never ride with headphones. Your ears are like having eyes in the back of your head on the bike. Upcoming traffic, stray dogs, trains – these are all hazards that could claim your life if you are not alert and listening.

Send A Signal:
When making turns or other moves, signal to drivers so they can anticipate your actions.

Assume Nothing:
Assume nothing on the bike. Don’t assume the car turning left will let you go first. Don’t assume the car coming up on the right will stop at the sign or even see you. Anticipate that no one sees you or knows what to do when they see a bike. Be overly cautious to protect yourself.

Obey The Law:
If you want cars to respect you, respect road rules. Stop at stop signs, avoid rolling through stale lights and follow all posted signs.

Ride Right:
It is never wise to ride more than two abreast. Actually, it is often not wise to ride more than single file! Be careful about how you ride in the road. Stay as close to the shoulder or white line as possible. Wear bright colored clothing so cars can detect you on the road.

Pack A Spare:
Always carry 1 to 2 spare inner tubes and two tire levers. Practice how to change a flat in case it happens.

Pump It Up:
Carry a small handheld pump or a C02 cartridge (or two) with dispenser to inflate tubes. Remember, you have one shot with the cartridge so learn to use it correctly. Be sure to inflate your tires at least once a week. Most road bike tires require 100 PSI.

Bring a Buck:
A dollar bill can be folded and place between an inner tube and tire if your tire gets a puncture wound (often caused by nails, staples or glass in the road). Typically, this will help to seal the hole until you are able to get a new tire.

Be Prepared:
Always tell someone the route you plan on taking and when possible do not ride alone. In any case, bring a cell phone on your ride. It is also a good idea to pack some form of identification on your body or bike.

Practice Your Skills:
Cornering, shifting, braking, clipping in/out – find an empty parking lot and practice these basic skills of biking to build your confidence.

Pacelining:
When in a tight line, never go into your aerobars, avoid the spin-and-coast on your pedals (rather, apply different amounts of pressure to the pedals to keep spinning in the line), avoid sudden braking to slow yourself down (instead change pressure on the pedals). Always think ahead. Remember, in a group you become responsible for those around you as any action you make will require a reaction on their part.

Communicate:
In a group, be sure to communicate hazards ahead in a clear, concise manner (rider up, car back, slowing, stopping). Remember, your action requires a reaction. Help others anticipate what they will need to do to avoid crashes or accidents.

Fuel Right:
Carry extra fluids and fuel on your rides. Pack a few spare dollars just in case you run low on energy or the ride ends up going longer than expected.

This spring, make smart choices, be prepared, use functional equipment and be safe out there so you can continue riding through life!