John Buckley, a mentor for many, and still a constant reminder, rode a 1980s 21-speed roadbike. Buckley rode that bicycle to work, ten miles away, every day for thirty years. No exceptions.
I wish I was that tough. I ride a lot, however, and this column will help you consider some things if you choose to ride. These tips are based on my riding experience.
EARS
As I once told my oldest daughter, "We don't listen to music headphones while riding." There are no exceptions. The "no exceptions" clause, common for this field of expertise, is rarely negotiable. Bicycles mix it up with automobiles, and to exist as a cyclist in that three-foot bike lane safely, attention to detail is crucial. You need ears to ride, simply put.
EYES
I cannot hammer this point home enough: Keep your eyes peeled! Paying attention to everything within the white lines, will get you home. Knowing what traffic is doing, helps the bike rider make accurate decisions. Turning across four lanes, for example, is deadly dangerous. Risk in this situation is unwarranted at ALL times. Accurate decisions here include not crossing(until a better spot exists), returning to a previous crossing, and riding a different route.
In really intense situations, such as "high traffic at dusk," stopping and getting your feet underneath you, will help you gauge the safest spot to maneuver. Tight shoulders mean not leaving the bike, only stopping to get a 360 degree view.
Handlebar mounted mirrors are an undeniable asset, and essential for heavy city riding. Knowing how to use them properly, will help any rider achieve another level of awareness.
EQUIPMENT
I own a number of bicycles, and the key to owning a bike is care. Caring about your ride will make it last generations. Indoor storage, yearly tune-ups, regular maintenance, and proper use, will make riding safe for everyone on the road. A bike that has efficient brakes, bright lights, and perfect tuning, runs better for longer and protects the rider infinitely better than a poorly maintained bike.
Invest in a high quality light set, as it too, will last longer than either of us, if taken care of.
A helmet that is well-made, is an essential part of the riding arsenal. I recommend testing different ones for personal taste. Local bike shops are great for this, and can help with mounting straps and such.
In Oregon, raingear is a must, even if you are a "part-time rider."
Other things to consider are extra lighting, such as a headlamp. Reflective tape and riding gear with reflective traits, are immeasurably important. To be seen, if you are riding at night, is the most important aspect of a night ride. Be seen, simple as that.
BAD HABITS
Bicycles are more maneuverable, and because of this, the "rules" that govern bikes, are sometimes extremely lenient. Use this to your benefit, but do it safely. Bad habits like riding opposite of traffic, are easily remedied, if the rider is super respectful of traffic. Suppose the wrong-lane-rider is approaching a stop sign with a waiting car. The rider traveling against traffic should stop here, and let that traffic go.
There are a number of reasons for this. The first is the legal aspect, as the car has "Right Of Way." The second reason for stopping, is safety. The rider should never assume that the car driver will see a bike in such a blind area. Many drivers may not look, because traffic generally isn't there. Safety should be number one, no doubt about it.
Other confusing and dangerous behavior, is a rider who takes the "California Stop" to new heights. This rider altogether ignores an empty intersection, and blows right on through. Don't do this. Change gears, slow down, look both ways twice, and then continue with the right California Stop.
Many situations exist, that bring both rider and driver together, in a dangerous predicament. Be sure to be prepared. Attention to detail, can and will, save your life.
GOOD HABITS
Riding with kids, can be awesome and loads of fun. Children are copycats. Teach them to ride safely. Knowledge is great, but if examples are not set, knowing about bike safety is meaningless.
Stopping at stop signs is a great habit. Use those leg muscles to get going again. Unless getting hit by a car sounds good.
Wearing a helmet is the most under-appreciated part of bicycling. Enough said.
I know that bikes are allowed as "traffic." I recommend using bike lanes and shoulders instead. Roads are for autos, enough said.
KNOWLEDGE
Transit schedules, bike routes, truck routes, and thoroughways, are hotbeds of information for the cycler. In Portland, for example, knowing these things helps to ride the safest and most efficient routes.
How to do roadside repairs are an area of loss for many riders. Practicing changing tires is great, but not enough. Adjust the brakes while your bike is in the garage upside down. That's how I often work on my bicycle. I set the bike on a table, upside down. Then I do my work, which includes brake adjustments, derailer work, and the typical "clean & lube."
At the end of the day, I want you to be satisfied, exhilarated, worn out, and alive. Have a great day on two wheels!
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