The Bicycle as a Means of Transportation BIKE COMMUTING

This presentation is courtesy of the League of Michigan Bicyclists. LMB is a member supported not-for-profit organization dedicated to the promotion of bicycling and the safety of bicyclists on the roadways in Michigan since in 1981.

Bike Commuting Assumptions: You own a bicycle You know how to ride a bicycle You know that bicyclist are to ride with traffic … contrary to what you may have been taught in school

Bike Commuting Why do you want to Bike Commute? Save money on gas Health Environment

Bike Commuting Myths

MYTH: Only the fit and trim among us have enough strength and stamina to Bike commute. REALITY: Bicycling is one of the easiest activities because of the gearing of the bike. In addition, there is no rule that says you must commute the entire route. Something is better than nothing REALITY: Bicycling is one of the easiest activities because of the gearing of the bike. In addition, there is no rule that says you must commute the entire route. Something is better than nothing.

MYTH: One cannot be professional looking and a bicycle commuter. REALITY: Many professionals in all levels of industry bike commute. It just takes a little extra planning and adaptation.

MYTH: I become too "wet" or "smelly" from riding so I need a shower when I get there. REALITY: Very few days in Michigan are hot in the early morning. Save the race speed for the trip home!

MYTH: You need a great bike to commute. REALITY: Many bicyclists use a very ordinary bike to commute, and keep their fancy ones for tours, or racing. The more ordinary the bike is, the less likely it is to get stolen.

MYTH: One needs sidewalks, bike paths and trails to safely ride, even to work. REALITY: Sidewalks are statistically more dangerous. Bike paths are only useful if they go to where you are going. A little planning will put you on backstreets and parallel routes that are safe.

It’s the Law! A bicyclist has the same rights and duties as a motor vehicle Ride to the right... Exceptions include: o Turning Left o Passing o When unsafe o Straight at right turn lane o One way street Signal Turns Obey Traffic Signals

Rider Etiquette Hand signals

Rider Etiquette Hand signals

Rider Etiquette Hand signals

Rider Etiquette Hand signals

Rider Etiquette Hand signals Trail/sidewalk oWhen passing – call out “on your left” oYield to pedestrians Communication oGreet other bicyclists with a hello and a wave

Sharing the Road Bike lanes & striped shoulders oMiddle of lane – leave room to escape

Sharing the Road No bike lanes (shared roadway) Don’t hug the edge Rule of thumb – ride in car’s right tire path

Sharing the Road How to safely traverse intersections Straight

Sharing the Road How to safely traverse intersections Right

Sharing the Road How to safely traverse intersections Left

Sharing the Road How to deal with right turn lanes Shared Roadway Bike Lane

Sharing the Road Bicyclists should ride straight, not dodging between parked cars Bicyclists should ride 3-4’ from car where door may open

Car B crosses sidepath, turning right:  Rarely stops at stopline, usually in crosswalk or at street edge  May not even stop  Often will only look left  Might see Cyclist 2,  Less likely to see Cyclist 1 Sharing the Road Trail/Sidewalk Cautions at intersections

Car A turning right:  Might see Cyclist 1  Less likely to see Cyclist 2  Many will not yield right-of- way  Faster turning speeds increase the chance of a collision Trail/Sidewalk Cautions at intersections

Car C looks ahead, not where the cyclist is on the path, waits for gap to turn left, accelerates through turn Might see Cyclist 4, Unlikely to see Cyclist 3 If traffic gap is short, sudden stops would be difficult Trail/Sidewalk Cautions at intersections

Traffic Signals Many traffic signals are triggered by electrically charged wires buried under the pavement. When a vehicle stops over them it disrupts the current. Most bicycles contain enough metal to trigger the light. You need to know where the most sensitive spots are. How to make traffic signals turn green

Traffic Signals Look for cut lines in the pavement. The most sensitive spots are: Diamonds: just inside one of the points

Traffic Signals Rectangles: up front in the middle

Traffic Signals Circles: about a quarter of the way in

Traffic Signals The most sensitive spots are: Diamonds: just inside one of the points Rectangles: up front in the middle Circles: about a quarter of the way in Some signals are tripped by motion sensors, which can easily sense a bicycle.

Where to Ride Precautions Pedestrians Wind Rain Wet roads Snow/ice Dogs

Where to Ride

Alternatives to busy roads Resources to map your route oLocal bike route maps oState Maps: ohttp:// 9615_ ,00.html oMapping Program: ohttp://

Multi Modal Trips Bus

Multi Modal Trips Train

Multi Modal Trips Airplane

Multi Modal Trips Ferry

Bike Fit

Seat Height

Bike Fit Weight distribution (Rule of thumb - 2/3 on saddle and 1/3 on handlebars) Adjust seat distance to handlebars

Basic Maintenance Local bike shop A-B-C Quik Check Fixing a flat

A is for “air” Tire Wear Air pressure Spokes Rims

Adjustment Cables Pads Crud build up B is for “brakes”

Lubricated Cranks & Chainring Cassette Drive train shifting C is for “chain”

Quik Quik releases and axle nuts

Check Check to make sure everything works properly within the 1 st block of your trip

On Road Repairs Basic tools to carry

How to fix a flat Release Brakes Remove Wheel Remove Tire Remove Tube

How to fix a flat Install new tube Put Tire Back on Rim Inflate tube to pressure on side of tire Check tire for embedded objects

How to fix a flat Put Wheel Back on Bike Re-attach brakes

Basic equipment you will need for your bike

How to carry “stuff” Back pack Messenger bag

How to carry “stuff” Rack pack

How to carry “stuff” Panniers Handlebar bag

How to carry “stuff” Basket

How to carry “stuff” Trailer

How to carry “stuff” Automobile

How not to carry “stuff” YES NO

Lighting for night riding

Tires Knobby vs slick (semi-slick) Narrow vs wide High pressure vs low pressure Lightweight vs heavy duty Personal choice based on type of bike you are riding and conditions of roads. Commuters ride on all types.

Optional Equipment Fenders Rear rack

Optional Equipment Water bottle & cage Bike computer

Optional Equipment Mirror Bike bell

How to outfit yourself Helmet Proper Fit

How to outfit yourself Basic clothing Highly visible Lightweight and comfortable Optional clothing Bike shorts Bike Gloves Pant straps Bike shoes Rain gear Safety vest

How to outfit yourself Cold weather considerations Layers Head Feet Hands

How to pack “Stuff” Clothes oWater proof bag

How to pack “Stuff” Clothes oWater proof bag oRoll

How to pack “Stuff” Clothes oWater proof bag oRoll oPermanent press/wrinkle free – carry on bike oDry cleaned or ironed – carry in car Items best to leave at your place of work oShoes oToiletry items Keys, wallet, cell phone, glasses, etc. Laptops and/or file folders

How to Clean Up Showers available Bathroom sink

How to Clean Up Facial wipes Casual look

Bike Parking Secure indoor spot

Bike Parking Outside parking

Bike Parking Locks

Questions?

“We hope that you enjoyed this Bicycle Commuting power point from the League of Michigan Bicyclists. Our purpose is to improve bicycle safety for everyone who rides in Michigan!”