League of Michigan Bicyclists This presentation is courtesy of the League of Michigan Bicyclists. LMB is a member supported, non- profit organization dedicated to promoting bicycling and the rights of bicyclists on the roadways in Michigan since in This version of the presentation has been modified by the Tri-County Bicycling Association Bicycle Commuting Seminar Sept. 19, 2013

Bike Commuting Why do you want to Bike Commute? Save money on gas Health Environment Calculate your positive impacts (money, calories, pollution) at:

Bicycle Styles

Recumbent: Upside: Ergonomically correct Downsides: Costly, heavier, longer Electric-assisted: Upside: Added power Downsides: Costly, heavier, more complicated

Bike Fit Seat Height

For Your Bike: Tires Knobby vs slick (semi-slick) Narrow vs wide High pressure vs low pressure Lightweight vs heavy duty

For Your Bike Fenders Rear rack

For Your Bike Mirror Bike bell

For Your Bike: Tire Pump, Patch Kit, Tool Set

For Your Bike Locks

For Your Bike Water bottle & cage Bike computer

Helmets: Importance, Proper Fit Helmet Proper Fit

BE CONSPICUOUS

Being Seen REAR RED LIGHTS, REFLECTORS, BLINKING LIGHTS, REFLECTIVE TAPE FOR YOUR BIKE, BAGS, BACKPACK, JACKET, VEST… FRONT WHITE LIGHTS

Wet Conditions Maintain Clear Vision: Clear glasses or safety glasses. Stay Warm: waterproof, breathable jacket and pants. Stay Visible!! Ride and brake carefully… roads can get slick and brakes can slip when they are wet.

Riding After Dark Try to avoid it. BE SHINY! Front white light, red rear light, blinking light… reflective tape… light colored clothing. Reduce Your Speed: especially on road you don’t know well. Stay Alert: pay close attention to your surrounding and motorists.

Where to Ride and Why Lower Number=ACCIDENT LESS LIKELY Higher Number =ACCIDENT MORE LIKELY

Selecting Your Route Alternatives to busy roads…  TCBA Cross Town Routes: maps/crosstown.html  Bike Lansing Listserve  Mapping Program  Google Maps maps.google.com/maps

Clothing Basic clothing Highly visible (Green, Yellow, or Orange Jackets/Vests are a good idea!!) Lightweight and comfortable Optional clothing Bike shorts Bike Gloves Pant straps Bike shoes Rain gear Safety vest

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” Baskets – rear or front

How not to carry “stuff” YES NO

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 or bicycle garment bag that allows clothes to hang over rear rack.

How to pack “Stuff” Items best to leave at your place of work oShoes oToiletry items Carrying keys, wallet, cell phone, glasses, etc. Carrying Laptops and/or file folders

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

Emergency Info Photo ID Cell Phone Mace/Pepper Spray or Dog Whistle for Unfriendly Dogs Good idea to take these with you!

QUESTIONS?

FOR A LIST OF SOME POPULAR COMMUTER BIKES, CHECK OUT