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 Mid-Michigan Environmental Action Council Mid-Michigan Environmental Action Council for the Smart Commute 1-hour Bicycle Commuting Class.

We want you to love your commute!

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 “sweaty" 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.

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

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.

For Your Bike: Flags

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  Mid-MEAC Bike Routes  Bike Lansing Listserve  Mapping Program  Google 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

Clothing Cold weather considerations Layers Head Feet Hands

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 to carry “stuff” Trailer

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

Transporting Kids Mom needs a helmet… and could use a front basket to help with all that stuff she’s got…. A flag and front basket would make things even safer and easier for this ride…

Transporting Kids… Cargo… Dogs?

How to clean up before work, meetings, etc. Showers available Bathroom sink

Bicycling Around Motorists A bicyclist has the same rights and duties as a motor vehicle. Ride with, never against traffic. Ride to the right – except: o Turning Left o Passing o When unsafe o Straight at right turn lane o One way street Signal Turns Obey Traffic Signals

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

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

Other info you get in the 3-hour class: More Detail on Bicycling on the Road: Intersections Left Turns Right Turn Lanes More Safety and Best Practices: Nutrition & Hydration Bicycle Parking/Theft Prevention Basic Bike Maintenance Air/Tires, Brakes, Chain, Quick Releases, Changing a Flat Practice: Bicycling Basics Practice: On Road