1. 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 1981. This version of the presentation has been modified by the Tri-County Bicycling Association Bicycle Commuting Seminar Sept. 19, 2013

2. Bike Commuting Why do you want to Bike Commute? Save money on gas Health Environment Calculate your positive impacts (money, calories, pollution) at: http://www.kiplinger.com/tools/bike/

3. Bicycle Styles

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

6. Bike Fit Seat Height

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

8. For Your Bike Fenders Rear rack

9. For Your Bike Mirror Bike bell

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

11. For Your Bike Locks

12. For Your Bike Water bottle & cage Bike computer

13. Helmets: Importance, Proper Fit Helmet Proper Fit

14. BE CONSPICUOUS

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

16. 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.

17. 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.

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

19. Selecting Your Route Alternatives to busy roads…  TCBA Cross Town Routes: www.biketcba.org/ maps/crosstown.html  Bike Lansing Listserve jlindenmayer@lmb.org  Mapping Program www.gmap-pedometer.com  Google Maps maps.google.com/maps

20. 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

21. How to carry “stuff” Back pack Messenger bag

22. How to carry “stuff” Rack pack

23. How to carry “stuff” Panniers Handlebar bag

24. How to carry “stuff” Baskets – rear or front

25. How not to carry “stuff” YES NO

26. How to pack “Stuff” Clothes oWater proof bag

27. How to pack “Stuff” Clothes oWater proof bag oRoll

28. 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.

29. 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

30. 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

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

32. QUESTIONS?

33. FOR A LIST OF SOME POPULAR COMMUTER BIKES, CHECK OUT http://tinyurl.com/CommBikes