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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. Spartan Bicycle Commuting Seminar Sept. 7, 2011.
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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. Spartan Bicycle Commuting Seminar Sept. 7, 2011 This version of the presentation has been modified by the Mid-Michigan Active Transportation Alliance
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/
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 Locks
For Your Bike • Water bottle & cage • Bike computer
Helmets: Importance, Proper Fit • Helmet • Proper Fit
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: www.biketcba.org/maps/Hrosstown.html • Bike Lansing Listserve jlindenmayer@lmb.org • Mapping Program www.gmap-pedometer.com • 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 • Water proof bag
How to pack “Stuff” • Clothes • Water proof bag • Roll
How to pack “Stuff” • Clothes • Water proof bag • Roll • Permanent press/wrinkle free – carry on bike • Dry 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 • Shoes • Toiletry items • Carrying keys, wallet, cell phone, glasses, etc. • Carrying Laptops and/or file folders
Rider Etiquette • Hand signals • Trail/sidewalk • When passing – call out “on your left” • Yield to pedestrians • Communication • Greet other bicyclists with a hello and a wave
Emergency InfoPhoto IDCell PhoneMace/Pepper Spray or Dog Whistle for Unfriendly Dogs Good idea to take these with you!