This presentation is courtesy of the League of Michigan League of Michigan

BicyclistsBicyclists. 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 AssociationTri-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:

http://www.kiplinger.com/tools/bike/

Bicycle Styles

Bicycle Styles

Bicycle StylesRecumbent:•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 SeenREAR 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 LIKELYHigher Number =ACCIDENT MORE LIKELY

Selecting Your RouteAlternatives to busy roads…

TCBA Cross Town Routes:www.biketcba.org/maps/crosstown.html

Bike Lansing Listserve jlindenmayer@lmb.org

Mapping Programwww.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

o Water proof bag

How to pack “Stuff”• Clothes

o Water proof bag o Roll

How to pack “Stuff”• Clothes

o Water proof bag o Rollo Permanent press/wrinkle free –

carry on bikeo 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 o Shoeso Toiletry items

• Carrying keys, wallet, cell phone, glasses, etc.

• Carrying Laptops and/or file folders

Rider Etiquette• Hand signals

• Trail/sidewalk o When passing – call out “on your left”o Yield to pedestrians

• Communicationo Greet 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 http://tinyurl.com/CommBikes