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

Mid-Michigan Environmental Action Mid-Michigan Environmental Action CouncilCouncil 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: REALITY: Bicycling Bicycling is one of the easiest is one of the easiest activities because of activities because of the gearing of the the gearing of the bike. In addition, bike. In addition,

there is no rule that there is no rule that says you must says you must

commute the entire commute the entire route. Something is route. Something is better than nothingbetter 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 MYTH: I become too “sweaty" or "smelly" from “sweaty" or "smelly" from riding so I need a shower riding so I need a shower

when I get there.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 MYTH: You need a great need a great

bike to bike to commute.commute.

REALITY: Many bicyclists use a REALITY: Many bicyclists use a very ordinary bike to commute, very ordinary bike to commute, and keep their fancy ones for and keep their fancy ones for

tours, or racing. The more tours, or racing. The more ordinary the bike is, the less ordinary the bike is, the less

likely it is to get stolen.likely it is to get stolen.

MYTH: One needs MYTH: One needs sidewalks, bike paths and sidewalks, bike paths and trails to safely ride, even trails to safely ride, even

to work.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 www.midmeac.org/calc

Bicycle Styles

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

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.

For Your Bike: Flags

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

Mid-MEAC Bike Routeswww.midmeac.org/bikeroutes

Bike Lansing Listserve jlindenmayer@lmb.org

Mapping Programwww.gmap-pedometer.com

Google Maps http://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

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

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

Transporting KidsMom 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?www.bicycletrailers.com

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 Lefto Passingo When unsafeo Straight at right turn

laneo One way street

Signal Turns

Obey Traffic Signals

Hand Signals

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!

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

www.lmb.org 888-642-4537www.lmb.org 888-642-4537