Safe Commuting by Bike

Bike Metro Website: http://www.metro.net/bikeweek

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BICYCLE SAFETY

Richardmasoner, flickr.com

Inexpensive, healthy, sustainable, fun. These adjectives have all been used to describe getting around by bike. Events like CicLAvia, critical mass rides, and others have shown an expanded interest in biking as a leisure activity, but cycling also presents a viable mode for transportation. While riding a bike can expose a rider to a number of dangers, it also offers a number of health benefits when done in a safe manner. This guide gives safety tips for those with an interest in biking for transportation or pleasure, or both.

The topics covered in this guide include the necessary components for safe riding including issues surrounding the bike itself, traffic skills and route selection, and equipment.

Properly Functioning Bike and Maintenance

Having a properly working bike is essential to getting around. If you have not ridden your bike in a while and are concerned about the safety of the bike, go to your local bike shop and ask them to do a safety check. Another option is to go to one of the various bike collectives in LA County.

Bike maintenance, London Cycling Campaign

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If you decide to check the bike yourself, it is important to know the ABCs. For ensuring your bike is ready to ride, the ABCs are:

Air pressure in tires: Tires should be inflated according to the

manufacturer’s specifications and should feel hard. Not having tires inflated enough can expose a rider to needless flats. Also, check to see that there is not excessive wear on the sidewalls and tread of tires. If there is a lot of wear, it may be time to think about getting new tires.

Brakes: Before getting on the bike, make sure that the brakes respond.

If you ever take the wheels off to transport the bike, make sure that you re-engage the brakes.

Cranks and Chain: The crankset is the object to which the pedals

attach and should be solidly in place and not movable from side to side.

In addition, it is necessary to make sure your wheels and seat are tightly secured to the bike, especially in cases where you are taking them off to lock or transport them. Starting your ride slowly will allow you to catch other abnormalities before you reach full speed.

Knowing basic bike maintenance principles like how to adjust aspects of the bike and how to fix a flat tire is an important skill, though it is not imperative. This does not require a cyclist to be anywhere near a professional mechanic, but knowing simple fixes can save you major headaches. For those who are not mechanically

Repairing a flat. Bruce’s Bike Blog

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inclined, bike shops occasionally offer classes that can teach you the most important things you need to know. The following maintenance equipment takes up very little space in a bag, but can help out in the event of mechanical problems:

An inner tube or patch kit (replacing the

tube is generally easier than patching)

Tire levers for removing the tire in the

event of a flat

A small bike pump (also known as a

micro-pump) certain models attach to the

frame of the bike

A bike multi-tool

Lights

For those intending to ride during dusk hours, making yourself visible to other motorists is crucial. State law requires that any bike on the road during darkness be equipped with yellow reflectors on the backs of the pedals, a red reflector on the back of the bike, and a white light on the front of the bike. This is the minimum – lights are generally a better option than reflectors. Lights can be bought at a number of price points, costing a few dollars and up. Flashing patterns are a fairly standard feature and can enhance your visibility to others on the road immeasurably. Lights can be attached to the bike, to clothing, to helmets, or to backpacks and bags. Since most bike lights are battery-powered, one should check them occasionally or consider carrying a set of back-up batteries. If there is even the chance that you may be riding at dusk or in the dark, having a good set of lights is the simplest, most effective way of announcing your presence on the road.

Gear Storage

The manner in which you carry your belongings is usually a matter of preference, but a good rule of the thumb is that your items should be secure and not capable of throwing off your balance. Placing grocery bags around handlebars, for instance, is not a good idea because the swinging of the bags can throw off one's balance, get caught in the front wheel or onto your leg as you are pedaling. The

Flat tire kit including (L to R) pump, tire levers, patch kit and tube, instructables.com

Head and tail light set

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simplest solution is to put your stuff in a regular backpack or other bag, such as a messenger bag. More specialized ways of carrying your cargo usually require additional hardware installed on the bike, which may be worth it depending on the cyclist. One option is a bike rack, to which you can attach your gear with bungee cords. Another option is a basket. Panniers are popular among commuter cyclists. If you regularly carry a large number of items, a specialized type of bike, such as a cargo bike, may be appropriate. None of these options is clearly better or offers more safety than the others - it is up to the rider to decide about issues of functionality, comfort, and style.

Helmet

When thinking about bike safety, an important piece of equipment is the helmet. California state law requires any rider under the age of 18 to wear a helmet. When purchasing a helmet, the following are the most important characteristics:

Certification: The Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) certifies helmets for safety, which is required for retailers to sell any helmet. The nonprofit Snell Memorial Foundation also endorses helmets that exceed federal safety standards.

Fit: Helmets should fit snugly on the head but should not be uncomfortable. The helmet should cover a good portion of the forehead. They should stay in place when a rider moves his or her head. Newer helmet technologies include adjustable inner ring that can accommodate a range of different head sizes and add comfort.

One option: carrying gear in panniers

Commuters with backpacks in San Jose. Richardmasoner, flickr.com

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In terms of price, one can generally find a good helmet in the $30 range. More expensive helmets may add marginally more comfort, but the main difference is that higher-end models are lighter in weight and have better ventilation. Although they seem indestructible, helmets do not last forever. See the owner’s manual for the manufacturer’s specifications for replacement.

Clothing

Cyclists are well-known for sporting form-fitting spandex shorts and brightly-colored jerseys, but for those not interested in competitive cycling, these are not necessary. Riders traveling longer distances might consider them, as they can add a degree of comfort, but cycling does not require these types of clothing. The coloration of clothing, however, is important, especially in darkness. Wearing light-colored clothing increases your visibility to drivers and can increase your safety on the road. Clothing that is reflective is another good way to ensure that you are seen by cars in the dark.

Parking

Finding a secure location to park your bike can be a significant challenge to commuting by bike. Perhaps the most secure option is to bring the bike into the office or building where you work. This is not always possible due to space constraints. Bike lockers are another good option. Lockers located at rail stations can be rented through Metro’s website. While not nearly as secure as other parking options, bike racks and poles located on sidewalks can be used to park bikes. Look for signs that may be posted prohibiting bicycle parking.

Road-style helmet

Inverted U style bike rack, Steven Vance, flickr.com

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Besides the location of the parking, the type of lock used is important. There are two general types of locks: U-locks and cable/chain locks. Of the two, U-locks are more secure and make stealing a bicycle more difficult. Cable locks are easier for bike thieves to cut, but they are flexible and can be used to secure removable parts such as seats. Use of a U-lock in conjunction with a cable lock or chain is perhaps the best way to lock the bike because with these two locks, you are able to secure the wheels, the frame, the seat, and other removable components. The wheels and seat are parts of the bike that are commonly stolen, partly because owners overlook these items when parking. If you do not have enough locks and chains to secure the entire bike, the biggest priorities should be the frame and the back wheel, as these are the most expensive items to replace.

There is a range of quality and prices for locks, but buying the best lock (or locks) you can afford is recommended. Although locks can get fairly expensive (in the $50 range and above), buying a good lock is preferable to having an important component or the entire bike stolen. Hal Ruzal, a bike mechanic from New York City, has a series of videos in which he grades the locking jobs done by bicyclists, which gives good tips on what not to do when parking your bike.

In Case of Emergency

Unfortunately, AAA does not come to the aid of cyclists. As a consequence, cyclists should hope for the best but plan for the worst. In the event that you are involved in an accident, it is always a good idea to have identification on you. Whether this means carrying a full wallet or wearing an ID bracelet is at the discretion of the individual rider, but identification is important for safety. It is also a good idea to have an “ICE” (in case of emergency) number in your cell phone so that someone can contact family or friends if you are injured.

Setting up your own safety net can help in life-threatening situations as well as prevent annoying inconveniences. Discuss the possibility of an emergency

U-Lock Cable Lock Chain Lock

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situation with family and people with whom you work. Finding people willing to lend a helping hand is almost always simply a matter of asking, but it is on the rider to set up his or her own support team. Also, knowing the transit options in the area in which you commute can help in mechanical breakdown situations as well as other situations.

Rain

Rainy weather can be especially hazardous to cyclists. In addition to reducing visibility for cyclists and drivers alike, roads can become slick, particularly in cases where it has not rained recently. Oil on the road can rise and get between the road surface and the tire, making falls more likely. Riding on painted lane lines is also a concern in wet conditions.

In poor weather conditions, taking other transportation options is not a bad idea. In the event that an unforeseen rainstorm makes for unsafe road conditions, check with other employees or your Employee Transportation Coordinator about other ways to get home. If you do ride in the rain, take turns more slowly than you would when the road is dry and keep your center of gravity directly over the bike to prevent the wheel from slipping out from underneath you. It is also important to know that slowing down in wet conditions is more difficult, so give yourself more space for stopping than you otherwise would. Tapping the brakes every once in a while will keep the brake pads relatively dry and make for more reliable braking. Weather-specific clothing including waterproof and water-resistant jackets can make riding in the rain more bearable. Fenders can be installed to keep the spray from the road out of your face and off of your back.

Cyclist exercising extra caution in wet conditions. Francis Bourouin, flickr.com

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Route Selection

A good resource for selecting a route is the Metro Bike Map which shows the different types of bike infrastructure throughout Los Angeles County. The types are as follow:

Bike paths (Class I): Separated from traffic, such as alongside riverbeds.

Bike lanes (Class II): On-road striped lanes differentiate the areas designated for cars and for cyclists

Bike routes (Class III): Shared roads with signage to make drivers more aware of cyclists

Other roads may be appropriate for traveling by bike, but the areas designated on the map can be good options for identifying routes quickly. Finding an efficient route that maximizes the amount of distance covered on bike paths, in bike lanes, or on streets with relatively low traffic volumes can increase safety. Talking to other cyclists about their preferred routes is another good way to figure out the best route for you. In addition, a number of online resources give helpful suggestions for bike commutes.

Metro Bike Map

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Online resources to help with route selection: Biking Directions on Google – By putting in your origin and destination points,

Google creates a bike route based on bike facility data and hills. MapMyRide.com Los Angeles Routes – User-generated routes around LA

County Los Angeles Bike Paths – Information on bike paths in LA and Orange counties Bike ATLAS – Bike routes for LA County with content added by the Los Angeles

County Bicycle Coalition and others

Finding the best route is a process, so if your trip is not ideal the first time around, you can usually find other options. If there are particular areas where you feel unsafe due to cars, riding on the sidewalk is an option, although it is illegal in a number of cities in Los Angeles County. Sidewalk riding is generally not recommended as cars entering and exiting driveways do not have a wide range of vision nor are they as likely to look for cyclists on sidewalks. When riding on sidewalks, cyclists should ride slower than they otherwise would and make sure to yield to pedestrians. For more information on the legality of riding on the sidewalk, see the Los Angeles Department of Transportation’s Bike Blog entry on the subject.

The Multi-Modal Commuter

Cycling the entire length of the commute is not feasible for all people. For those who do not want to bike the full distance from home to their destination, supplementing the bike trip with other modes of transportation is a viable option. For example, a person can ride to a bus stop, put his or her bike on the front rack of most buses in LA County, and go directly to the destination. Bikes can also be accommodated on Metro Rail lines, however it is important to know that during peak hours, space on trains is limited and you may not be able to bring your bike on board. If you are riding during peak hours, consider locking your bike at or near the stop or renting a bike locker. Waltarrrrr, flickr.com

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If you need to take small steps, then another option is to put your bike in the car and drive to a location within a comfortable distance of work. As you get stronger and more experienced, you can start riding more and relying on your car or the bus less. Although cycling is usually slower than other transportation options, coupling biking with driving or taking transit can reduce commute times, especially in high-traffic areas. The ability to bypass cars in traffic is a great advantage of cycling in heavily-congested areas, but passing should always be done with caution. Another advantage of biking is that you can usually ride straight to the door of your destination.

ROAD RULES

By law, bicyclists have all the rights as well as all of the responsibilities of drivers of vehicles. In short, cyclists need to follow the laws and are responsible for their own safety. This includes riding in the same direction as traffic and stopping at all stop signs and red lights. Despite the temptation to roll through a stop sign, these laws were enacted with safety in mind and should be followed.

Shared Lanes with Traffic

The California Vehicle Code requires that cyclists moving at a speed slower than normal traffic stay as close to the right-hand curb as practicable except when passing another car or bike, when preparing to turn left, or when the lane is of a “substandard width” as to prevent safe travel by both a bike and a vehicle in the same lane. According to the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO), a lane width of 14 feet is sufficient for sharing to occur between a car and a bike. For lanes that are not wide enough, moving to

Cyclist making appropriate hand signals after stopping at stop sign. Sfbike, flickr.com

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the left to take up a greater portion of the lane (known as “Taking the Lane”) can offer a cyclist more safety. The benefit of taking up more of the lane by moving a few feet to the left is that it forces a motorist to make a decision to switch lanes to move around a biker. Staying to the far right gives motorists the misguided perception that they can squeeze by, creating a dangerous invasion of a cyclist’s space.

Bike Lanes

On roads with bike lanes, California law requires that cyclists stay in the lane except when passing, turning left, or avoiding debris or other hazards. When leaving a lane, cyclists are to use the appropriate hand signals and do so only when it is safe. While it is up to the cyclist to make a decision as to whether a particular hazard is dangerous enough to warrant moving out of the lane, the movement must be considered reasonable by law enforcement officers. If there is any doubt about the safety of moving out of the lane, the default should be to slow down or stop and wait until it is clear enough to get around a hazard.

Cyclists are allowed full use of the travel lane when no bike lanes are available. Sjbikeparty.org

Sharrows in East Hollywood show cyclists the safest place to ride, away from

parked cars and within the traffic lane. LA Eco-Village Blog

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Cycling Etiquette

When passing a fellow cyclist, it is customary to pass on the left. Since cyclists tend to get fairly close when passing, letting the rider you are passing know that you are doing so is important. Saying “passing on your left” or simply “on your left” is a good way of communicating this.

When you know that you are riding in front of another rider, signaling any potential hazards both by pointing to them and calling them out is common courtesy. Communicating when you are slowing and stopping is also crucial to maintaining the safety of those around you. In general, communicating any direction should be done with both a visual signal as well as a verbal cue. Since there is no guarantee that the trailing

cyclist can hear you, giving a hand signal increases the chance that they will be aware of the instructions you are giving.

Bike lane in Portland. Radworld, flickr.com

Be courteous when passing fellow cyclists. Blogging.la

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Riding Together or Riding Solo

It is always a good idea to ride with others since it is easier for motorists to see multiple cyclists than it is to see a single rider. Finding people with whom you can ride is a challenge though not impossible. Casual conversations around work can identify other cyclists who might be interested in riding with you. Coming across other cyclists on your commute is also a possibility and arranging to meet at certain intersections in the future can yield riding partners. Another option is to become an advocate and recruit colleagues at your place of work with whom you can commute.

Sometimes finding a fellow commuter that matches in terms of speed, route, and destination is not possible in the short term. In the event that you are the lone wolf, make the assumption that cars cannot see you. When there are points of conflict with motorists, be deliberate and predictable in your movements. Using hand signals to indicate your intentions is important when riding, but especially in cases where you are riding by yourself.

Los Angeles City Council President Eric Garcetti leads a ride through Downtown LA in early 2009. Bill Richardson, flickr.com

MOST IMPORTANTLY: HAVE FUN! THERE ARE FEW THINGS AS

REWARDING AS THE FEELING YOU GET WHEN RIDING A BIKE.

Anatomy of a Safe Cyclist

Properly fitting helmet

Front lights for night riding

Bag for storing clothing and gear (a pannier in this case)

Brightly-colored clothing

Safe distance from the curb given the narrowness of the lane. Trailing motorists must move out of the lane to pass instead of squeezing by.

Smiling. This is fun!

MoBikeFed, flickr.com

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Metro 2011