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Commuting 101: Essential Tips For New Riders
June 29th, 2007 by Warren T 
…or, Father Knows Best.
So, I got the call a couple nights ago: “Dad, my car died.” Yep, looks like my eldest son is about to join our ranks. He actually came up with the idea of commuting by bike before I did. As a parent, I immediately launched into a lengthy, one-sided conversation regarding my experiences. I hope he absorbed some of it.
Anyway, as long as I was on a roll, I thought I’d share my list with you. As always, please feel free to comment. Bear in mind, the following is a list of suggestions for someone I care about. You may not agree with some items on the list, and that is fine, but I don’t want to see you hurt either… Now, where did I put my cardigan?
The List:
A bicycle is a vehicle. Follow the rules of the road.
Be visible. Wear bright colors in daylight hours. At night, wear something reflective - or - at least wear something white. Use front and rear lights and reflectors.
Be predictable. Make eye contact. Ride on the correct side of the road, not against traffic. Look behind you before you make a turn or lane change, that lets drivers know you’re up to something. Use hand signals (not THAT one) and don’t wobble around. Don’t weave in and out of the lane when parked cars are spread out.
Plan your route. Your drive to work went straight down the busiest street in town. You’ll add about a mile and a half to your bike commute by heading down to the next street down that crosses the highway with a nice over-pass. Believe me, it is more than worth the extra 5 minutes. (You’ll then be able to pick up part of the bike path and get out of traffic completely. Girls in Spandex use this path for jogging. I’m just sayin’.)
Bike/hike paths are great - but remember - Don’t ride on sidewalks!
Ditch the headphones. I like the fact that you enjoy the iPod we got you for Christmas. Don’t use it while you’re cycling in traffic.
Take the lane: Don’t be afraid to get out in the middle of the lane in stop-and-go traffic, when changing lanes to make a left turn and to avoid being “doored.” You WILL be tempted to blow past a line of cars queued up at a stop light; don’t, just take your place in the middle of the lane and take your turn.
On the other hand, when the going gets really tough, there is no shame in moving off the road for a minute to let a long line of drivers go past you.
Speaking of “winning the door prize,” make sure you look through the windows of parked cars. You’re looking for people in the car that might be trying to exit and also for people who are stepping out into the road in between parked cars.
Glare can blind motorists. If the sun is in your eyes, the people driving up behind you DON’T SEE YOU.
Bells and horns are a great way to get the attention of people on the bike path; in traffic you’re better off yelling at the top of your lungs. This is not to say you need to be rude to drivers. You only yell to catch people’s attention, not to express your displeasure.
And, finally, the three most common causes of drivers hitting cyclists:
July 26th, 2007 at 10:01 am
These tips were helpful to me — thanks very much. I’m an overweight, middle-aged woman who’s been commuting for only about a month, and once a week or so I have to work til closing, which means riding home in the dark. I’m in Tucson where all the astronomers live so light pollution is a big no-no around here, which is fine until I’m riding in a bike lane and can barely see the pavement in front of me. I have a light but it’s mostly shining up so I can see vehicles and vehicles can see me. If there’s ever bad debris in the lane, I’m afraid I’ll crash hard.
Any tips on how to stay in one piece riding at night when there’s no moon and no street lights?
Mindy
July 26th, 2007 at 11:18 am
Mindy, I’m glad you’re giving it a go. In the Fall and Winter my route takes me through some dense woods and through traffic. The cheap Bell light set I bought at first worked well — as long as I dropped my pace a little. Err on the safe side.
There is no rule against having one light pointed down at your path and another pointed up at traffic… In that case I’d point the brightest at the street and have the other (flashing if possible) pointed at traffic.
Headlights mounted on your helmet have the advantage of easily being pointed wherever you need the light most at any particular moment.
July 26th, 2007 at 7:38 pm
Well gee, I wish I could say I had already thought of a second light. Duh! I will get another one, that’s a great idea.
Thanks,
Mindy
October 24th, 2007 at 9:11 am
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March 31st, 2008 at 6:50 pm
More lights don’t hurt in the rear.
A BRIGHT red blinkie on the helmet, facing rearwards, and a SECOND blinkie facing backwards on the seat post or rear rack.
Ditto on the front:
White on the helment mounted headlight, that any driver will see when you LOOK HIM IN THE EYE before passing in front.
Then there’s the SECOND headlight facing forward to see the street.
Maybe even another one or two pointing sidewards?
(If they see if from the side, you’re already in front of them — TOO LATE!)
May 25th, 2008 at 10:59 pm
I hope everyone whoo even rides at dusk will get a good light.. It makes the rest of us look good. People who are leaving work are tiered and are ready to get home and may not be looking for a biker.. be seen! enjoy the ride.
Darrin
May 29th, 2008 at 2:16 am
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