Ride Smart: Use Hand Signals When Bicycling

We lvoe seeing so many people in Decatur on their bikes. Let’s make sure we bike safely and use hand signals when you are turning, changing lanes or stopping. Get into the habit so when there are more cars back on the road, you will be ready!

 

Left Turn: Fully extend your left arm out to the side
Right Turn: Fully extend your right arm out to the side or bend your left arm up at a right angle with your hand flat.
Slowing or Stopping: Extend your left arm out at a right angle with your hand open

The League of American Bicyclists has a library of “Ride Smart” videos. Check them out here.

 

Sharing the PATH or a Trail

 

Since the path can be congested it’s important to follow the same rules as everyone else in order to have a safe and enjoyable time.

•    Be courteous
•    Know the rules of the trail you are using
•    Give a clear signal when passing
•    Be cautious and yield to crossing traffic
•    Always be predictable by riding in a straight line
•    If you are riding while it is dark, be sure to use lights
•    Only use half the width of the trail
•    Keep it clean

Bike Rodeo, Free Event!

Bike Rodeo

Bike Rodeo

How to Lock Your Bike

The following information is from Momentum Magazine. Read the entire article here.

bike locked

Illustrator: Thomas James

A man sauntered into our neighborhood bike shop and examined the display of locks. He hefted the most impressive one, a massive, heavy chain, looked at the price tag and frowned. “I don’t know if I can afford it,” he said to the shop owner.

“Can you afford to have your bike stolen?” the owner replied.

This is, in a nutshell, the basic logic of bike security. Bikes are light and easily transported, convenient qualities not only for bike owners, but also for bike thieves. They’re also easily resold, infrequently tracked down by law enforcement, and too often perceived as an “assumed loss,” – many people simply expect to have their bicycle stolen at some point. As a result, bike theft is an absolutely massive – and growing – problem in many cities worldwide.

As the number of bicycles on our streets increase, so too do the number of people trying to make a quick buck off of their vulnerability. But your bicycle doesn’t have to be an assumed loss. By taking a few simple precautions and investing in a decent lock or two, you can basically ensure your precious ride will always be exactly where you left it.

Continue reading the article here.

And here is a good video for the school children on how to lock their bike at school.

Biking to School: Let’s Ride Safely

Take a test ride to school this week to figure out the best route and remember to have fun while riding safely.

The video below is a great reminder of bike safety for adults as well as children.

Bike Safety for Commuters Quiz

RV-dmvjj_400x400Georgia Bikes, our state advocacy organization, offers many resources for cycling. They even have a Bike Safety Tips for Commuters Quiz. You can take that quiz by clicking the link on their home page. You can skip the part where you give information about yourself if you like.

I bet you can score 100%!

Check out their website for this and other bicycling information. They are a great resource.

Bike Safety for a Safer Journey

Enjoy this video with your children to encourage riding safely. School will be starting soon and we want everyone to stay safe!

Wear a helmet!
Right right.
Ride with an adult until you are old enough to ride on your own.
Check your bike before you leave home: air, brakes and chain
Stop at all stop signs and wherever a car may come into the road. Look right, left and right again.

Have fun!

 

Tips for Driving Around People on Bikes

ibike

With more and more bikes on our streets, it is important for drivers to know how to drive safely around cyclists. These safety tips come from our friends at Georgia Bikes.

  • Give bikes at least 3 feet of safe distance when passing or following. The State of Georgia has a Three-Foot law.
  • Bicycles are vehicles and allowed on all roadways.
  • When making turns, watch for and yield to people on bikes.
  • Do not park in or block a bike lane.
  • Check mirrors before opening doors, especially if parked  next to a bike lane.
  • Be alert, cautious, and attentive when driving. Do not drive distracted.

For more information on cycling in Decatur visit http://www.decaturga.com/biking.

 

Bike Safety – Let’s All Ride Safer!

Thanks to our friends at GA Bikes for this quick overview of bike safety. Take a minute to watch it and feel safer on the road.

Be Safe on Your Bike!

bike safety graphic