“Bike There” This Week

September 22, 2020 by Leave a comment

From the League of American Bicyclists:

This September 21-27, and specifically on September 22, we are encouraging everyone to Bike There, wherever that there may be. Bike to Work, yes. Bike with friends, yes. Bike to an errand, yes. Bike to a Bicycle Friendly Business, yes. Bike around your neighborhood and back to your home, yes. Any bike, anywhere, it all counts. We just want to bike together and inspire each other to do this simple act that means so much to our lives and our future. 

Share photos of your solo or family rides on social media using #BikeThere and #BikesUnite and share the joy biking brings you. Show us, show the world, show your neighbors the power of bicycling. By sharing your “reason to ride” on social media and encouraging friends and family across the country to go by bike, we can experience the joy of biking together even as we keep our distance. 

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Cycling Safely Around the City

May 21, 2020 by Leave a comment

The Atlanta Bicycle Coalition is offering free virtual bike classes. Register for the Virtual City Cycling Class on Wednesday, May 27, at 5:30 pm. This class will improve your experience and safety as you ride around the city.

Can’t make this class? Then check out some of the Smart Cycling videos from The League of American Cyclists.

Make sure your bicycle is in working order before taking it out for a spin by doing the ABC Bike check.

Air: Be sure you have enough air in your tires
Brakes: Look to see that your brake pads are not worn
Chain and Cranks: Pull on your cranks to see that they are not loose and look to see that the chain is not rusted and it is free of gunk
Quick Release: Make sure all quick releases are closed
Check: Take a slow brief ride to check that your bike is working properly

 

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Where Will YOU Ride Today?

May 7, 2020 by Leave a comment

IMG_2249We are enjoying riding our bikes for National Bike Month and finding new routes in Decatur. It has been so much fun riding through neighborhoods and seeing people out on their bikes. PLEASE – remember to keep physically distant and wear face masks if that is not possible.

Be sure to visit our Virtual Bike Month activities at decaturga.com/biking. Complete the checklist and receive a cooling bandanna with the I Bike Decatur logo. (You can use it as a mask too!) Enjoy cycling on some of routes we have enjoyed.

Some Bike Month ideas from The League of American Bicyclists:

    • Take a picture of yourself and your bike.
    • Go for a ride solo and take a picture – share it on social media and tag it #BikesUnite  (and of course, #ibikedecatur!)
    • Challenge your friends to a photo contest – who can take the best photo of their bike leaning next to a tree?
    • Take a selfie in front of your favorite small businesses to show support.
    • Watch  and share the League’s videos about how to gain confidence in your riding skills.

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Check Your Bike Before Each Ride

September 6, 2018 by Leave a comment

An easy way to make sure your bike is in good working order is to do an ABC Quick Check.

Air: Be sure you have enough air in your tires
Brakes: Look to see that your brake pads are not worn
Chain and Cranks: Pull on your cranks to see that they are not loose and look to see that the chain is not rusted and it is free of gunk
Quick Release: Make sure all quick releases are closed
Check: Take a slow brief ride to check that your bike is working properly

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Sharing the PATH or a Trail

July 26, 2018 by Leave a comment

 

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

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Riding on the Sidewalk

July 14, 2017 by Leave a comment

When you are riding on the sidewalk, you also have to deal with many hazards: pedestrians, street furniture, signs, newspaper boxes, etc… These items don’t just make riding inconvenient; they also can make you invisible to drivers.

The fact is, a lot of crashes happen when someone on a bike is using the sidewalk. For more information on bicycle safety and resources, visit The League of American Bicyclists. 

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Safety in Bike Lanes

July 5, 2017 by Leave a comment

From the League of American Bicyclists:

A bike lane is a striped and signed lane that provides a dedicated space on the road for people on bikes. They should be used the same as any other travel lane, so follow the same rules of the road.

Things to look out for:
•    Parked cars.  Be sure you ride far enough over to stay clear of an opening car door
•    Vehicles that are turning right without a signal

Even if your community has a law that says you have to ride in a bike lane, there are exceptions:
•    Making a left turn
•    Passing another bicyclist
•    Going around hazards

As with any other lane changes, be sure to first scan, signal and yield.

 

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Trail Etiquette: Share the Trail

June 27, 2017 by Leave a comment

With more  people using the PATH it is a good time to review trail etiquette.Let’s make sure everyone has a good ride or walk. These tips are from the League of American Bicyclists……

Courtesy

  • Respect all trail users
  • Yield to slower users
  • Obey the rules of the trail

Announce when passing

  • Use a bell, horn or voice to indicate your intention to pass
  • Warn other well in advance so you do not startle them

Yield when entering and crossing

  • Yield to traffic at places where the trail crosses the road
  • Yield to other users at trail intersections

Keep Right

  • Stay as close to the right as possible, except when passing

Pass on Left

  • Pull out only when you are sure the lane is clear
  • Allow plenty of room, about two bike lengths, before moving back to the right

Be Predictable

  • Travel in a straight line unless you are avoiding hazards or passing
  • Indicate your intention to turn or pass

Use Lights at Night

  • Most trial users will not have lights at night; use a white front and red rear light.

Do not block the trail

  • For group rides, use no more than half the trail
  • Stop and regroup completely off the trail

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Sharing the Trail…Be Courteous

April 30, 2015 by Leave a comment

 

Spring is here and everyone wants to be outside enjoying the trails and paths.

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Bike Safety – Riding on the Sidewalk

December 10, 2013 by Leave a comment

Another great video from the League of American Bicyclists:

Be super careful if you have to ride on the sidewalk. It is not the safest choice in most cases.

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