Get In Shape by Way of Bicycle! - Tips on Buying a Bike, and Bike Safety!

Cycling is not only fun, but it's also a great way to build muscle, and one of the most efficient ways to burn those extra calories!! Instead of getting in your car to run the simple errands, you can get some exercise while you get those errands done! Find the best bike route to getting your errands done, and start multitasking!

If you don't have a bicycle, you may be overwhelmed at the thought of buying one. However, it doesn't have to be as overwhelming as it seems.

What Type of Bike do you Need?

• Think about what you will be using your bicycle for. Be realistic. Will you be racing? Mountain biking? Commuting? etc...
• FInd out about the riding terrain in your area. Does your town have paved bike paths? Dirt, gravel, rocky paths? Mountain Bike trails?

How do you know if a bike is the right fit?

• Try it out! Get on the bike, and make sure it feels right. Is it comfortable? If you will be riding long distance, you may want a narrow seat (to prevent your legs from rubbing). If you are going to be cruising around, you'll probably want a softer/wider seat!
• Seat height is also important. Make sure your legs are about 90 percent straight while your feet are at the bottom of a pedal stroke. Your knees should never lock!
• When it comes to handlebars, the fit will depend on the type of bike you are selecting. However, you don't want to be overextending in order to reach the handlebars. Your arms should be slightly bent at the elbow and your shoulders in a relaxed position.

What you should know about bike safety?

• Of course wearing a helmet is just one aspect of bicycle safety, but it's also the easiest! Make sure your helmet is not too loose. Adjust the chin strap until the helmet fits snug and is not bouncing around.
• Make sure your bike is properly maintained. Check air pressure, the chain, brakes, and also make sure handlebars and seats are tightened!
• Know the rules of the road! Use hand signals, make sure your bike has reflectors, and also make sure you are wearing bright clothing in order to help your visibility. If you are riding at dawn/dusk, make sure you have a light!

If you'd like more bike safety tips, check out our past blog, The Bike Safety Short List & Cycling Navigation.

No matter what bike you end up with, you will be on your way to a happier, healthier you! We wish you happy rides! If you have tips for bike buying, or even insight on some great trails/paths to try, share them with us!

The Bike Safety Short List & Cycling Navigation

You can find pages and pages of tips on how to safely ride your bike. We decided to compile a Bike Safety Short List for quick viewing! We'll start by saying, know where you are going! Check out our online bike route planning tool, or download our free bike map app for iTunes and Android!

Follow the Rules of the Road:

• Bike on the road in the same direction as traffic.
• Stop at red lights, stop signs, and obey traffic signs (one-way, yield, etc)
• If there's a dedicated bike lane, use it!
• Look up your state's laws, in some states children under 18 MUST legally wear a helmet.

Safety Gear:

• Wear a helmet (even if you are over 18!!). It can help protect that brain of yours!
• Make sure your bike has a bell/horn
• Riding at night (or dawn/dusk)? Be sure you have a headlight or tail light.
• Make sure your brakes are in working condition (front and back)
• Reflectors should be on both the front and back of bicycle, so you can be noticed from all directions!

Riding Habits:

• Ride in a straight line
• Ride on the right side of the lane. If you are riding with others, stay in a single-file line.
• When making a left turn, move towards the left of the lane
• Be aware of blind spots for drivers, and stay out of them! (especially at traffic lights)
• Signal well. Use the proper hand signals (click here for a refresher). Make eye contact with drivers before making turns.
• Travel with a toolkit. Be prepared for that surprise flat tire!

Bike Safety Tips for Kids and Adults - The helmet!

2013 Bike Month has arrived - Happy Bike Month to you!

It's a beautiful warm spring day. The sun is shining, the sky is blue, the temperature is just right...what better than a family bike ride! You've gotten the bikes out of the shed, filled the water bottles, and mapped out your route (using the Bikepath Country App of course). But, before you take that ride, let's talk a little bit about bike safety!

There are multiple levels of bike safety, like developing the proper riding skills and bike maintenance!

Today we'll take some time to focus on one of the simple, yet incredibly important aspects of bike safety, the helmet!

When you get in a car, the first thing you do is put on your seat belt. Think of your helmet as the seat belt of your bike!

Make sure your helmet fits properly:
- Your helmet should not be too tight, or too loose, but sit comfortably on your head.
- Stay away from wearing a hat under your helmet as this can mess with the fit.
- Make sure your helmet is snug, and that it doesn't bounce around while you ride.

Helmet Positioning:
- The helmet should sit level on your head
- The helmet should cover your forehead and sit just above your eyebrows.
- Make sure the buckle is fastened under your chin (we don't want a flyway helmet!!)

Helmet Replacement:
You should consider replacing your helmet if -
- It hits the ground, or becomes dented or chipped;
- If the foam begins to harden, tear, or crumble;
- or if the fit is no longer correct (maybe your head grew?)

Stay tuned for more safety tips, and bike route ideas from Bikepath Country as Bike Month continues! Happy, Safe Riding to you!

Cycling Tips for Urban Riders

Cycling in urban areas can be incredibly intimidating to a new rider. But, with some basic bike safety riding tips maybe it doesn't have to be!

Where to ride?
Not all cities ban riding on the sidewalk, but sidewalks are for pedestrians. Instead you should ride on the right side of the road, with traffic. (Never ride on the left side - against traffic).

What to do at an Intersection?
First ask yourself where you are headed. If you are making a right turn, be sure to position yourself on the right side of the lane and near the curb. If you are planning on turning left, position yourself near the center line.

How do you use Hand Signals?
Make hand signals well in advance!! Turning on a bike is quite similar to turning in your car. First look over your shoulder, then signal, then give one last check, and turn!
For a left turn: Extend your left arm straight out to your left.
For a right turn: You can either use your left arm bent at the elbow with your fingers pointed to the sky; OR, you can extend your right arm straight out to your right.
Stopping: Bend your left arm at the elbow and point your fingers toward the ground.


Shifting Gears 101
Simply put, low gears are for slow speeds, and high gears are for high speeds. Be sure to shift into a lower gear before stopping to ensure for a smooth start up once you start riding again!

Think Ahead!
Just like driving a car, it's smart and safe riding to anticipate behavior and movements of the others sharing the road. Keep your eyes open, and stay aware!

Know Where You're Going!
Plan your route! Get the best cycling directions to get you safely from point a to point b! Use our handy map your ride web app before you leave for your ride! And, take the directions on the road with the Bikepath Country Mobile App (available for Android and iPhone)!

All in all, ride defensively! Remain alert and prepared for the unpredictable! 

Do You Consider Your Town to be Bike Friendly?

As more and more people are leaving their cars at home, we'd like to do a quick survey of our readers to see how many of you consider yourselves bike commuters! More importantly we wonder what may prevent more of you from choosing the bike over the car.

Maybe you work way too far away? Or, the route to work doesn't leave you feeling safe? Maybe there are no bike racks to lock your bike up when you get there? Maybe it's just entirely too hilly? Whatever your reasons, we would love to hear them.

You probably aren't the only one in your town who wishes there was a bike lane, or at least a shared roadway sign! So let's hear it!

Thanks for participating! We will report back our results. Be sure to share with your friends. If you know of paths that are in need of repairs, or signs that need to be put up, visit Bikepath Country for more info on how we can help your town raise funding for bike paths, signage, parks and recreation areas!

Too Close For Comfort: Can Cars and Bikes Share the Roadway?

As cities and counties across this country work to become bike friendly, the issue (concern) of bike safety makes headline after headline. In some instances we see a 'battle' between the drivers and the bikers. Well, today I had quite the ironic 'near accident' experience while out for a ride.

It was a beautiful morning, and I decided today was a perfect day to take a ride to Nyack. So I got ready for the trek and off I went. Of course I wasn't the only one with this idea, it was cycle city on 9w!!! I was quite impressed with how well cars were sharing the road. I usually get quite nervous as the big trucks go flying by. I didn't even get honked at! Side Note: I know there is also a big debate whether or not beeping is helpful, and for matters of disclosure, my opinion is, PLEASE DON'T BEEP AT ME (or yell out your window).

As I neared an intersection by Rockland Lake, I saw an oncoming car waiting in the left turn lane. The light was still green so I pedaled on. I was moving at a pretty fast pace, at least a fast pace for me (I'm no super cyclist. In fact I get passed by all of them!! Slower than most and steady is my style). As I got even closer to the light (close enough for the driver of the car to look me in the eyes), the light turned yellow. This car hesitated, but then at the last second decided it was going to go. I of course was forced to immediately brake in the intersection to avoid being flattened into the pavement.

As the car drove past, I noticed his bike rack. A sigh, a head shake, and a chuckle. Of all the cars on the road, I thought, the one that almost hits me is a 'fellow' cyclist. Ironic, or probably a rather common occurrence. The best part was that after making his turn, he slowed down, and turned his head. Probably looking to see if I survived his stupidity.

That lovely driver decided he didn't want to get stuck at the light, so regardless of how safe it was, he was making that left hand turn. We all make decisions, and it just proves that when behind the wheel, even a cyclist can forget what it's like to be on a bike.

P.S. If you've never taken a ride on 9w, I'd suggest trying it! It's a gorgeous ride, with plenty of views of the Hudson. Hilly, yes, quite! But a really enjoyable ride! Map Your Ride before you go!

Making Your Town More Bike Friendly: Bike Safety Tips and the Discussion of Infrastructure

With gas prices remaining at an uncomfortable over $3 and closer to $4 dollar price, commuters are continuously looking for alternatives to driving! The number of bike commuters is on the rise across the country which raises the topic of bike safety. The discussion tends to find its way to the battle between the driver and the cyclist, and who 'owns' the road. But, the problem also opens the less wanted discussion of infrastructure. Creating a safe cycling and driving relationship doesn't end at enforcement of laws (such as Merrill's Law - which states motorists must pass cyclists with a safe distance: recommended 3 feet).

So, let's think for a minute about these other, less discussed, and sometimes seemingly forgotten ways to help create and promote a safer bike community for everyone using the 'shared' roadways!

One thing many forget is that the condition of the road might dictate where a cyclist rides. So, we need to also consider things like road maintenance (paving roads frequented by cyclists and drivers). Other options include wider shoulders, dedicated bike lanes, improved bike path systems, and offering bike safety education for both cyclists and drivers.

Bike Safety Tips (for cyclists):

• Obey Traffic Signs/Signals (stop at red lights, and stop signs); Ride in a straight line;
• Make sure you are visible! Wear bright colored clothing, use reflectors and/or blinking headlights/tailights.
• Don't wear earphones;
• Use signals and thoroughly look before turning or changing lanes;
• Watch for car doors opening
• When you can, make eye contact with drivers;
• Use marked bike lanes when possible

 Bike Safety Tips (for drivers):

• Be mindful of cyclists (especially at intersections); Be mindful of poor road conditions and potential for a cyclist to swerve; Be alert;
• Pass to the left and at a safe distance (3 feet or more);
• Be patient. A cyclist is moving at a much slower speed (and using their own power)
• Check for cyclists before opening car doors or pulling over to parallel park;
• Familiarize yourself with both bike and driving safety tips; and Obey the Laws of the road;

Everyone has a right to use the roadways! And, we all have the responsibility of ensuring the roadways are safe for all. Be sure to also check your state's rules and regulations on cycling and driver safety.

Join the conversation! Share your experiences. Let us know of the dangerous intersections in your towns. Let us know of roadways in need of repair.

Bikepath Country's goal is to help preserve and expand the country's bike path system, as well as to promote a clean and healthy environment for the community. Contact us today to help your municipality raise money for their parks and recreation department.

How Bike Friendly is Your Town?

With the number of bike commuters on the rise, people are showing quite the concern for bike safety in towns all across America. What exactly is it that gives a city that bike friendly title? And, what can you do to help your town get there? One thing I've noticed is that climate doesn't have a thing to do with it!

Here are the top 50 bike friendly cities according to Bicycling Magazine:

    1. Minneapolis, Minnesota
    2. Portland, Oregon
    3. Boulder, Colorado
    4. Seattle, Washington
    5. Eugene, Oregon
    6. San Francisco, California
    7. Madison, Wisconsin
    8. New York, New York
    9. Tucson, Arizona
    10. Chicago, Illinois
    11. Austin, Texas
    12. Denver, Colorado
    13. Washington, D.C.
    14. Ann Arbor, Michigan
    15. Phoenix/Tempe, Arizona
    16. Gainesville, Florida
    17. Albuquerque, New Mexico
    18. Colorado Springs, Colorado
    19. Salem, Oregon
    20. Scottsdale, Arizona
    21. Louisville, Kentucky
    22. Chattanooga, Tennessee
    23. Long Beach, California
    24. Cary, North Carolina
    25. Milwaukee, Wiscosin
    26. Boston, Massachusetts
    27. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
    28. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
    29. Charleston, South Carolina
    30. Arlington, Virginia
    31. Sioux Falls, South Dakota
    32. Boise, Idaho
    33. Kansas City, Missouri
    34. Columbus, Ohio
    35. Tulsa, Oklahoma
    36. Grand Rapids, Michigan
    37. Billings, Montana
    38. St. Louis, Missouri
    39. Cleveland, Ohio
    40. Greensboro, North Carolina
    41. Lexington-Fayette, Kentucky
    42. Omaha, Nebraska
    43. Salt Lake City, Utah
    44. Miami, Florida
    45. Indianapolis, Indiana
    46. Fargo, North Dakota
    47. Anchorage, Alaska
    48. Baltimore, Maryland
    49. Little Rock, Arkansas
    50. Rochester, New York

As it turns out, the Twin Cities have quite the bike infrastructure. Not only do they have 84 miles of dedicated bike paths, as well as 44 miles of designated bike lanes on streets, but they also have plans for another 40 miles of designated bike lanes. Busses and trains have bike carrying capabilities and office buildings are required to have bicycle storage. In addition to their infrastructure there is also a huge community of cyclists.

So, all that being said, how bike friendly do you consider your town? Do you have dedicated bike lanes, municipal bike racks, and public trans equipped with bike carrying capabilities? Is there a local bike culture? What about a bike co-op, bike shares or swaps? What would cause you to leave your car in the driveway and start taking riding your 2 wheels to work?

Bikepath Country is working to help municipalities raise money for parks and recreation departments in order to help preserve and expand our country's bike path system. If you're looking for some ideas on how to help your town raise money, be sure to contact us today!

5 Tips for Bike Riding in the Rain

"April showers bring May flowers" - a phrase we know well. As Spring is just around the corner here are some safety tips for riding in the rain.

1. Exercise Caution

Slow down your speed! When it rains, roadways will naturally get slippery. But also be sure to pay special attention to manhole covers, roadway paint, leaves, and train tracks,  as they will become extremely slick when wet. Are you familiar with those rainbow patches in the road? Well beware, those patches may be a sign of oil on the road. Make sure you do your best to avoid puddles. A deep puddle could have a surprise sewer grate or pothole underneath it leaving you with a flat. Ultimately, make sure you give yourself plenty of time to arrive at your destination. This will help you to stay focused on the conditions and hazards of the road.

2. Brake, Brakes, Braking!

As the road gets wet, braking will become increasingly difficult. Remember to start braking early, and in wet conditions it can be helpful to gently squeeze your brakes in order to ease into the stop. It's important to take care of your brakes. Brake pads can wear faster with the buildup of water and dirt, so be sure to wipe down your brake pads and rims after riding. Also remember to dry off your bike to help prevent it from rusting. This is especially important for chains, so be sure to keep them properly lubricated.

3. Increase Your Visibility

When it rains, visibility is decreased for both the cyclist as well as any car on the road. As windshields get wet, foggy headlights from other cars cause quite a bit of glare. This can easily cause a driver to not see a cyclist in their periphery. Make use of front, rear and even side lights in order to ensure you and your bike remain visible during all conditions.

4. Rain Ready Bike

Fenders are key! You don't like getting mud and dirt spitting up in your face? Invest in some fenders for your bike. There are multiple options from quickly attachable clip-on fenders, to metal fenders that require a screw. Take your pick, but don't leave home without them!

5. Rain Ready You

Dressing for the weather may seem like a no brainer, but make sure you are fully prepared for the conditions of the day! Dress in layers in order to ensure you remain warm. But, keep in my mind that rain in shine your body will still sweat. So make sure whatever clothing you make use of is properly ventilated. Keep your shoes dry by using neoprene booties which will help with insulation. Using a visor on your helmet will definitely help to prevent water from dripping in your eyes. In addition to the visor, find a good pair of glasses to help prevent water and mud from getting in your eyes and to help with visibility.

Feel free to share your rainy weather cycling tips with us! Happy Riding!