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! 

Bike Path Funding For Your Town

As the great article on Politico, "Cities Forge Own (bike) Paths" begins, "It's a familiar path: As demand for bike and pedestrian projects skyrockets, federal funding shrinks."

NY, NJ, CT all did choose to keep their recreation trails funding whole, which is of course great news for the the folks who use these paths!

What if we also take fundraising into our own hands? Bikepath Country helps to raise money for municipalities in order to maintain, restore and expand the current bike path infrastructure. Not only does this funding go to support repair and expansion of bike paths, but also to adding water fountains, park benches, restroom and maintenance of local parks and other community spaces.

Bikepath Country was established to help preserve and expand this country's bike path system, as well as to promote a clean and healthy environment for the community. Through the use of socially responsible advertising, municipalities are able to raise money specifically for their parks and recreation department.

Although demand is on the rise, we can't just rely on government funding to ensure we are providing safe bike paths, walkways, and parks to our communities! Get involved in your community, email municipalities (at) bikepathcountry.com or call 855.4.BIKEPATH (855.424.5372) for more info!

On bikepathcountry.com you can also find health and fitness tips. And, before you leave your house for a ride log on to map your ride, and get accurate cycling directions. Oh, and if you'd rather take those directions with you, we got an App for that! Try out our free Bikepath Country App available for iPhone, iPad and Android users. Take it for a spin, and let us know what you think!

Bikepath Country Navigation App Now Available for Android, iPhone and iPad

The Bikepath Country App is now available for Android, iPhone and iPad users.

The Bikepath Country app is a Free Navigation application for cyclists. It can be used to get point to point cycling directions, as well as to find popular rides in your area. All you need to do is enter your zip code or city and Bikepath Country will do the rest. When searching for a featured ride, the app provides distance, ascent and the name associated with each ride, allowing you to select the perfect ride for the day.

Enter in your GPS location and keep track of your exact location throughout your ride. This new and free tool can come in exceptionally handy for cyclists of all abilities. Keep track of your mileage by Mapping Your Ride, and take control of your health and fitness this summer!

Give the Bikepath Country app a spin today!
Android Users Click Here to Download the Bikepath Country App

iPhone and iPad Users Click Here to Download the Bikepath Country App