Hi,
I have started a bicycle club on the North Shore of Long Island, New York. It's called Glen Cove Bicycle Club. So far we have about a dozen members.
Here are the rules:
1) You should have a bell on your bike to warn pedestrians. Shouting 'on your left!' is what the racers do when they leave the bell off to save weight.
2) Buy a rear view mirror for your bike. They have new mirrors now that mount to the handlebars with a Velcro strap, so you don't need to carry a wrench to keep it adjusted. When you see a car in your mirror, move as far right as possible.
3) Wear a reflective vest
4) Buy lights for your bike. Even in daytime, lights add visibility, especially if you are riding in tree shade or if the sky is overcast. Blinking lights are better for daytime use, steady light at night.
5) Buy a basket for your handlebars. Even if you don't carry anything, a basket will absorb impact if you crash. And you shouldn't carry a bag in one hand while riding a bike.
6) Stop and look both ways before crossing any street, even if there is no stop sign.
7) Stop and wait for cars and trucks to go by before pulling out at any intersection or driveway.
8) Do NOT exceed 25MPH. If you go faster than 25MPH, you are racing your bike, and if you still have the owners manual that came with your bike, the warranty says 'warranty void if the bike is raced'.
9) Wear Gloves. Cycling gloves are fingerless gloves to protect your palms if you fall off your bike. If you fall, you can break your fall by putting your palms down on the pavement.
10) Wear a helmet. I don't put wearing a helmet #1 on the list, because it's your last ditch protection after you fall from the bike. These other tips I gave prevent an accident, so you might not have to use your helmet.
11) Make sure the bike is the right size for the rider, and handlebars and seat are adjusted properly.
12) Make sure the bike has working brakes.
13) Stay on the right side of the road.
14) Insure your bike. Add the bike to your auto, homeowners, or renter's insurance policy.
I have started a bicycle club on the North Shore of Long Island, New York. It's called Glen Cove Bicycle Club. So far we have about a dozen members.
Here are the rules:
1) You should have a bell on your bike to warn pedestrians. Shouting 'on your left!' is what the racers do when they leave the bell off to save weight.
2) Buy a rear view mirror for your bike. They have new mirrors now that mount to the handlebars with a Velcro strap, so you don't need to carry a wrench to keep it adjusted. When you see a car in your mirror, move as far right as possible.
3) Wear a reflective vest
4) Buy lights for your bike. Even in daytime, lights add visibility, especially if you are riding in tree shade or if the sky is overcast. Blinking lights are better for daytime use, steady light at night.
5) Buy a basket for your handlebars. Even if you don't carry anything, a basket will absorb impact if you crash. And you shouldn't carry a bag in one hand while riding a bike.
6) Stop and look both ways before crossing any street, even if there is no stop sign.
7) Stop and wait for cars and trucks to go by before pulling out at any intersection or driveway.
8) Do NOT exceed 25MPH. If you go faster than 25MPH, you are racing your bike, and if you still have the owners manual that came with your bike, the warranty says 'warranty void if the bike is raced'.
9) Wear Gloves. Cycling gloves are fingerless gloves to protect your palms if you fall off your bike. If you fall, you can break your fall by putting your palms down on the pavement.
10) Wear a helmet. I don't put wearing a helmet #1 on the list, because it's your last ditch protection after you fall from the bike. These other tips I gave prevent an accident, so you might not have to use your helmet.
11) Make sure the bike is the right size for the rider, and handlebars and seat are adjusted properly.
12) Make sure the bike has working brakes.
13) Stay on the right side of the road.
14) Insure your bike. Add the bike to your auto, homeowners, or renter's insurance policy.
