The Biochar Blog

Posts Tagged ‘cycling’

Giordana has been making technical cycling apparel for more than 25 years, and is one of the few cycling clothing companies that continues to manufacturer all of their products in Italy.  The construction and quality of their line of cycling shorts, jersey, jackets, tights, and accessories comes from the tight control they demand over the entire process of making and marketing the clothing.  Their tight internal controls start at the research and design process, continues through the manufacturing of the clothing, and ends at the distribution of it.  All of the Giordana cycling clothing that you find in any retail cycling shop has been handled solely by employees of Giordana to that point.

Giordana offers a full line of biking clothes that fits all temperature ranges.  Whether you are riding in the middle of summer or the dead of winter, you will be able to find bike clothing that will keep you comfortable and on your bike year-round.  The winter cycling apparel that Giordana makes includes cycling jackets, tights and bib tights, long sleeve jerseys, base layers, shoe covers, merino wool socks, winter cycling gloves, arm/knee/leg warmers and head wear.  Within each product category, such as long sleeve jerseys, you will find several different apparel collections that vary in price, construction, and temperature ranges.  This type of selection holds true for all product categories within their winter cycling clothes as well as their summer cycling apparel.  The Giordana summer cycling apparel includes short sleeve jerseys, sleeveless jerseys, bike shorts, cycling bib shorts, lyrca shoe covers, gloves, low-cuff socks and moisture-wicking base layers.  The goal of Giordana by offering so many different options in every season is to appeal to a mass audience of cycling enthusiasts — from the recreational bike rider to professional cyclists.

Forma Red Carbon (FR-C) Cycling Apparel
The Forma Red Carbon Collection is the pinnacle of Giordana bike clothing — the best of the best.  The line encompasses hot summer riding, cool autumn riding, and well below freezing riding.  The summer apparel consists of a short sleeve jersey, shorts and bib shorts, gloves and socks, but the heart of the FR-C collection is really in the Forma Red Carbon Bib Short and The Forma Red Carbon Jersey.  The Forma Red Carbon Jersey is fit to hug your skin tightly without having room for flapping in the wind.  The design and fit is obviously race-inspired, so if you’re looking for a loose-fitting jerseys, this one isn’t for you.  The FR-C bib shorts have moisture-wicking properties to bring your sweat away from your skin, up to the exterior of the shorts and up into the ski as it evaporates.  The chamois in the Forma Red Bibs is the T-Select gel OmniForm chamois.  This comfort chamois is also in the winter cycling tights and bib tights — keeping the collection inline from one riding season to the next.  Also in the winter FR-C bike clothing, the Forma Red Carbon Jackets vary in weight and material for the reason of hitting different weather conditions and temperatures.  There is an FR-C jacket for windy and rainy conditions, slightly warmer spring temperatures, and for cold-weather riding when extra insulation is needed.

Giordana Silverline Bike Clothing
The Silverline apparel collection, like the FR-C collection, delivers bike clothing to meet your needs as a summer cyclist or one that rides throughout the winter.  To get an understanding of where the Silverline collection falls in the hierarchy of Giordana’s products, it is right below the Forma Red Carbon items.  Prior to the introduction of FR-C, it was the top-of-the line offered by Giordana — so to say that the Silverline bib shorts or popular Silverline jersey is not as good of quality as the FR-C, isn’t accurate at all.  The new Silverline Bib Shorts are some of the most anticipated cycling shorts hitting the market this year, with the increased color options and newly-design bib straps aimed at add more in-ride comfort, they will be sure to be a hit.  The Silverline short sleeve jersey uses different moisture-wicking materials, one under the arms and another one for the sleeves and rest of the jersey.  The cycling jersey has been made for hot conditions and does a great job of keeping you dry and comfortable when you’re working hard in the saddle.  And with the new Silverline shorts and bib shorts you can match them to the jersey for a pro cycling kit-look.

Giordana Laser Bib Short and Laser Jersey
The Laser Bib Short is one of the most respected bib shorts on the market.  Many cyclist’s introduction to the Laser bib shorts is their first time going beyond the entry level cycling shorts.  You know you have made a step up in cycling shorts when you first feel the ultra-compressive Lyrca used and the the heavy-duty stitching that combines the different panels and attaches the chamois to the shorts.  The chamois used on the Girodana Laser Shorts and Bib Shorts is called the T-Select OmniForm Insert.  The T-Select is an elastic chamois made to move with you while your own the bike and pull back to it’s original form when you’re off the bike.  The Laser Jersey is a short sleeve cycling jersey that resembles the Forma Red Jersey in it’s fit and materials used — race-inspired and technically advanced.  It has a low-profile look that isn’t bulky or cumbersome when you’re on the bike.  The fit is designed to be tight, more like a skin suit than a t-shirt. With so many different cycling apparel options to choose from it might seem difficult to find the right pair of bib shorts or cycling jacket for you.  But to be honest, whichever pair of Giordana cycling shorts or jersey you go with, you won’t be disappointed.  The quality and workmanship of Giordana clothing is second to none and the designs will keep you looking fashionable.  The next time you see the Giordana name know that they’re a front-runner in the bike clothing industry. To find the full-line of Giordana bike clothing online, check out Indie Bike.

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Without spending a fortune, You can ride a bicycle almost anywhere, at any time of the year. Bike Cycling is the use of bicycles for transport, recreation, or for sport. Can be used as a  principal means of transportation in many regions. Bike cycling have numerous benefits including exercise, generating renewable energy and thus no air pollution, less traffic congestion.

Road cycling is a popular type of bike cycling, in which cycling is done on roads. Road cycling a professional sport and on the same time a good recreational activity. “Tours de France” is the world’s famous road cycling race. The Tour de France spans over 21 days, consist of  different levels where the cyclists has to complete the round. Lance Armstrong is the most famous cyclist of this event, who won this title twice.

Adventure cycling is another popular form of bike cycling, and is gaining in popularity as a recreational activity. Cycling bike provides great exercise plus a way to be outside and see the world. Similarly mountain bike cycling includes cycling on rocks and steep declines, on sandy dirt trails,  and other uneven environments.

In some masses it’s a very common idea that cycling bike is very dangerous. And when people are asked why they don’t like bike cycling, the most frequent reasons are, “It’s dangerous and difficult as well.” The myth that cycling is dangerous even causes some who value cycling and who are not worried about it being too difficult to confine their cycling to off-road trails.

For saftery concern always use helmet which would help you if you get hit in case of accident, but your high priority should be to avoid getting hit in the first place. According to a survey plenty of cyclists are killed every year on roads cars and they were not wearing helmets. Always ensure your bicycle is the right size and properly adjusted to fit you.

Bike Cycling is the easiest way of exercise as it helps you to improve muscular fitness and blood circulation. It can be a valuable component of a weightloss programme. Cycling can also be helpful in reducing the risk of coronary heart disease, at least 20 miles per week. It builds strength in a holistic manner since every single part of the body is involved in cycling. Bike cycling is a good way to build stamina.

Like all other regular exercise, bike cycling can be a good way to reduce your stress, depression and improve well being and self esteem.  Cycling is also a good way to be one with nature and to feel the breath of the earth. It frees one’s mind out of daily-life stress and rejuvenates his soul and body.

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Cycling sunglasses are practical on a number of levels; they protect your eyes from not only increased airflow, but also UV rays, debris and flying insects.

Unlike other sports, cycling has very few accessories that can be worn when you’re not on your bike. Footballers are able to wear their shirts away from the pitch, but I don’t suppose there are many cyclists who would wear a cycling jersey, or cycling shorts for a trip to the shops! Cycling sunglasses are pretty much the only cycling accessory you can comfortably get away with wearing when you’re not on your bike.

With so many different types of cycling sunglasses available, choosing the right pair can be a daunting task and you’ll be asking yourself all kinds of questions such as which colour lenses do I want? Which cycling sunglasses would suit me best? Which cycling sunglasses brand do I want to be seen wearing?

Luckily, Sports Shades Online have made it easy by placing all of the cycling sunglasses together in one place so you can see everything available from the top cycling sunglasses brands, Adidas and Oakley.

In a relatively short time, Oakley have become one of the world’s leading cycling sunglasses brands. Oakley have a wide range of cycling sunglasses for you to choose from including Oakley Flak Jacket sunglasses, Oakley Jawbone sunglasses, Oakley M Frame sunglasses and many more.

There are many variations of the Oakley Flak Jacket sunglasses available including the Livestrong Flak Jacket special edition cycling sunglasses. The Oakley Flak Jacket Livestrong sunglasses feature Lance Armstrong’s favourite Black Iridium lens which cuts down glare and balances light in bright sunlight as well as repelling water and dirt thanks to Oakley’s hydrophobic coating.

Also available in Oakley’s Livestrong special edition range is the Oakley M Frame Hybrid S model. Decked out in the Lance Armstrong Foundation colours, the interchangeable lens design of M Frame Hybrid S gives excellent protection from sun, wind and side impact. As with the Livestrong Flak Jacket sunglasses, the Livestrong M Frame Hybrid S sunglasses also feature Black Iridium lenses.

Sports Shades Online are Adidas S.V.S. Approved Sports Vision Specialists and the range of Adidas cycling sunglasses available includes Adidas Agilis sunglasses, Adidas Burna cycling goggles, Adidas Evil Eye Pro sunglasses and many more.

Adidas Evil Eye Pro sunglasses include polycarbonate antifog lenses, which means no more steaming up, and are helmet compatible. The Evil Eye Pro lenses are interchangeable so you can adapt to virtually any light condition.

Adidas Agilis sunglasses are ideal for a variety of sports but these multi award winning sunglasses are particularly suited to cycling and mountain biking. These cycling sunglasses feature traction grip, tri-fit quick release temples which click into three different positions so you can click away until you get the fit that is right for you.

If you wear prescription sunglasses there are many options available including direct glazing or prescription inserts for many of the cycling sunglasses available from Sports Shades Online.

With a pair of cycling sunglasses on, you will feel less fatigued, eye strain will be minimised and your cycling session so much more enjoyable than without them.

Do you love cycling? If you do, then congratulations. Cycling is both a fun and effective workout that gives you a ton of energy, but there are a few musts when it comes to cycling. It does not matter if you are an expert or a beginner, a cyclist should remember these few tips.

Before you start your cycling expedition, make sure you have the proper equipment. A sturdy road/mountain bike, the proper clothing, extra chains, few bolts, screws, and bottled water are all essential. It is important to be prepared before and during your cycling routine.

A 10-15 minute warm up is recommended before you cycle at top speed or for long distances. A warm up helps stretch out the leg and arm muscles, and it helps to avoid cramping. Warm-ups are important in any type of active exercise and cycling is no different.

For beginners and people who have not ridden their bicycle in a while, it is important to cycle in intervals. Cycling intervals refer to the speed and power you use during a bike ride. Interchanging between a few minutes of full speed and a few minutes of light cycling will help prep you for a more prolonged and strenuous cycling workout.

To become more physically equipped with cycling, try some strength training workouts. Tone and strengthen your core and leg muscles to add some power during your bike rides. Try adding resistance by going uphill. Extra inclination really makes you work out your leg muscles to their fullest power.

A healthy cycling routine is a combination of aerobic exercise with a nutritious lifestyle. For example, including a lot of protein in your diet helps build muscle for more power and endurance. Being healthy by eating fruits, vegetables, and avoiding fatty products is very important. Since cycling is the perfect aerobic exercise for losing and maintaining your weight, it will not do you any good to eat unhealthily.

The benefits of cycling are incredible. It lowers the risk of heart disease, diabetes, keeps you in shape, and prolongs your life expectancy. If you are able to combine a great cycling program with a healthy lifestyle and avoid dangerous habits of drinking and smoking, then you will be cycling well in to your 80′s.

Everything also depends on how you set up your training program. Cycling is beneficial only when it is done the right and safe way. A good cycling program is one that makes an improvement in your life. A bad one can be a safety hazard to your health.

Cycling is fun and exciting for all ages because it is simple yet effective. If you cycle a few days a week, you are guaranteed to feel better about yourself and have loads more energy. Have a great ride.

Interested in more cycling information? Cycling Training Academy is your source for cycling workouts, tips and advice, as well news and information pertaining to the cycling world! Follow the links or copy and paste this URL into your browser to gain access to more on Cycling Training!

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Cycling is a sport that millions of Americans partake in each year, and is not only fun and exhilarating, but a valuable form of exercise as well. Here are 9 cycling tips for anyone who is considering or has already embarked upon their newfound road cycling obsession. Cycling is a great form of exercise that burns fat and calories without the high impact of running. Road cycling can be very beneficial at strengthening your cardiovascular condition as well as your core. These are simple tips to ensure safety, efficiency and proper cycling recovery.

9 Cycling Tips – Tip 1

When buying your first cycling bike, go to your local bike shop and get an idea of what style of bike you want. Most road cycle shops will help you in choosing the proper style and size for your height and body type. If you are on a tight budget, use the information you gathered from the bicycle shop and check on Craigslist or Ebay for that same bike – This can save hundreds of dollars off of retail. Many times, a beginner cyclist will spend 00 on a new bike, only to realize that they don’t really enjoy cycling! With that said, a budget of 0 is a good place to start. Most bicycle shops will try to up-sell you on high-tech components, as that is where they profit the most. Start off with something simple until you decide that cycling is a sport that you can commit to long-term. Accessories such as cycling shoes, bicycling jerseys and custom cycle shorts can also be purchased on Ebay for enormous savings.

Tip 2

Once you have decided on a bike and bicycle safety gear, the next step is to find an area in which you can practice getting clipped into your pedals without fear of traffic or falling. It is extremely dangerous to start cycling without being 100% comfortable with the process of clipping into and out of your pedals. Although falling down is something that should be avoided, keep in mind that even the most experienced cyclists fall down. If you know there is a stop sign 100 yards away, mentally start to prepare yourself for the process until you develop a strong comfort.

Tip 3

Once you feel comfortable on your new bike, find a dedicated bike path to start your cycling routine. Riding 3 days a week will gradually and sufficiently building your comfort, endurance and skill on the road. During this period, do not focus on your distance or intensity. Instead, focus on form and comfort. Avoid riding in cycling packs until you feel comfortable enough to navigate safely in larger groups of other experienced cyclists. Although riding in packs makes you more visible from auto traffic, there is a greater risk of colliding with cyclists in the group, specifically for a beginner.

Tip 4

Proper sports supplements are key for optimal performance and recovery. Cycling supplements in particular is an arena in which few breakthroughs have been designed. Supplements that contain key amino acids such as l-Arginine, have been shown to help increase nitric oxide. Increased levels of nitric oxide assist in increasing blood flow, which benefits recovery, performance and protects against sexual dysfunction caused by cycling. Other components in cycling supplements should contain DHEA and a product like guarana for energy. Natural supplements such as vitamin c and green tea can also be beneficial in antioxidation. Although supplements are important, there is no replacement for proper nutrition and rest.

Tip 5

Once you feel comfortable cycling on the road, start to gradually increase your miles and endurance. If you are riding 4 days a week, shoot for 3 days of longer rides at lower intensity and one day of more intense riding. Cycling, like all other sports, requires a variety of training techniques for optimal success.

Tip 6

Do not ride at intense levels and high speeds at all times. You need periods of rest at times, and so do your muscles.

Tip 7

Purchase a heart rate monitor, and use it. A heart rate monitor is essential in keeping your training within the optimal fat burning zone. Consult with your doctor on what your optimal fat burning zone, according to your age, weight, height, and medical history.

Tip 8

It is imperative to rest after long or very intense rides. This can be hard as road cycling can be very addictive. In order to prevent injury and improve performance, adequate rest and sleep are keys for proper recovery. Shocking your body with intense training can cause cortisol levels to increase which is a mechanism in which your body stores fat in order for protection. Continuously burning your body without resting increases cortisol which can cause extra fat storage. If you spend enough time cycling, you will notice there are a ton of overweight bikers. If they are burning 5000 calories on a long ride yet are still overweight, high levels of cortisol can be the cause.

Tip 9

Nutrition and hydration are probably the most important keys for success that most novice cyclists ignore. An hour before any long or intense ride, make sure you eat a meal with carbs, fat and protein. A perfect meal would be a bagel with peanut butter. During your ride, drink plenty of water and eat every 45 minutes. Nuts, bananas or GU Energy gels are great examples of foods to eat. Hydrate before you are thirsty to prevent dehydration. After your ride, make sure you have a meal with a good amount of carbohydrates as well as protein. A common error that most cyclists commit is over eating post rides. All because you had a good intense ride does not allow you to indulge in thousands of poorly chosen calories.

Cycling remains one of America’s most popular forms of exercise. If done correctly and safely, the benefits of cycling can be immense in total body health. Following these steps should get you on a fresh start and the right path to the invigorating sport of cycling!

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Bristol was named first Cycling City back in 2008, with total funding for the scheme (including local inputs) amounting to £22.8 million. “Cycling City (says the council) represents clear recognition of our solid commitment to promote and encourage cycling through better infrastructure, training and promotion.” The aim of the Cycling City project for the Councils was to ‘double the number’ of ‘regular’ cyclists in Bristol. Since the launch, the city has seen highs and lows in its attempts to promote cycling, having spent just £1.7 million as of October 2009.

What’s happened so far?

Residents in certain areas will have benefited from new cycle paths; with 13 miles worth of new improvements planned in by 2011, and those already built seeing heavy use (for some, 5800 monthly trips, according to the council). The very successful Cycle Maps have had to vastly increase their print runs year on year, to cope with demand; and the ‘Bristol Biggest Bike Ride’ saw a 40% increase in entrants in 2009, with community bicycle groups, bike shops, community groups and charities all showing enthusiasm for organising bike rides to take advantage of the scheme’s promotional platform (the events page of Better By Bike, the face which Cycling City presents to the public, is crammed full of cycling days out).

As well as the new bike paths, Bristolians may also have noticed the Better By Bike representatives at key commuting spots like the Southville footbridge; the Hire Bike racks (for example by the Bristol Royal Infirmary); and of course the many events which have been visible in the city centre and ongoing initiatives such as the Mud Dock Cafe’s discounted bike maintenance sessions at Bristol Waterfront or the new South Bristol 20mph zones. Other Bristol bike-related projects gaining publicity via the Bristol Better By Bike news forums include a new cycling project for disabled adults and children called All Abilities- which helps those who are less able to use standard bikes to get cycling- and the Bristol Bike Project, a charitable initiative which provides tools, materials and support for refugees, homeless and other vulnerable persons to build their own bicycles in order to give them an independent source of transport.

There have also been many commendable attempts by Better by Bike to initiate newcomers into cycling; including subsidised riding lessons, bike maintenance workshops (including women-focused training sessions) and competitions to win cycling gear. Bristol University has got on board with a free Cycle Surgery for students and staff to get their bikes up to standard for the commute.

Some concerns about the way forward?

Bristol has always had a vibrant community of cyclists and this scheme appears to have proved the catalyst for many of those who had fallen away to rejoin the cycling community. However, some biking groups have reservations about the limitation of the Cycling City scheme. While welcoming the opportunities which the funding has brought for local cyclists, some commentators have raised concerns that the aim to ‘double’ the number of cyclists could pose problems given two factors: the safety of cycling in Bristol, where over half of all commuters travel to work by car (2001 Census); and security issues- since Bristol city remains one of the UK hotspots for bicycle theft.

The Bristol Cycling Campaign is a community group which aims to improve local cycling and transport infrastructure and which focuses on safety issues for cyclists and other related issues. While actively engaging with the Cycling City consultations and making an effort to take part in events and contribute to discussions, the response to their attempts to engage with the council was, so they report, not always positive.  The Campaign, which keeps in touch with members via newsletters and regular events, has found that their comments on council proposals have not been received favourably; they also claim access to consultations, and opportunities for feedback on the Cycle City plans, have been limited.  There is a list of the infrastructure projects in the Bristol Cycling City pipeline here: the Cycling Campaign’s criticisms (for example of the Cumberland Basin proposal) have included flagging up safety issues, with comments that plans are “not in accord with DfT guidance.” The Campaign has recently held meetings with the Cycling City Project Manager Ed Plowden to discuss their concerns; the outcome of which has not yet been published.

With regard to bike thefts, since around 50% of bikes are actually stolen from the victims’ home premises, it may be that a new approach to Bristol home security is the prime issue here. When out and about, a sturdy lock can go a long way to deterring thieves, as can a clearly marked traceable bike (Avon and Somerset police recommend you register your bike with bikeregister.com ). However, Bristol policeman Andy Bennet has said that “One of the big challenges for cyclists is finding secure parking outside the centre. I know this will change over time, however if my experience is anything to go by, expensive locks aren’t always enough.” He notes that Bristol bike thefts rise in the summer months: so be extra vigilant and make sure your lock is up to scratch (many cyclists now use two), and since the police do recover hundreds of stolen bikes every year, do mark your bike so it’s traceable.  Underlining the situation in Bristol is the blog Stolen Bristol Bikes.com which offers safety tips and a forum for those who have lost expensive bikes to attempt to recover them. Its very existence, of course, underscores the problem which Bristol may face in tackling the issue.

With regard to safety concerns about Bristol cycling, these come both from pedestrians and from cyclists themselves.  The safety of cyclists on Bristol roads is consistently highlighted by cyclists who feel that cars and lorries are not aware, or considerate, of bikes alongside or behind them, and that paths are not adequate or conforming to safety standards. Bristol Cycling Campaign cautions that some Bristol roads have unsafe attributes: cyclists are often confronted with vehicles turning left across their path due to placement of bike lanes, a situation addressed in Denmark and in the Netherlands by using preferential traffic light systems which prioritise cyclists and pedestrians (Bristol Council is investigating implementing these types of systems, as this recent report shows). CTC Bristol and the Bristol Cycling Campaign both stress the responsibility of cyclists to use the road lawfully and sensibly, and both promote regular training workshops; the Cycling City campaign has also pushed safety, offering high-vis jackets as prizes in competitions. Avon and Somerset Police and the University both offer cycling proficiency tests.

The recent increase in cycling accidents in Bristol over the last few years may actually be deceptive; since given the likely increase in cycles on Bristol roads overall, it is impossible to tell if the relative number of cyclists who are involved in accidents has risen in comparison. A spokesperson from Sustrans said recently (of the rise in Bristol bike accidents) : “Some of it will be cyclists’ behaviour, some of it will be motorists’ behaviour.[...]What it does tell us is we need to invest into cycling facilities [to increase safety]“.  Only time will tell whether the Cycling City initiative will result in raising awareness of safety issues from both drivers and cyclists, to go along with the new cycle lanes. Without a decrease in the number of cars and lorries using the roads alongside cyclists, it is debatable whether road safety will cease to be a challenge in Bristol in the near future if the council’s aims to put ‘between 100 000 and 150,000 new cyclists on the road’ are successful. Likewise, the concerns of pedestrians- particularly those of Bristol’s blind community, who recently branded Bristol cyclists as a safety hazard on the city’s footpaths- are unlikely to be fully allayed unless cyclists are put off leaving incomplete or unsafe cycle paths and compete for space on the pavements. Bristol Council claims more cyclists will create more safety as they reach “critical mass”. Only time will tell if this is true in practice.

The future of cycling in Bristol is by no means assured, but the enthusiasm and determination of local cyclists has gone a long way in pushing the issue to both the council and the public. The next step for the Council is focusing on the home-school journey, and on particular communities with programmes, events and funding aimed at specific localities and school premises, as well as continuing to target commuters in Bristol with the Workplace Cycle Champion scheme.  It’s certainly an exciting time to be a cyclist in Bristol; one of the most important things for the coming months will be the productive and useful dialogue which has opened up between cyclists (both seasoned and those new to biking), car owners, local government and the Bristol community. Bristol cyclists are lucky to have such a vibrant and committed group of bike-lovers championing their cause; we can only hope that the Cycling City funding continues moving Bristol into a positive new era for commuting cyclists.

For more information see “Greater Bristol Cycling City: The Delivery Strategy 2008-2011″ which is available on the Council website.

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According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 784 bicyclists were killed in 2005 while riding their bikes. In 2004, there were 725 deaths, and for the four years previous, annual bicycling deaths ranted from 629 to 732 people each year.

Statistics for bicycling injuries are not readily available, since most do not get reported.

Use the Proper Equipment

1. Be sure your bike fits you properly and is adjusted for your size.

2. Equip your bike with safety equipment: a white headlight (preferably one you can set to a flashing mode for use during the daytime to make yourself more visible), reflectors and/or reflective tape or markings, a flashing red rear light (essential for riding at night), a horn or a bell (to give audible signals to let drivers know where you are—or that you’re there at all), and mirrors on your handlebars.

3. Each time, before you ride, check to see that tires are properly inflated, that the brakes work, and that nothing is loose on your bike.

Dress For Cycling

4. Always wear a properly fitted bike helmet to protect you in case of a fall or crash. (Consider putting a mirror on your helmet, too.)

5. Wear bright, neon colors and/or reflective clothing—even during the day.

6. At night, wear a reflective jacket or vest or a safety triangle.

Plan Ahead

7. Know the rules of the road and any specific bicycling rules for your area

8. Plan to travel in slow or residential areas when possible to avoid fast-moving downtown traffic.

9. Avoid narrow roads and opt for wide roads where there is more room for bicycles and cars to maneuver if you can.

10. Always stay alert. Don’t ride with headphones or an ipod. And NEVER use your cell phone while biking!

11. Never be in a hurry. When you’re in a hurry, you can get careless or take unnecessary chances. It also makes it more likely that you could be darting in and out quickly and automobile drivers might not even see you.

When Bicycling

12. Use your headlight—even during the day—so drivers have a better chance of seeing you.

13. Use your mirrors so you know what is going on around you at all times.

14. Ride on the street with other traffic, not on the sidewalk, traveling in the same direction as motor vehicle traffic, not against it.

15. Know—and use—hand signals. Be sure to give plenty of notice in advance of when you are going to make a turn. Then be sure to look over your shoulder to be sure your path is clear before making the actual turn.

16. Be consistent and predictable so motorists know what you are going to do. Drive in a straight line. Don’t swerve, weave in and out of traffic or parked cars, or make any erratic or sudden moves.

17. Obey traffic signs, signals, and road markings and yield to pedestrians – just like any other vehicle on the roadway.

18. Use your horn or bell if you will be crossing in front of another vehicle so you give an audible signal—it’s more likely to get the other motorists attention.

19. Make eye contact with motorists if possible, so you know that they see you.

Drive Defensively

20. Watch for hazards such as pot holes, puddles, loose gravel, spare car parts, drain grates, rocks, litter or garbage, parked cars opening their doors, pets running loose, and other vehicles.

21. Ride to the left of the parking lane to avoid hitting a car door that opens unexpectedly in front of you.

22. At a red light, stop behind another car. Do not pull up next to the first car at the light where you will be in the blind spot and risk getting hit if the car makes a right turn and the driver doesn’t know you’re there.

23. When you follow a vehicle that is moving slow, be patient. It may be getting ready to make a turn. Don’t try to rush past it or get up beside it in the driver’s blind spot.

24. Always look behind you (over your shoulder) before making a turn—for other vehicles, for other bicycles, and for pedestrians.

25. Always look behind you (over your shoulder) before you change your position in the lane of traffic, as a vehicle could be getting ready to come alongside you or pass you.

26. Never swerve in and out of traffic or in and out of the parking lane. Maintain steady placement in your lane.

27. Double check everything! Even if you have the right of way, a car or other vehicle is much larger than a bicycle and for your own safety, you have to be prepared to yield at all times.

28. Always drive, ride, and act as if other drivers can’t see you! Put your safety first.