Cycling (Biking or Bicycling) (cont.)

What about bike safety?

Here are some tips for riding in traffic:

1. Observe traffic lights and stop signs. Many cities require bikers to follow the same rules of the road as motorized vehicles.

2. Ride in the direction of traffic.

3. Watch for doors of parked cars opening unexpectedly.

4. Watch for pedestrians at crossings and jaywalkers stepping out from behind a parked car or truck. Pedestrians crossing streets are looking for big objects like cars and trucks, not bikers.

5. Imagine that no one can see you (most of the time they can't) and ride defensively. If you're in an uncertain situation, use your judgment and slow down if necessary. Remember, you can't compete with cars, and running into a pedestrian is no joy either. Usually, both people get hurt.

6. Helmets. Helmet use and helmet laws are controversial. For instance, some research shows that wearing helmets may encourage cyclists to take more risks or motorists to take less care when they encounter cyclists. In a careful analysis of a large amount of data concerning helmets, it was concluded that the cost of helmets exceeds any estimated savings in health-care costs. Of course, if you have an accident and a helmet does help you, then the cost is well worth it. Helmets cost less than $50, and despite the controversial evidence, I always wear one.

How do I take care of my bike?

At the minimum:

1. Keep your chain lubricated (just a light film).

2. Keep your tires filled to the proper pressure (maximum pressure is written on the side of your tire). Your tires will have Schraeder or Presta valves. Ask your salesperson for the right type of pump to fit your valves (I heartily endorse the Joe Blow pump by Topeak—it fits both valves easily and conveniently).

More advanced:

3. Purchase Allen wrenches (your bike salesperson can advise you on size) and a Phillips head screwdriver, and occasionally check the screws and bolts that hold your bike together to make sure they are tight.

4. Attend to any rattling that you hear or feel when you're biking. Bring the bike in for service if you're not sure what the problem is.

5. Check your brake pads and cables. You'll know if your brakes are worn or the cables have stretched if you have to pull harder on your brakes to stop. Again, bring the bike in for service if you're not sure what the problem is.

Yearly tune-up:

6. Take your bike to the shop for a once-over at the beginning of bike season. Many bike shops offer complementary inspection, and some even offer free lifetime maintenance (for the small stuff) if you purchased your bike from them.

Next: What about indoor biking? »

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