COMMUTING TIPS

Plan your route
Get equipped
Learn basic maintenance and safety
Know the rules
Know your rights
Get weather-ready

Bicycle Commuting Tip #1
Plan your route

It is important to find the best possible route in order to make biking to work safe and enjoyable. There are 6 things to look for when planning a route:

• Streets with low to moderate traffic volume.
• Enough width to accommodate cars and bicycles comfortably.
• Smooth, unbroken pavement without hazards such as poorly positioned drainage grates or gravel and debris.
• Low to moderate hill grades. This can be difficult in Owen Sound so don’t be afraid to walk up the sidewalk on steeper hills.
• Availability of off-street paths.
• Look for the most direct route but allow yourself time to go a little out of your way if it means meeting the first five criteria.

You may want to pick up an Owen Sound Cycling map at Jolley’s Alternative Wheels to use when planning routes around town.

Have fun, get fit, clean the air.

Bicycle Commuting Tip #2
Get equipped

When traveling by bicycle a few important pieces of equipment will ensure your safety and comfort.

• A mirror is absolutely the most important item on the bike. With a mirror you can monitor overtaking traffic and act accordingly.
• Helmets are mandatory under 18 but smart at any age to protect in case of a fall.
• Tires should be wide enough to handle debris and cracks but narrow and smooth enough to roll easily.
• Handlebars should be high enough to allow unrestrained visibility.
• Racks and/or bags for carrying gear should be mounted securely to the bike. Never dangle things from the handlebar.
• A comfortable seat is essential for the regular bicycle commuter. Forming healthier habits is easier if the bike is comfortable.
• Use lights and reflective clothing after dark to ensure visibility.

For help with these or any other bicycle commuting concerns ask the “regular commuters” at Jolley’s Alternative Wheels.

Bicycle Commuting Tip #3
Learn basic maintenance and safety

In order to best enjoy commuting by bicycle and be successful in forming new habits it is important to know a little bit about the basics of bicycle maintenance.

Safety check – The following three things should be checked frequently to ensure your safety on the road.

• Your brakes should function well.
• Your tires should be in good condition and fully inflated.
• The quick release levers on your wheels should be tight and in the closed position.

Drivetrain lubrication

• Use a dry lube in fair weather to avoid gunky build-up.
• Wax lube should be used if riding in inclement weather.
• Lube should be used sparingly but regularly.

Flat tires

• Carrying a tube, pump, and tire levers can save a long walk.
• Changing a flat is quite simple and fast with a little practice.

Bicycle Commuting Tip #4
Know the rules

Cyclists are subject to the same responsibilities and rights as motorists. The most commonly broken rules by cyclist are riding on the sidewalk and running stop signs. You wouldn’t don this in your car and you shouldn’t do it on your bike either.

Riding in a responsible and predictable manner is the best way to ensure your safety on the road.

Please pay particular attention to the following rules:

• Obey all stop signs and traffic lights.
• Signal all turns to avoid surprising drivers.
• Ride on the proper side of the road, with traffic, not into traffic.
• Do not ride on sidewalks. They are for pedestrians.
• Ride with lights after dark to ensure visibility.

Take particular care when transferring from off street cycling routes to on street cycling routes. These are generally not integrated very well and require some creative and careful maneuvering.

Bicycle Commuting Tip #5
Know your rights

Cyclist who obey the same rules of the road as motorists are also entitled to the same privileges as motorists. This is important to ensure proper flow of traffic and the safety of all road users as well as pedestrians.

The following are the 2 most common issues/questions regarding proper cycling in traffic:

Lane position - Optimum lane position is one metre out from the edge of the road or parked cars. This enables the rider to avoid debris, car doors, drains, etc. In this position you are also visible to overtaking motorists. Always ride a straight line. Do not weave in and out around obstacles. You are safest when riding in a predictable manner.

Motorists should respect a cyclist’s space by leaving plenty of room when passing and slowing down when necessary.

Intersections – Cyclists should follow the exact same procedure at intersections as motorists. This is particularly important when making left turns. First, signal and cross to the left side of the lane or to the turning lane if applicable. Make the turn, returning to the right side of the lane as you complete the urn. If there are multiple lanes watch for motorists illegally sweeping to the outside lane attempting to pass you on the right. Quickly signaling you right lane change will usually avoid this problem.

Bicycle Commuting Tip #6
Get weather-ready

Once you have become comfortable with bicycle commuting in fair weather, you may want to go the next step and use your bike regardless of weather conditions. This can require an adventurous spirit and some additional equipment.

The Clothing – Cycling in rain or cool temperatures requires the right balance of breathability and insulation. There are many jackets and pants available that are waterproof and windproof but still breathe well. It is also important to use base layers that are good at moisture management as well as temperature control. It is always better to use several layers of the right fabrics than to wear a single bulky piece of clothing.

Other pieces of gear such as a helmet cover or shoe covers will help keep the extremities dry as well.

The Bike – The use of mudguards in rainy weather will keep the trademark “skunk” stripe off your back as well as help guard you feet from front wheel spray. Some of these are easily removable for fair weather. You will also need to waterproof any cargo you are carrying. Most good quality saddle bags and many backpacks and courier bags have waterproof fabrics or pull-over covers.

Why not complete the transition to sustainable, healthy commuting by doing it in any weather? After a while the rainy days even become fun!