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Friday, June 29, 2018

Promoted

10 tips before hopping on a bike

Posted By Indy Promotions on Fri, Jun 29, 2018 at 10:04 AM

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Courtesy Kaiser Permanente

With the launch of the PikeRide bike share this summer in downtown Colorado Springs, now’s the time to hop on that bike, get some exercise, enjoy the weather and visit those exciting hot spots down town.

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But before you check out one of the new PikeRide bikes — or wipe the dust off
yours — there are a few bike safety tips to remember before and during your ride.

BEFORE YOUR RIDE

1. Don’t forget your bicycle helmet. You should always wear a helmet when
riding a bike. If you’re planning on checking out a PikeRide bike, be sure to bring one with you.

When wearing a helmet, it should sit on top of your head in a level position and not rock forward, backward or side to side. The helmet straps should form a “V” under the
ears, and the fit should be snug but comfortable.

2. Avoid wearing long or loose clothing. Loose clothes can get caught in bike chains or wheel spokes. If you’re wearing pants, be sure to tuck your pant leg into your sock, invest in a pant strap.

3. Check out the bike. PikeRide crews regularly check each bike to make sure it’s ready to ride, but you should always give a bike a once-over before hopping on, too. Check to see that the brakes are working properly, that the gears shift smoothly, and that the tires are tightly secured and properly infated.

4. Plan your route. Colorado Springs has plenty of options for riding depending on your comfort level — from trails and paths to bike lanes and shared traf c lanes. Knowing the best route to take ahead of time often makes a bike ride easier.

You can look up route ideas in several ways:
• Download and use the BCycle app on your smart phone.
• Check out one of the PikeRide maps.
• Google Maps allows you to select a bicycle as your means of transportation and gives you the best route and elevation.

click to enlarge

Courtesy PikeRide

DURING YOUR RIDE

1. Don’t wear headphones or listen to tunes. Cyclists need to be able to hear oncoming traffic and be fully focused on all road hazards.

2. Follow the rules of the road. Ride on the right side of roads, in the same direction as other vehicles. Obey all traffic signs, signals and lane markings, use hand signals when turning, and don’t weave in and out of traffic. And remember, it’s always safer to ride in a straight line.

3. Beware of drivers in parked cars. They may open their doors or pull out unexpectedly. Give extra clearance to buses and trucks — they have large blind spots and may not see you — and watch for buses pulling in and away from the curb.

4. Always yield to pedestrians.

5. Always pass on the left. Say “on your left” to let pedestrians and riders know you’re passing.

6. Make eye contact with drivers and pedestrians. Be sure that they’re paying attention before crossing in front of them or pulling into their lane. Just because you can see a driver or pedestrian doesn’t mean they can see you.

And for folks out there in their cars, as you see more of our community out and about on bikes, be sure to share the road and give them 3-4 feet of space for safety.

Share this information with fellow bike riders and spend some time preparing to take a bike out. Then ride on and soak up the sun with friends and family in our wonderful community!

— Brought to you by Benjamin J. Erickson, MD, Kaiser Permanente internal medicine physician

Tags: bikes, cycling, Sponsored, PikeRide, health, Image, Sponsored Content