Bought a bicycle - now what?

dbmata

You bought a bike...

Where to start?
Uh... ride it?

gshifrin

These are the riding tips I sent my daughter after I gave her my old Vespa scooter. I think most of them are applicable.


Pay attention

Assume you're invisible - SMIDSY!

Always check over your shoulder before changing lanes

Ignore car's turn signals -- check which way their tires are pointing

Don't get distracted by bumper stickers, billboards, pets, or what people are wearing

Be careful of sand or gravel in the road; avoid turning or stopping on them

Give plenty of space to parked cars; watch for them opening doors or pulling out

Avoid getting stuck in ruts or grooves in the road -- try to cross them head on.

Wear your helmet and keep it securely fastened

Be careful of plastic strips in the road at crosswalks or turn arrows -- they can be slippery when wet

Leave plenty of space between you and cars or trucks in front -- make sure you can stop or avoid a collision

Wind or rain can be bitter cold on a scooter -- wear a good jacket or windbreaker

Wear good jeans and boots -- no flip-flops

Always be aware of what's going on around you -- scan the road ahead for potential hazards -- assume you're invisible

Pay attention

Don't ride when you're tired or have been drinking

Always defer to cars and trucks; don't insist on having the right-of-way; in a tie you lose

Don't ride in cold rainy weather; avoid riding after dark

Give bicycles plenty of room

Watch for drivers looking in the side view mirror - they want to turn

Never ride in a potential blind spot - slow down or accelerate and get ahead of them

If you don't feel 'right' don't ride

Have fun!

Pay attention

Pay attention