Currently browsing category

Safety

IMG_0651

Where to ride your bicycle on the road (Part 2)

Here’s the situation.  You’re riding your bicycle on a road with a narrow lane (by law in some states this is a lane less than 14ft in width).  Most city streets meet this “narrow road” criteria as well as many rural roads with no shoulders. The key to safety is …

A VIA ride supervisor performs the "Rock Dodge" maneuver during a Traffic Skills 101 class.

Great partnerships encourage cycling education…

1.3 million people live in San Antonio, TX – the seventh largest city in the United States. There are 3 active League Cycling Instructors in San Antonio. Yeah, we have our work cut out for us. No doubt our success, then, relies upon our ability to find great partners that …

IMG_0658

Teaching bicycle safety

At the end of August, I successfully taught my first Traffic Skills 101 class to six enthusiastic San Antonio cyclists.  This bicycle safety course is taught by League Cycling Instructors and is part of the League of American Bicyclists’ Smart Cycling program.  It was a great experience on many levels: …

Google Maps with Bicycle Routing

Google recently announced that Google Maps now supports bicycling as a method of transportation when requesting directions to a location.  Google says the system will generate a bicycle-friendly route by considering factors like traffic levels, hills, existing bicycle facilities and more. I used the feature to see what route it …

Bicycle Lights : Mini-Reviews : Part Two

As a continuation of Part One, let’s take a look at two more powerful bicycle tail lights that I’m convinced will improve your visibility and contribute to your safety on the road. CatEye TL-LD1100 The TL-LD1100 is Cateye’s top-of-the-line bicycle tail light with 10 super bright LEDs – six that …

“Traffic Skills 101”

In late May, I stayed overnight in Austin, TX to attend the League of American Bicyclists’ Traffic 101 class. The class was supported by members of the Austin Cycling Association and REI which provided a conference room free of charge. The class was nine hours long – 4 hours of …

The Art of Being Conspicuous : Part II

As a follow-up to my original article, The Art of Being Conspicuous, here’s a video demonstrating how bicycle lighting really helps to make you stand out so that drivers are much less likely to be surprised by your presence on the road.Also, keep in mind that while many bicycle lights …

The Art of Being Conspicuous

…or, how to survive riding your bicycle in the dark. Reflectors are just one part of being conspicuous As a bicycle commuter, riding in the dark (especially in the morning) is a simple reality. For me, its a choice of making myself visible to a small number of cars in …