One neat trick I often see cyclists perform is the instant transformation from cyclist to pedestrian. This often happens when a cyclist reaches a red light and then turns left into the pedestrian crossing area in order to get to the other side of the street. If cyclists dismount and walk their bikes across the street, I don’t see a problem. But I more commonly see them remain on their bikes as they turn into the pedestrian area.
This is a dangerous manoeuvre. Pedestrians are not expecting cyclists to do it; nor are drivers. I’ve seen cyclists swerve into walkways at a fair clip, then weave among the startled pedestrians. There is a good chance of running into someone this way. And what of the driver at the intersection who is about to turn right? This driver will expect a cyclist to stop, not abruptly cut into the car’s path.
Another sudden cyclist-to-pedestrian-and-back transformation occurs when cyclists approach red lights at three-way intersections. If the sidewalk is on their right, some cyclists will jump to the sidewalk, bike past the intersection, and then jump back to the road. I imagine this must be very irritating to the drivers (and cyclists) who are patiently waiting for the light to change. I think cyclists, if they are not going to wait for a green light, should not bother with the pretense of biking onto the sidewalk. No one buys their bogus cover act of “Hey, look! Suddenly I’m a pedestrian—and suddenly I’m not!” They might as well just own what they are doing and bike through the red light.
Cyclists in Toronto still have a reputation for ignoring traffic rules. Pedestrians and drivers alike regularly complain about this. I feel the situation has improved in recent years, but cyclists’ reputation for road-warrior like behaviour is still well deserved.
Showing posts with label bike safety. Show all posts
Showing posts with label bike safety. Show all posts
Thursday, August 6, 2015
Friday, April 10, 2015
Transporting Children on Bikes
Riding a bicycle in the city can be a dangerous activity. Not hugely dangerous, but definitely somewhat dangerous. There is no doubt about it. You have to be smart and cautious to avoid being a statistic. But cyclists, for the most part, are only risking themselves. In a typical collision, the cyclist may be badly injured or killed and the bike wrecked, but the driver will usually be uninjured while the car ends up with only a few dents or scratches.
Every once in a while, though, I’ll see cyclists risking not only their own lives, but their children’s too.
The other day as I walked down Woodbine Road in Toronto, I saw a woman and her young child bomb by on a bike. It’s hard to say how old the child was because the bike flashed by me at such high speed. The child was behind the woman, held in a rear-mounted child seat. Woodbine is a major, four-lane road. At the time of day when the woman and her child passed me, traffic is fairly light on this road and, therefore, cars and trucks sometimes travel at fairly high speed. Moments after the bike went by I saw a truck rocket by at what must have been 60 kmh or more. This truck would have passed the woman and her child moments later, very likely in the same lane.
Believe me, I’m all for people using their bikes in town, but I feel that if you want to take your kid with you, either on a bike seat or in a trailer, you really should keep to bike paths and side streets. If you have to cross a major street, dismount and briefly become a pedestrian.
I do have to point out that what I am saying in this post is based on a gut reaction. I was unable to find any numbers for crashes, injuries, or deaths involving children riding in bike seats. An article in The Boston Globe dated May 24, 2014, says: “Statistics about the dangers of biking with children are hard to find. No health or safety agency has information broken down that way.”
I also wondered which of the two methods of transporting young children on bikes was safer. Every source I found said that trailers were safer than rear- or front-mounted child seats. Please note, though, that it is very important to have a high-flying orange flag attached to a trailer to make it more visible to drivers.
An article posted by Parachute reported, “bike trailers are considered somewhat safer because children are lower to the ground and have less of a distance to fall in a crash.”
ConsumersReports.org had this to say: “trailers can tip over if you turn abruptly or turn when one wheel is going over a bump.” But they went on to say that bicycle trailers provide “some protection to passengers since kids are seated, strapped in, and usually enclosed in a zippered compartment. Trailers have a rigid frame enclosed in durable fabric, which offers some protection for young passengers if the unit rolls over”
The American Academy of Pediatrics says that “preferably, children should ride in a bicycle-towed child trailer.”
Please consult the web pages I mentioned for detailed safety instructions on using bike trailers.
Every once in a while, though, I’ll see cyclists risking not only their own lives, but their children’s too.
The other day as I walked down Woodbine Road in Toronto, I saw a woman and her young child bomb by on a bike. It’s hard to say how old the child was because the bike flashed by me at such high speed. The child was behind the woman, held in a rear-mounted child seat. Woodbine is a major, four-lane road. At the time of day when the woman and her child passed me, traffic is fairly light on this road and, therefore, cars and trucks sometimes travel at fairly high speed. Moments after the bike went by I saw a truck rocket by at what must have been 60 kmh or more. This truck would have passed the woman and her child moments later, very likely in the same lane.
Believe me, I’m all for people using their bikes in town, but I feel that if you want to take your kid with you, either on a bike seat or in a trailer, you really should keep to bike paths and side streets. If you have to cross a major street, dismount and briefly become a pedestrian.
I do have to point out that what I am saying in this post is based on a gut reaction. I was unable to find any numbers for crashes, injuries, or deaths involving children riding in bike seats. An article in The Boston Globe dated May 24, 2014, says: “Statistics about the dangers of biking with children are hard to find. No health or safety agency has information broken down that way.”
I also wondered which of the two methods of transporting young children on bikes was safer. Every source I found said that trailers were safer than rear- or front-mounted child seats. Please note, though, that it is very important to have a high-flying orange flag attached to a trailer to make it more visible to drivers.
An article posted by Parachute reported, “bike trailers are considered somewhat safer because children are lower to the ground and have less of a distance to fall in a crash.”
ConsumersReports.org had this to say: “trailers can tip over if you turn abruptly or turn when one wheel is going over a bump.” But they went on to say that bicycle trailers provide “some protection to passengers since kids are seated, strapped in, and usually enclosed in a zippered compartment. Trailers have a rigid frame enclosed in durable fabric, which offers some protection for young passengers if the unit rolls over”
The American Academy of Pediatrics says that “preferably, children should ride in a bicycle-towed child trailer.”
Please consult the web pages I mentioned for detailed safety instructions on using bike trailers.
Monday, September 22, 2014
Driver's Perspective
I much prefer to cycle to my destination in the city, but occasionally I have to carry more than is possible on my bike and am forced to drive. During these trips, I always find it instructive getting the driver’s perspective of using the roads.
When I am driving behind a cyclist who is going slower than I am, as is usually the case, my reaction is that I want to pass the cyclist as soon as possible. Cyclists should always be aware of this. Drivers want to pass you, and they want to do it right away. And some of them will resort to less than ideally safe practices when they do it. It’s amazing how often a cyclist’s life and body are treated with reckless disregard so that a driver can save a few seconds.
The lesson for cyclists here is that they need to cycle in as straight a line as possible and at a steady speed. The driver who is trying to imitate Gilles Villeneuve while passing you is assuming that your speed and trajectory will not vary. You may be hit if you don’t move as the driver expects you to.
Right turns are one of my least favourite driving manoeuvres, especially at busy intersections. Drivers have to observe and process a remarkably large amount of information in a very short amount of time while deciding when to make a right. They are often a bit stressed while doing this. If you are cycling up fast behind a car that is signalling right, don’t assume the driver will see you. If you go past on the right, you may be hit. Always assume the driver doesn’t see you in these instances, and act accordingly.
Cyclists who put themselves in the driver's position will be much safer.
When I am driving behind a cyclist who is going slower than I am, as is usually the case, my reaction is that I want to pass the cyclist as soon as possible. Cyclists should always be aware of this. Drivers want to pass you, and they want to do it right away. And some of them will resort to less than ideally safe practices when they do it. It’s amazing how often a cyclist’s life and body are treated with reckless disregard so that a driver can save a few seconds.
The lesson for cyclists here is that they need to cycle in as straight a line as possible and at a steady speed. The driver who is trying to imitate Gilles Villeneuve while passing you is assuming that your speed and trajectory will not vary. You may be hit if you don’t move as the driver expects you to.
Right turns are one of my least favourite driving manoeuvres, especially at busy intersections. Drivers have to observe and process a remarkably large amount of information in a very short amount of time while deciding when to make a right. They are often a bit stressed while doing this. If you are cycling up fast behind a car that is signalling right, don’t assume the driver will see you. If you go past on the right, you may be hit. Always assume the driver doesn’t see you in these instances, and act accordingly.
Cyclists who put themselves in the driver's position will be much safer.
Tuesday, January 7, 2014
Too Cold
This January the weakening of the Polar Vortex is allowing a mass of frigid air to stray south. Toronto often avoids the very low temperatures that occur in most other parts of Canada. But not these days. When I awoke this morning, the temperature was -24 degrees; add in the wind chill and the reading was -39. Perhaps a bit too cold for cycling...
Each winter is the same. Through October, November, and December, as the temperature sinks, I continue to ride regularly, gradually getting used to the cold. But the cold I refer to is usually in the -10 to +10 range. If I dress properly, I’ll be fine.
In January or February, though, there is usually a cold snap that breaks my, and most other people’s, cycling routine. When I have decided that it’s too cold or snowy for cycling, I'll notice a few hardy types still riding their bikes for another day or two. (I’d tip my hat to them, but by that point I’d rather not remove it because of the cold.) But eventually, even these tough people have had enough, and the streets are temporarily without cyclists.
It’s not just the cold that prevents cycling. When it gets really cold, there is just too much ice on the streets. It really would be dangerous on a bike. Throw in the stiff arctic wind we had today, and cycling is out of the question.
I look forward to getting back on my bike. It is so convenient and is such a good way to exercise. The forecast shows I might be able to ride again in two days. But riding today is right out.
Wednesday, October 23, 2013
Cycling in the Rain
I occasionally enjoy riding in the rain. I don’t love it; I won’t say that. But as long as I am dressed for it, and the rain isn’t coming down too hard, cycling in the rain can be an enjoyable experience.
When we are children, we sometimes want to play in the rain. Most people develop an aversion to being in the rain as they get older. We’ll hurry from the door to the car with an umbrella over our head, trying to minimize the amount of time we spend in the rain. Choosing to bike somewhere even though it is raining is a way to relive the childish enjoyment of just being out in the rain.
Here are some tips for cycling in the rain:
Don’t bike in a downpour. If it starts to rain hard enough, being out on the streets becomes dangerous. You are harder to see, and drivers may not expect cyclists to be out in such a heavy rain, and so may not be on the lookout for them.
Rain jackets that are meant for cycling come in bright colours, often red, blue, or yellow, and have reflective strips on them. If you cycle in the rain, make sure to wear one of these cycling rain jackets, or at least wear a brightly coloured rain coat. I recommend jackets specifically sold to cyclists, because they usually have reflective strips.
You may not enjoy riding in the rain if your clothes are soaked, so make sure you are dressed properly. To keep your legs dry, you can wear rain pants. Or, at least bring a change of pants that you can get into once you have got to your destination.
Keeping your feet dry is also an issue. If your shoes are just water resistant, your feet are going to get wet. Make sure to bring a change of socks, or wear waterproof shoes or boots. Cycling shops sell overshoes for wet weather.
Bike shops also sell rain hats for wearing either under or over your helmet. An over-the-helmet hat is a good option if you would rather not put a tight cap over your hair.
When cycling in the rain, you may come across the odd puddle in your path. Puddles are common on the sides of roads, where we often cycle. Some of them can be a few centimetres deep, and you may wish to avoid going right through one. If you are cycling in traffic, be very careful about swerving to avoid puddles. If you notice that you are approaching a puddle, slow down (but not suddenly) to minimize the wash of water that will be thrown up. Or, you can go around the puddle, but only after you have checked over your shoulder to make sure no cars or other cyclists are coming up.
Enjoy being out in the rain, but be safe and dry while doing it.
When we are children, we sometimes want to play in the rain. Most people develop an aversion to being in the rain as they get older. We’ll hurry from the door to the car with an umbrella over our head, trying to minimize the amount of time we spend in the rain. Choosing to bike somewhere even though it is raining is a way to relive the childish enjoyment of just being out in the rain.
Here are some tips for cycling in the rain:
Don’t bike in a downpour. If it starts to rain hard enough, being out on the streets becomes dangerous. You are harder to see, and drivers may not expect cyclists to be out in such a heavy rain, and so may not be on the lookout for them.
Rain jackets that are meant for cycling come in bright colours, often red, blue, or yellow, and have reflective strips on them. If you cycle in the rain, make sure to wear one of these cycling rain jackets, or at least wear a brightly coloured rain coat. I recommend jackets specifically sold to cyclists, because they usually have reflective strips.
You may not enjoy riding in the rain if your clothes are soaked, so make sure you are dressed properly. To keep your legs dry, you can wear rain pants. Or, at least bring a change of pants that you can get into once you have got to your destination.
Keeping your feet dry is also an issue. If your shoes are just water resistant, your feet are going to get wet. Make sure to bring a change of socks, or wear waterproof shoes or boots. Cycling shops sell overshoes for wet weather.
Bike shops also sell rain hats for wearing either under or over your helmet. An over-the-helmet hat is a good option if you would rather not put a tight cap over your hair.
When cycling in the rain, you may come across the odd puddle in your path. Puddles are common on the sides of roads, where we often cycle. Some of them can be a few centimetres deep, and you may wish to avoid going right through one. If you are cycling in traffic, be very careful about swerving to avoid puddles. If you notice that you are approaching a puddle, slow down (but not suddenly) to minimize the wash of water that will be thrown up. Or, you can go around the puddle, but only after you have checked over your shoulder to make sure no cars or other cyclists are coming up.
Enjoy being out in the rain, but be safe and dry while doing it.
Monday, March 4, 2013
Licence to Ride
The other day I witnessed an almost comic example of clueless cycling. A man slowly glided his bike across Danforth Avenue, a major Toronto street, forcing a driver to have to slow down and then change lanes in order to avoid the cyclist. I’m not sure what was going through this man’s mind as he slowly made his way across Danforth, but I can make a better guess at what was going through the driver’s mind...
I remember reading a letter to the editor by someone who thought cyclists should be licensed and tested just as motorists are. This seems like a sensible idea to me. A report by Ontario’s coroner that was released in June 2012 found that of the 129 cycling deaths that occurred between 2006 and 2010, 44 were blamed on the actions of the cyclists involved.(1) I think it is time to bring some seriousness to the way cycling on city streets is approached.
Although I have noticed an improvement in cycling behaviour over the past several years, there still exists a Wild West mentality to cycling in Toronto. Some cyclists take the rules of the road seriously, but many still don’t. I don’t think obeying traffic rules should be optional. In fact I would be happy to see police handing out tickets to cyclists, an event I have yet to witness. Police do occasionally launch ticketing blitzes directed at cyclists, but I would rather see them enforcing the rules every day.(2)
Testing and licensing cyclists would ensure that all cyclists are aware of the traffic rules, and would hopefully reduce the number of deaths and injuries.
1. http://www.nowtoronto.com/news/story.cfm?content=187427
2. http://www.cp24.com/news/police-dish-out-tickets-in-bicycle-safety-campaign-1.949200
I remember reading a letter to the editor by someone who thought cyclists should be licensed and tested just as motorists are. This seems like a sensible idea to me. A report by Ontario’s coroner that was released in June 2012 found that of the 129 cycling deaths that occurred between 2006 and 2010, 44 were blamed on the actions of the cyclists involved.(1) I think it is time to bring some seriousness to the way cycling on city streets is approached.
Although I have noticed an improvement in cycling behaviour over the past several years, there still exists a Wild West mentality to cycling in Toronto. Some cyclists take the rules of the road seriously, but many still don’t. I don’t think obeying traffic rules should be optional. In fact I would be happy to see police handing out tickets to cyclists, an event I have yet to witness. Police do occasionally launch ticketing blitzes directed at cyclists, but I would rather see them enforcing the rules every day.(2)
Testing and licensing cyclists would ensure that all cyclists are aware of the traffic rules, and would hopefully reduce the number of deaths and injuries.
1. http://www.nowtoronto.com/news/story.cfm?content=187427
2. http://www.cp24.com/news/police-dish-out-tickets-in-bicycle-safety-campaign-1.949200
Thursday, December 27, 2012
Perilous Pedals
I am for the most part happy with my current bike. The only complaint I have is that it is too heavy. While that is not a major issue; occasionally, when I am lugging my bike up a staircase, I find myself wishing it were lighter. I guess the upside is that it is good exercise when I have to carry my bike.
A component of my bike I did change not too long after getting it, however, was its pedals. The reason I changed them was that they were far too slippery. My feet would sometimes slip right off the pedals’ smooth plastic surfaces, particularly when I was starting to pedal. And this problem was made worse when it was wet out.
For the most part, having a foot slip off a pedal is just an annoyance; it’s a bit of a surprise when you attempt to move forward when a light turns green but instead have your foot come off the pedal and smack to the road. But slippery pedals can be dangerous, too. Think of all the scenarios where failing to move your bike suddenly could be a problem.
Another issue I had with these pedals was that I would sometimes have a foot slip off while I was going up a steep hill. While this too can be dangerous, the main problem is that it is a drag to have to start biking again midhill from a complete stop.
So, I was lucky to have a friend who had a spare pair of pedals, which he offered to give to me to replace my original set. I much prefer these pedals. They are metal and toothed and so grip the soles of my shoes well. It’s possible to slip off these pedals, too, but it happens only very rarely. This is the type of pedal I recommend.
Thursday, November 29, 2012
Take the Safer Route
Should cyclists bike wherever they like? Surely not on highways in and around the city. I think we all can agree on that. Well, maybe not all … I was amazed to see someone biking on the Don Valley Parkway the other day. Clearly not a bright idea. But beyond making the obvious decision to not bike on the DVP, where else shouldn’t we bike?
I regularly ride along Danforth Avenue (a busy road in Toronto) to get downtown. Some may balk at taking this route, but although there are no bike lanes, and the road is usually busy, I don’t feel particularly unsafe on this street. It is reasonably wide, and there is usually adequate room for bikes. For the most part, I can keep far enough from parked cars to avoid the perils of the opening door. Cyclists regularly use this road, and there are usually at least a few others on it, even in winter. So, provided you ride defensively and sanely, a busy road like the Danforth is usually a safe bet.
The danger to cyclists increases when they get on stretches of road where bikes are a rare sight. For example, I sometimes take O’Connor Drive when I am making my way to the DVP in my car (going west from Woodbine Avenue to Don Mills Road), and cyclists are almost never on this section of road. Because drivers aren’t used to seeing cyclists there, they likely won’t be watching for them. I actually think cyclists are risking their lives biking there. Also, the lanes on O’Connor are narrower than those on the Danforth, which also increases the chances of a cyclist being hit. Plains Road, a side street, parallels O’Connor just to the south, and I can’t imagine why any cyclist would favour O’Connor over it.
Another issue to consider is the time of day and the resultant likely mindset of drivers. The stretch of O’Connor I mentioned is heavily used by drivers who are on their way to and from work. So, in the mornings and late afternoons, it is packed with cranky, sleepy drivers battling heavy traffic. They may be impatient with cyclists and less inclined to share the road with them. Especially, by the way, with yahoo cyclists who flout the rules of the road and cycle dangerously.
Just because cyclists are legally allowed to be on a given road doesn’t mean they are wise to be there.
I regularly ride along Danforth Avenue (a busy road in Toronto) to get downtown. Some may balk at taking this route, but although there are no bike lanes, and the road is usually busy, I don’t feel particularly unsafe on this street. It is reasonably wide, and there is usually adequate room for bikes. For the most part, I can keep far enough from parked cars to avoid the perils of the opening door. Cyclists regularly use this road, and there are usually at least a few others on it, even in winter. So, provided you ride defensively and sanely, a busy road like the Danforth is usually a safe bet.
The danger to cyclists increases when they get on stretches of road where bikes are a rare sight. For example, I sometimes take O’Connor Drive when I am making my way to the DVP in my car (going west from Woodbine Avenue to Don Mills Road), and cyclists are almost never on this section of road. Because drivers aren’t used to seeing cyclists there, they likely won’t be watching for them. I actually think cyclists are risking their lives biking there. Also, the lanes on O’Connor are narrower than those on the Danforth, which also increases the chances of a cyclist being hit. Plains Road, a side street, parallels O’Connor just to the south, and I can’t imagine why any cyclist would favour O’Connor over it.
Another issue to consider is the time of day and the resultant likely mindset of drivers. The stretch of O’Connor I mentioned is heavily used by drivers who are on their way to and from work. So, in the mornings and late afternoons, it is packed with cranky, sleepy drivers battling heavy traffic. They may be impatient with cyclists and less inclined to share the road with them. Especially, by the way, with yahoo cyclists who flout the rules of the road and cycle dangerously.
Just because cyclists are legally allowed to be on a given road doesn’t mean they are wise to be there.
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Keeping Safe in Winter
People are often reluctant to cycle in the winter. The cold and snow can cause some to relegate their bikes to the garage until spring. My previous post had some tips on how to keep warm while cycling in the winter; in this post, I will deal with some safety considerations.
The greatest winter-related danger to cyclists is ice. Look out, especially, for days in which the temperature dips from above to below freezing. On such days, the roads can be blanketed in ice, and often this ice is of the hard-to-see variety known as "dark ice." Nothing will bring you crashing to the ground faster than trying to turn or stop on ice. My recommendation is to not cycle at all in these conditions. If you must travel when the roads are icy, choose another type of transportation. It is far too dangerous and difficult to cycle on icy roads.
You probably won't be off your bike for long, though. Traffic and road salt will quickly remove the bulk of any newly created ice. Usually you can cycle again after a day or so has gone by following a cold snap. But always be vigilant. Dark ice can exist at any time, even long after it was created. You have to be on the lookout for ice every day in the winter.
Snow, while a lesser danger than ice, is still a concern. Obviously, when the snow gets to a certain depth, cycling can be near to impossible. I remember once making the mistake of trying to cycle a nature trail in the spring. The weather had been mild for weeks and the roads were completely clear of snow and ice. I assumed that the nature trail, which wended through valleys, would likewise be clear. When I got to the trail, however, it turned out to be still under quite a lot of snow and slush. What was to have been a regular ride for me turned into an exercise in endurance as I slogged my way along. As tiring as the ride was, though, I actually enjoyed the challenge of cycling through the snow and slush; staying upright and moving forward took a lot of concentration and was mentally engaging. However, riding through deep snow on a trail is one thing and riding through deep snow on roads is quite another; you just won't be quick or agile enough to safely share the roads with cars in those conditions. Again, some days you really should leave your bike in the garage.
It is reasonable, however, to cycle on hard-packed snow. During a snowy winter (which we haven't had for a while in Toronto...) you may sometimes find yourself having to negotiate stretches of hard-packed snow while cycling on side streets or when going through parks. While cycling on this kind of snow is certainly not as dangerous as cycling on ice, it is still easy enough to have a wipeout. Before you cycle on streets with hard-packed snow for the first time, try going to a park to practise. This is an important skill to develop, and with practice you will quickly develop your "snow legs." As long as you keep your bike moving at a steady pace and don't try to turn too quickly, you should be able to stay upright. The trick is to not go too fast.
A piece of equipment advice: opt for wide, knobbly tires in the winter. These are a big advantage when you are on snow or ice. Thin, racing-type tires are not a good idea in the winter.
The greatest winter-related danger to cyclists is ice. Look out, especially, for days in which the temperature dips from above to below freezing. On such days, the roads can be blanketed in ice, and often this ice is of the hard-to-see variety known as "dark ice." Nothing will bring you crashing to the ground faster than trying to turn or stop on ice. My recommendation is to not cycle at all in these conditions. If you must travel when the roads are icy, choose another type of transportation. It is far too dangerous and difficult to cycle on icy roads.
You probably won't be off your bike for long, though. Traffic and road salt will quickly remove the bulk of any newly created ice. Usually you can cycle again after a day or so has gone by following a cold snap. But always be vigilant. Dark ice can exist at any time, even long after it was created. You have to be on the lookout for ice every day in the winter.
Snow, while a lesser danger than ice, is still a concern. Obviously, when the snow gets to a certain depth, cycling can be near to impossible. I remember once making the mistake of trying to cycle a nature trail in the spring. The weather had been mild for weeks and the roads were completely clear of snow and ice. I assumed that the nature trail, which wended through valleys, would likewise be clear. When I got to the trail, however, it turned out to be still under quite a lot of snow and slush. What was to have been a regular ride for me turned into an exercise in endurance as I slogged my way along. As tiring as the ride was, though, I actually enjoyed the challenge of cycling through the snow and slush; staying upright and moving forward took a lot of concentration and was mentally engaging. However, riding through deep snow on a trail is one thing and riding through deep snow on roads is quite another; you just won't be quick or agile enough to safely share the roads with cars in those conditions. Again, some days you really should leave your bike in the garage.
It is reasonable, however, to cycle on hard-packed snow. During a snowy winter (which we haven't had for a while in Toronto...) you may sometimes find yourself having to negotiate stretches of hard-packed snow while cycling on side streets or when going through parks. While cycling on this kind of snow is certainly not as dangerous as cycling on ice, it is still easy enough to have a wipeout. Before you cycle on streets with hard-packed snow for the first time, try going to a park to practise. This is an important skill to develop, and with practice you will quickly develop your "snow legs." As long as you keep your bike moving at a steady pace and don't try to turn too quickly, you should be able to stay upright. The trick is to not go too fast.
A piece of equipment advice: opt for wide, knobbly tires in the winter. These are a big advantage when you are on snow or ice. Thin, racing-type tires are not a good idea in the winter.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)