One way people have been able to "level up" is by engaging in new hobbies. New hobbies that often result in the tools, friends, and gifts mentioned above. One of those hobbies or experiences is cycling - even now, bicycle shops struggle to keep merchandise on the shelves. And no wonder - biking is a great way to be outside, social distance, get exercise, and have fun. I am all for it - we have known for a long time people need to be more active and if the COVID-19 pandemic is helping people realize that, great! I personally love biking and have been doing it for about 10 years.
So...please keep that in mind as you read on. I decided to write a blog on this topic because I reasoned there had to be something more I could do besides bitch on the trail every time I go biking. What do I bitch about? I bitch about what I call the COVID bikers (not very nice, I know). COVID bikers are people who started biking because of the COVID-19 pandemic. And in the midst of my bitching, I try to have some grace because I truly know they are out trying to get through this like we all are and aren't intentionally trying to be annoying, at the least, and dangerous, at the worst.
That brings me to the PSA purpose of this blog. The following are things everyone who is biking on trails, sidewalks, or roads needs to know. Not just because I get annoyed but because it is truly life threatening to yourself and others to willfully or ignorantly disregard the following rules of bicycle etiquette. Please read and implement these if you are getting on a bike!
1) MOST IMPORTANT - do not get on a bike without a helmet. I don't care if you think it looks dorky, it's going to mess your hair up, or whatever other inadequate excuse you might come up with. This is non-negotiable and is lifesaving. If you have kids, get them helmets, even if they are "only" on balance bikes. They need to get used to it and know it's important. And if you're biking with your kids, wear one so they see it is important. They take their cues from you and if you don't wear one while telling them it's important for them...well, that's about as effective as the old "Do as I say, not as I do" hypocrisy. Wearing a helmet reduces the risk of traumatic brain injury and death in the event of an accident. It doesn't take a very high speed to suffer severe head trauma or death. Even riding a short distance - you don't know what someone else is going to do or what might happen. It's foolish to chance it. I'll say it again - helmets are non-negotiable.
2) When riding on a bike trail, it is critical to communicate with other people using the trail, whether they are riding, walking, running, rollerblading, or blowing bubbles. Since bikes don't have blinkers, cyclists rely on hand signals and verbal communication. Again, this is not only to protect others, it also protects you. It's great if you want to use the traffic hand signals we all learned in driver's ed back in the day - however, merely pointing with an outstretched arm to communicate a turn gets the job done. Let people know you are turning. If there are people behind you and you are going to slow down, get off the trail, or come to a stop, verbalize all of these actions by saying, "Slowing", "Biker off", or "Stopping". Letting others know what you are doing prevents things like another bike slamming into you because they didn't know you were stopping or running into you because they didn't realize you were taking that right.
3) In the same vein of communication, when you pass someone from behind, whether it's another biker or someone walking or running on the trail (just when you're passing anyone, regardless of what they are doing),
pass them on the left and verbally say, "On your left." Always pass on the left and always let someone know you are passing them. Again, letting someone know you're there and passing them prevents them from coming out in front of you and causing a collision. By the same token, when you are riding or walking on the trail, stay to the middle or the right and if you're not already to the right when someone let's you know they're on your left, move to the right.
pass them on the left and verbally say, "On your left." Always pass on the left and always let someone know you are passing them. Again, letting someone know you're there and passing them prevents them from coming out in front of you and causing a collision. By the same token, when you are riding or walking on the trail, stay to the middle or the right and if you're not already to the right when someone let's you know they're on your left, move to the right.
4) If you have to stop on the trail for anything (beer, more beer, or something else), get off the trail. Do not leave all or part of your bike on the trail...or anything for that matter, including yourself. Also, refer to number two above and hopefully you already communicated "Biker off" in your rush to get to the beer.
5) If you are riding with another person or a group, when you encounter someone coming or going either way, ride single file. The trails are not wide enough for three and the crowding creates an unnecessary risk if someone were to swerve even a tiny bit. I know you might think your story about that hottie is of utmost importance but it will wait until you pass people safely.
6) This is another non-negotiable. If you are going to ride at dusk or night, or if there is any chance that you will be riding at dusk or night (remember all those beers?) you need a headlight and a taillight for your bike. Again, this is for both others and yourself. The other night we were riding home and we had lights on...it was still extremely hard to see a group of eight cyclists coming toward us. It was pretty scary because it was around a curve, as well. If you don't have lights on, especially on the tree covered trails, you are not going to be seen. This could cause a collision a number of ways. Both headlights and taillights protect you from cars, also...most of us have to get off the trail at some point to get home. This is a common sense safety precaution and it's plain rude not to have lights.
These are the basics. Biking is a great sport and I've met and bonded with some great friends on bikes. We are glad you're out there. We hope you stay on your bikes even in life after COVID. We want you to do it safely and keep us safe while you're doing it. Then we can all continue to enjoy those beers. Cheers, enjoy the ride, and stay safe (I really want to say, stay sexy and don't get murdered!).
No comments:
Post a Comment