==
Bike-Walk Alliance of NH ==
How smart are you?
There is a lot
more to bicycling than knowing how to make the pedals go around! Avoiding crashes
by implementing tried-and-proven techniques both on the road and off can make
cycling safer, more efficient, and certainly more enjoyable. Even cyclists who
have been riding for years often display poor skills which endanger themselves
and could make all bicyclists look bad in the eyes of motorists. Proper lane
use and turns at intersections are two key areas which many "high mileage"
cyclists really need to address. No one "knows it all", but a little
training, common sense, and courtesy can go a long way toward better understanding
of our shared roadways between motorists and bicyclists. Knowing how to handle
your bike, both on- and off-road, is critical!
Concord
NH "Roll Together" video aired on cable TV
The Central NH Bicycling
Coalition in conjunction with the City of Concord and Officer Joe Wright created
a bike-safety video which was aired on local cable TV channels. BWA-NH supported
the development of the video and is referenced in the credits. It may be viewed
on-line by clicking this link: Concord
"Roll Together" bike-ed video.
Cycling through Roundabouts
Don't find yourself in the wrong position -- take the lane when necessary!
From NH-DOT: http://www.nh.gov/dot/org/projectdevelopment/highwaydesign/roundabouts/index.htm
From PA-DOT: ftp://ftp.dot.state.pa.us/public/Bureaus/design/Roundabouts/Shockwave%20Files/4501m001_july12th2004.swf
From NY-DOT: https://www.nysdot.gov/main/roundabouts/guide-users/bike
Here is a link to a whole list of on-line resources posted by the Guardian Insurance Company:
Good info: http://www.guardianinsurance.com.au/ArticleLibrary/The-Bicycle-Safety-Guide.aspx
Note: There is no connection to or endorsement of Guardian Insurance by BWA-NH.
How about some bike maintenance tips?
The following link offers multiple videos covering routine and emergency bicycle maintenance tips. These skills are good for both "roadies" and mountain bikers. Chances are you will learn something, even if you have been servicing your own bike for years. Enjoy!
Videos: http://www.monkeysee.com/play/807-bike-care-how-to-change-a-bike-tire-tube
Video by LAB Cycling Instructors promotes better vehicular bicycling
Here is a recent video created by two League of American Bicyclists Cycling Instructors in California and posted on YouTube. The LCIs depict proper riding techniques in city traffic, proper lane usage, signaling, and interacting with motorists by handling their bicycle as a vehicle - which it is!
Note that proper and confident bicycling requires education and practice. The situations covered in this video are not for children or those just learning to cycle in traffic. LAB's Certified Cycling Instructors offer courses such as "Traffic Skills 101", "Traffic Skills 201", and "Commuting" which help adult bicyclists become more skillful and confident when cycling on the road. "Kids-I" and "Kids-II" courses are usually conducted in the elementary schools. Watch this web site for courses as they are scheduled, email info@bwanh.org, call 603.898.9926, or visit the on-line calendar to see all registered LAB courses at http://www.bikeleague.org/programs/education/.
Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rU4nKKq02B
Now
some off-road cycling tips
Are you just getting started in off-road cycling, usually called mountain biking? If so, the following training videos may help!
Mountain biking is totally different than on-road cycling, and more is required than just a decent mountain bike. Handling skills including climbing, downhill braking, jumping obstacles, traction control, and even how to fall should be mastered to keep your off-road experiences as safe and enjoyable as possible. Here are a few training videos from the International Mountain Bicycling Association to help get you started. For more details and to join other mountain bikers in NH, visit the New England Mountain Bike Association web site.
Videos:
http://www.monkeysee.com/play/6405-how-to-ride-a-mountain-bike
For additional info about the bicycling education programs and materials offered by BWA-NH, GSW, and LAB, please contact:
Posted by
Dave Topham
BWA-NH Director
LAB M-LCI # 39
dave@bwanh.org