Every month our Safety and Legislation
directors provides helpful tips for riding safety, as well as the latest
scoop from Norristown and Harrisburg about legislation that affects
cyclists. This is an archive of past articles. All articles from 2001 and
2002 were written by Chris Beetham. Articles for 2003 were written by Adam
Stouts.
Now that the weather has turned cold, some of you may think the biking season is over. There is still time to get a few miles in for this year or get an early start on next. Here are some tips to make your winter riding safe and enjoyable.
Layering is the best way to go. Your base layer should be wicking to remove the moisture from your skin. Keeping dry will go a long way in keeping you warm. Even the best wicking materials can only handle so much; you should try to reduce the amount of sweat you generate in the first place. Start out being cold. If you are warm while pumping up your tires, you're wearing too much. The first few miles may be cold, but you'll quickly generate a lot of heat. Adjustable clothing helps regulate your temperature. As the day warms, slide arm warmers down, lower zippers, loosen drawstrings, and remove layers. It also helps to do this before a climb. At the top you should be relatively dry and can bundle up before the decent.
Lobster claw type gloves keep your hands very warm while allowing shifting. Neoprene booties provide insulation and wind protection. On warmer days, I find a little plastic wrap (thinner then bags) keeps my feet warm enough. Only cover your toes to provide a windbreak. Leave the rear of your foot uncovered, so the moisture can escape. A headband keeps your ears warm while allowing the heat to escape.
Remember to keep drinking. You may not feel the urge to drink, but you are loosing moisture through both your skin and breath. Breathe (or at least inhale) through your nose to warm and moisten the air.
If there still are leaves around, remember that they can remain wet and slippery underneath even when everything else is dry. Any wet looking patch should be avoided. Icy patches can remain, even when the temperature is well above freezing. Besides making for slippery conditions, snow can narrow the usable road. Watch for new potholes springing up on your favorite roads. Road salt should be cleaned off your bike to prevent corrosion.
If riding on the winter roads sounds intimidating, why not join Chris, Rich and others on mountain bikes?
You can also give your fingers a workout. During these colder months, you can surf the web for useful information on bicycling skills and safety.
A bike driver's manual called "Bicycling Street Smarts" can be found at http://www.bikexprt.com/streetsmarts/usa/index.htm. This book has detailed information on riding on the roads including lane positioning, emergency maneuvers and group riding.
This time of year there are some new roads hazards that appear and some old (un)favorites that are worth mentioning.
Small holes or slots in the direction of travel can cause problems. The slots prevent you from turning your tire to one side or the other, causing you to loose your balance. If the slot is deep or narrow enough to grab the tire, your bike might stop while you keep going. Besides cracks or holes in the road, slots can be from a storm grate or the space between two boards of a covered bridge. If you can’t avoid the slot, cross it perpendicularly through the narrowest part. If you get stuck in a slot, ride out of it through the far end. DON’T try to turn to get out of it.
Not all storm grates are created equal. Bike friendlier grates have many small opening that a tire can’t fit into. Unfortunately, many dangerous ones still exist. If there are some dangerous ones on your local routes, please try to work with officials to get them replaced.
Metal – Metal can be slippery, especially when wet. Sewer covers, metal bridges, metal plates over roadwork and railroad tracks all come to mind. Railroad tracks are a double whammy. The metal can be slippery and there are slots along the rails. Road paint also becomes slippery when wet.
Uneven pavement – Even pavement can be from a road that is only paved on one side during construction or when the middle has been paved more than the shoulder. Think of it as a one sided slot. You want to ride over it as perpendicular as possible. If you drop down onto a low shoulder, DON’T try to ride right along the edge and then turn to go back up. You must ride farther away from the edge, onto the shoulder, so you can then come back at a sharper angle. If this is not clear, please contact me and I’ll show you what I mean. By the way, this technique should be used for cars as well.
Leaves – Wet leaves can be very slippery. They can remain wet and slippery underneath even when everything else is dry. Leaves can also hide a pothole or broken glass.
As the weather gets colder, ice becomes a concern. Remember that there can still be ice on the roads on a “warm”, sunny day. You may feel warm in you black clothes, but thick ice in shady spots can remain. High humidity on a cold ground can create a thin, invisible layer of “black” ice.
Now’s the time when they start to salt, sand and cinder the roads. Like gravel, it can make a turn slippery or be difficult to ride though when piled deep. Road salt should be cleaned off your bike to prevent corrosion.
Despite the few additional hazards, I still enjoy road riding all through the year. If it doesn’t sound like your idea of a good time, maybe you should consider biking off road or taking a spinning class.
Reflecting on a recent ride on the Schuylkill River Trail (http://www.traillink.com/) into the city, I saw many people wearing helmets, but often they were not adjusted correctly. The most obvious mistake is having the forehead exposed. The front edge should only be about two finger widths above your eyes. When you look up, you should be able to see the edge of your helmet.
A proper fitting helmet will not only sit correctly on your head, but it will stay in that position under impact. If you can push your helmet around with your hand, imagine what can happen during a fall!
Not all heads are created equal. Some models or brands of helmets won't fit your head as well as others. The only way to know is to try them on.
Helmets have to be replaced at least every five (5) years. A helmet should be replaced sooner if it has been cooking in your car every Tue/Thurs before rides or sitting in the garage with gasoline and other harsh chemicals. A dropped helmet should be replaced immediately, even if there is no visible damage.
I highly recommend a helmet that has passed the tough Snell testing standards. The Snell Memorial Foundation is an independent helmet-testing agency. After they certify a helmet, they also randomly purchase and test helmets to ensure they continue to meet their standards. They have an excellent helmet fit guide on their web site at http://www.smf.org/helmfit.html.
Use hand signals at all times! They are not only to signal to other riders, but also motorist and pedestrians. At a minimum, the first and last person in a group should signal. If only the leader signals, some group members could be blocking the view of other members, another group or motorists.
Remember to stay on your side of the road. This is especially important where visibility is reduced such as corners and hills and on the back roads that are barely two cars wide. PA law PROHIBITS riding more than two abreast
(http://www.dot.state.pa.us/bike/web/bikelaws.htm).
During the weeknight rides, it’s important that we choose routes that get us back before sunset. Anticipate that you will have a mechanical or detour that adds another 5-10 minutes to your ride. If you do get back really early, there are many short loops you can do near HHHS.
Light still lingers after sunset, but it is not enough for motorists to see us. In the minutes before sunset, contrast becomes reduced (flat light) making it harder to see hazards and to be seen.
After sunset, PA law requires a white headlight and red rear reflector visible from 500 ft. and amber side reflectors. The headlight is not only so you can see, but to be seen. In addition, a red blinking taillight (blinky) helps you get noticed. A white blinky light can be used in addition to a headlight on the front. Mount your blinky where it is not hidden by your seat bag, frame or reflectors. You should also use your blinkies on overcast and rainy days. Overcast skies provide the same flat light as the time just before sunset.
The most common reaction to an emergency situation is to try to stop. Remember that
you can change not only speed, but also direction. If a car heading in the same direction makes a right turn in front of you, be prepared to turn with them. The same is true of a car heading in the opposite direction and making a left in front of you. You should take the time to practice your emergency bike handling skills. How fast can you turn if a car turns in front of you? How fast can you stop if you really have to? Find an empty parking lot or bike path with grass on the sides to practice on. Slowly work your way up to stopping faster and turning sharper.
Use extra caution when you are riding on unfamiliar roads. Some riders in your group may already know where all the potholes are, how sharp the turns are, how fast you can get going on the descents. Don’t ride beyond your own handling abilities!
Everyone should wear a helmet every time you get on your bike. Wearing a helmet reduces your risk of serious head injury by 85%. Proper helmet fit is critical! You should not be able to push the helmet front to back or side to side. Your forehead should be covered. If you are having trouble adjusting your helmet, please see me.
Here are some tips for sharing the road with motorists.
Riding on the road, you should be in the rightmost lane that is traveling in the direction you are heading. It is important that you don’t ride too far to the right. Motorists are not expecting cars that far to the right and therefore might not see you. Glass and other debris accumulate at the edge of the road. Storm sewer grates are most often there.
Be on the lookout for cars entering the road from a side street or driveway. Sit up to make yourself more visible, improve you view, and to make eye contact. Eye contact is a good indication that the motorist sees you, however still be ready in case they pull out in front of you. Some motorists don’t recognize that you have the right of way. Some also have trouble judging your speed. Look at the direction a car’s wheels are pointing to determine where a car is headed. If a car turns right in front of you, be prepared to turn with them.
Ride predictably to both motorist and other cyclists. Use hand signals, obey traffic signs and signals, ride in a straight line and don’t brake suddenly. If you must stop for a mechanical failure, signal your intention then pull off of the road.
When riding in large groups, on narrow roads or during climbs, leave a gap between every four (4) riders. The gap should be big enough that a car can safely pass each small grouping instead of having to pass the entire group at once. Drivers that are blocked by a large group can get frustrated or misjudge when it is safe to pass and may swerve back into the middle of a group. However, if you see an unsafe passing situation, take the lane so a motorist doesn’t try to pass.
The League of American Bicylists has tons of useful bicycling tips at http://www.bikeleague.org/educenter/factsheets.htm.
If you don’t have web access, I can provide you with printed materials covering the same subjects.
I hope you got to hear Joe Stafford of the Bicycle Access Council talk at last months meeting. They are a non-profit advocacy organization that serves as a forum for Pennsylvania bicyclists and as an ombudsman for bicycling issues. More information at
http://www.bicycleaccess-pa.org.
Now is the time to get out and ride. But before you do, here are some tips to make it safe and enjoyable.
Before you get on your bike, you should clean, lube, adjust and inspect it (or take it in to your local shop before the rush). Then take it for a ride to shake it and your legs out. Once you and your bike are operating smoothly, you can safely join in on the group rides.
Those old, familiar roads may not be so familiar anymore. The harsh winter has created potholes, knocked down tree limbs, and left sand and gravel piled everywhere. Be on the lookout for road and vehicular hazards and verbally call them out. Physically point them out if you can safely do so. Also call and signal slowing, stopping and turning. Remember that ultimately you are responsible for your own safety. You should look ahead of the rider in front of you to recognize hazards and anticipate their reactions. Don't follow someone through an intersection or pull out into traffic without looking for yourself.
Don't ride beyond your ability. If you are barely hanging on, you won't be scanning for all of the potential hazards. If you haven't been riding or spinning this winter, you may need to drop down a group or two until you regain your fitness. If you find you've bitten off more then you can chew, ask the ride leader for assistance in getting back to the start location.
It has been a long winter without motorist seeing many bicyclists. Ride in a predictable manor, signaling stops and turns. Take the lane if it unsafe for a car to pass, but give way when it is safe. PA law prohibits riding more then two abreast.
The days are still short in April. Plan your rides to return before sunset. PA law requires a white headlight, red rear reflector and amber side reflectors after sunset. In addition, a red blinking taillight (blinky) helps you get noticed. You should also use your blinky on overcast and rainy days. Mount your blinky where it is not hidden by your seat bag, frame or reflectors. Have a friend help you check that it is visible from the side and for at least 500 ft. from the rear.
During these colder months, you can use your fingers to improve your cycling. The web is full of useful information on bicycling skills and safety. PennDOT has a section dedicated to cycling
at http://www.dot.state.pa.us/bike/web/index.htm. There is information on bike fit, safety inspection, games, those lettered bike routes and PA laws.
PA law requires all children under 12 on bikes or in trailers to wear certified helmets. Everyone should wear a helmet every time you get on your bike. Wearing a helmet reduces your risk of serious head injury by 85%. Proper helmet fit is critical! You should not be able to push the helmet front to back or side to side. Your forehead should be covered. If you are having trouble adjusting your helmet, please see me. In general, more expensive helmets are easier to adjust and meet the varied requirements of multiple safety standards.
The PA Bike Driver's Manual can also be found on the PennDOT site. The PA manual is based on the book "Street Smarts". A new edition of this book is called "Bicycling Street Smarts". An online version of this book can be found at
http://www.bikexprt.com/streetsmarts/usa/index.htm.
This book has detailed information on riding on the roads including lane-positioning, emergency maneuvers and group riding.
Please read the President's message if you haven't already. A car turning left in front of a motorcycle is the most common car/motorcycle accident. There are several reasons for this, which I think apply to bicycles as well. Motorists get conditioned to look for cars and not cyclists or pedestrians. The width of a car makes it easier to judge its speed and distance. Motorists may erroneously think you are father away or traveling slower then you are. There are many things you can do to reduce your risk while sharing the roads.
Improve your visibility. Of course one way is to wear bright, reflective clothing. Riding is groups also makes us more visible, but remember that if you are a few bike lengths back, a motorist waiting to turn may assume that the entire group has past. Sit up high so more of your body can be seen. Look the motorist in the eye. Staring is a good way to get someone’s attention, but it is also allows you to see if they are looking at you or in the opposite direction.
Try to look into the window of parked cars. If you see a person inside, assume they will open the door on you. If you safely can, keep a car door distance between you and the parked cars. If someone opens a door, you are already out of the way without having to swerve.
Signal your intentions to others, both cyclist and non-cyclist. Use both hand and verbal signals. If you are at the front of a group, choose a path that takes those behind you a safe distance away from a hazard.
Whether you are riding a bicycle, motorcycle or driving a car, you can use the SIPDE (sip dee) process. Scan, Identify, Predict, Decide, and Execute.
Constantly Scan to the front and sides. Identify the cars, pedestrians, animals, holes, gravel, etc that are potential hazards. Predict what could happen in the next few seconds: the car turns in front of you, the car door opens, the dog runs out after you. Decide what you can do to avoid the hazard without creating a worse situation. Swerving into traffic to avoid a pothole would not be a good decision. Finally, execute your decision such as signaling a stop and then braking.
I hope through this column and by talking with you personally, to promote safe cycling in the coming year. Please contact me with any questions, comments, or concerns you may have.
Now that the weather has turned cold and snowy, some of you may think the biking season is over. There are still plenty of opportunities to get out there and ride. Here are some tips to make your winter riding safe and enjoyable.
Layering is the best way to go. Your base layer should be wicking to remove the moisture from your skin. Keeping dry will go a long way in keeping you warm. Even the best wicking materials can only handle so much; you should try to reduce the amount of sweat you generate in the first place. Start out being cold. If you are warm while pumping up your tires, you're wearing too much. The first few miles may be cold, but you'll quickly generate a lot of heat. Adjustable clothing helps regulate your temperature. As the day warms, slide arm warmers down, lower zippers, loosen drawstrings, and remove layers. It also helps to do this before a climb. At the top you should be relatively dry and can bundle up before the decent.
Lobster claw type gloves keep your hands very warm while allowing shifting. Neoprene booties provide insulation and wind protection. On warmer days, I find a little plastic wrap (thinner then bags) keeps my feet warm enough. Only cover your toes to provide a windbreak. Leave the rear of your foot uncovered, so the moisture can escape. A headband keeps your ears warm while allowing the heat to escape.
Remember to keep drinking. You may not feel the urge to drink, but you are loosing moisture through both your skin and breath. Breathe (or at least inhale) through your nose to warm and moisten the air.
If there still are leaves around, remember that they can remain wet and slippery underneath even when everything else is dry. Any wet looking patch should be avoided. Icy patches can remain, even when the temperature is well above freezing. Besides making for slippery conditions, snow can narrow the usable road. Watch for new potholes springing up on your favorite roads. Road salt should be cleaned off your bike to prevent corrosion.
This is my final article after a two-year stint as your safety and legislation person for the club. While it has been both fun and frustrating, I have certainly learned a great deal during this time. I hope that some of you have learned some things, too, and have become better informed about safe riding. As you know, there are many aspects of cycling that have been discussed in this column, and that will continue with my successor, Adam
Stauts. Adam will do a great job continuing in this role and I would expect all of you to pay attention to what he says and use him as a resource.
I will continue on the EC as Ride Coordinator, and am looking forward to this new challenge. I hope to see many of you step up to lead rides in the coming year, and also to lead by example when it comes to riding safely. As a club, we must get better at safely riding in groups and being courteous to other groups we encounter on the road. Remember that it’s everyone’s responsibility to ride safely and to educate others as needed. Please keep this in mind as we go into the new year.
Have a safe and happy Holiday season and watch out for those ice patches! See you on the trails and roads!
There are many hazards specific to riding this time of the year. Let’s review some of the hazards, some of which are obvious, and some not so obvious.
 | Leaves – Although many leaves have already fallen, there are still plenty left over for this month. While all leaves are dangerous, beware of those that are wet, or appear dry and may still be wet underneath. Also beware of leaves that have been pulverized and formed small piles, particularly at intersections. Avoidance when possible is the best course of action. |
| Fog and Ice – In our area, November can be a particularly foggy time. Be especially careful in the morning when fog is usually thickest. Fog presents a visibility hazard for both cyclists and motorists, but it also can make the road very slick even though it doesn’t appear wet. Another potential problem is fog that freezes on the road. Even though the air may not appear to be cold enough for a frost or freeze, it’s important to remember that the coldest air will settle along the ground. Also, be aware of condensation on your brakes and rims, which will increase your stopping distances. |
| Cold – Those of you that ride during this time of year already know how cold it can be, especially in the morning. While some November days eventually get warm, the mornings can be difficult, especially when you are not acclimated. Dress in layers as needed and be sure to concentrate on riding and being seen by motorists, not on how cold it is. |
You may be looking for other things to do besides riding that are related to riding. Here are a couple of things that were posted to the Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia e-mail list. Thanks to Sue McNamara Tancredi for forwarding the IMBA Trailbuilding School information and to John Boyle for the DVRPC's Competitive CMAQ Program information.
Trailbuilding Schools are hosted by an IMBA affiliated club, and include classroom and field instruction. Each school combines interactive learning, hands-on trailwork and top-notch instructors to develop skilled trailworkers and crew leaders. Topics covered include designing sustainable trails, controlling water flow, building effective trail structures, and routine trail maintenance.
IMBA Trailbuilding Schools have taught more than a thousand people - including the land managers that make decisions about bicycle access - how to build durable, fun-to-ride trails.
IMBA will host the following Trailbuilding School in our area this month: October 5-6, 2002, Wissahickon Valley Park, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Information: Delaware Valley Mountain Bike Patrol, http://www.dvmbp.org, 856-757-4939.
For more information about IMBA Trailbuilding Schools visit http://www.imba.com/tcc/trailschool.html
or email info@imba.com.
Over $12 million in federal funds ($9.6 million for PA and $3 million for NJ) is up for grabs for projects that can help the region reduce harmful emissions from transportation-related sources. CMAQ stands for Congestion Mitigation Air Quality.
Some eligible projects: Bike maps, bicycle safety programs such as a Safe Routes to Schools project, bike racks on buses and trains, bike parking. Projects such as bike lanes, bike boulevards and multi-use trails, bike stations are eligible and receive priority if they are ready for construction.
If there is a project in your municipality that you would like to see funded it might be a good idea to read up on CMAQ first (at the link below) then approach your town manager or councilman or county planning and urge them to apply for funding under CMAQ.
http://www.dvrpc.org/transportation/cmaq-2002.htm.
At our most recent EC meeting, there was an extensive discussion on general safety of groups during club rides in general, and weeknight rides in particular. It has been apparent to others and me that some of us are not riding as safely as we should. As I have mentioned in this column before, safety is everyone’s responsibility, particularly when riding in a group. So, as we get ready to ride during the weeknights in September, let’s keep these basic safety concepts in mind:
| “Share the Road” – You’ve seen the signs, but remember they are intended for you and me as well as the people driving vehicles. Give motorists enough room to pass you safely, and you’ll find that most motorists will give you a break (and space). Don’t give them room, and you’ll only irritate the people driving those 4000 pound (or larger) vehicles. The last thing we need are irritated motorists all over the place looking to make a point with cyclists. |
| Always signal your intentions. This is for motorists’ sake as well as others riding in your group. Use hand signals to show your intentions to motorists, and hand and voice signals to let others in your group know of turns, stops, vehicles, hazards, etc. Communication is the key to having a safe, enjoyable ride. |
| Get back early. If you can’t see or be seen very well, you are putting yourself and the others you ride with at risk. If you must return well after sunset, you need to have the proper lighting, just like a vehicle that drives at night. Remember, by the time you (hopefully) read this, sunset will be around 7:40 or earlier. |
We have now hit the middle of the summer, and the recent hot weather we experienced reminded me of two topics which need to be discussed – heat and air quality. Let’s start with the heat. Riding a bike takes a lot of energy, and while we as bicyclists are generally very fit, hot weather can have a big affect on any of us at any time. Everyone handles the heat differently, but it is important to recognize the various stages of heat stress that can occur to anyone – heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Heat cramps are a warning that your body is having difficulty with the hot conditions, and should be dealt with immediately by cooling yourself down and resting until the cramps have gone away. If they don’t go away, the activity should be discontinued and medical attention should be sought. Heat exhaustion is a more serious condition in which the person may experience heavy sweating, nausea, vomiting, blurred vision, dizziness, and possible fainting. If this occurs, you should get the person cooled immediately and seek medical attention. If the heat exhaustion goes unchecked, it may quickly become a case of heat stroke. Heat stroke is a potentially fatal condition where the body loses the ability to cool itself. Anyone in this condition should be brought to a hospital immediately.
Poor air quality can occur all year, but the worse conditions usually occur during the summer months. In our area, ground-level ozone is generally the cause of poor air quality. Ground-level ozone is formed by the combination of carbon monoxide (CO) in vehicle exhaust and other emission sources chemically reacting with sunlight. As with the heat, everyone handles poor air quality differently. However, if you have any respiratory condition, you will likely feel the effects more than others. When the air quality is poor, it’s important for all of us to watch out for ourselves and other cyclists in the group. Be especially careful when poor air quality coincides with hot weather, when even those among us that are most resistant are likely to feel some effects.
Why do we wear bicycle helmets? If you answer, “Because we have to wear them to ride with the club”, you are partially correct but are also missing the point for the most part. Helmets are (or should be) the number one priority when you get set to go for a ride. You should always wear one, it should fit correctly, and it should be checked for damage to the shell or straps EVERY time you get on your bike. According to the Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute
(www.helmets.org), one in eight injured cyclists has a brain injury, and 88 percent of cyclists’ brain injuries can be prevented by wearing a helmet.
Also, I would like to mention that it has been brought to my attention by a club member that there have been some people on club rides that are not wearing helmets. It is the responsibility of everyone that goes on club rides, not just the ride leaders, to remind those without helmets that they need to wear one if they want to go on a club ride. It’s up to the ride leaders to enforce this rule on their rides. Also, it’s not acceptable to use the heat as an excuse for not wearing a helmet. There are many helmets you can use that are lightweight and well ventilated. See the Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute website or ask me if you have questions about bike helmets.
At some point in early May I was talking to a member of the club about a ride they did on Thursday evening, May 2. I remember being very surprised that they had attempted to ride that evening, not because of the rain that was falling in parts of the area, but because of the threat and actual occurrence of thunderstorms. I did not ride that evening because of the thunderstorms in the area, and the same should have been true of everyone else. When it comes to thunderstorms and their associated lightning, all outdoor activities, including cycling, should be discontinued. You can be struck by lightning if it is not raining or if the thunderstorms are not directly overhead. The safe thing to do is to ride another day. It’s just not worth the risk. For good safety information and statistics about lightning, check out the website
www.lightningsafety.com.
There is some good news to report on bike trails in Montgomery County. On June 1, there will be grand opening celebration at the Lower Perkiomen Valley Park in Oaks to officially open the Schuylkill River Trail extension from Betzwood to Oaks, and the southern five miles of the Perkiomen Trail from Oaks to Collegeville. The northern section of the Perkiomen Trail opened in 2001 and the middle section of the trail should be completed in 2003. Please note that the Schuylkill River Trail is paved with asphalt the entire length, but the Perkiomen Trail is gravel-covered.
I would like to take the opportunity this month to clarify how Pennsylvania law affects us as bicyclists in general, and how we should be dealing with stop signs in particular. As stated in the Pennsylvania Bicycle Driver’s Manual, a bicycle “is considered a vehicle and, as such, is governed by a general set of rules (common to all vehicles) and a specific set of rules (designed for bicycles)”. The Manual provides a listing of the important sections within the Vehicle Code that apply to bicyclists. This is information that all bicyclists that ride within Pennsylvania should be familiar with. If you would like to get a copy of the Pennsylvania Bicycle Driver’s Manual or need clarification on one of the rules, please contact me or see me after the Tuesday/Thursday rides.
Those of you at April’s general meeting saw Ed Hein discuss effective cycling technique and how bicyclists should position themselves in different traffic situations. One particular traffic situation we all deal with on a regular basis is stop signs. So how do we deal with stop signs? The first thing to keep in mind is that you need to obey them, just as you would if you were in a motor vehicle. However, while both motor vehicles and bicycles need to stop, and then yield if necessary, there are many ways for bicyclists to approach and ultimately proceed through stop signs. There are many variables, such as road conditions, traffic density, visibility, and group size that will determine the best way to proceed. You must be prepared to come to a complete stop. In addition, it’s not a good idea to yell “clear” to trailing cyclists at intersections because that may encourage them to enter an unsafe situation without proceeding properly. John Forester provides a good discussion of stop signs in the book “Effective Cycling”. The important lesson to learn here is that we as cyclists need to obey traffic laws, especially considering that vehicles are much bigger and that cyclists always lose in the case of bike-vehicle collisions.
Well, it’s the time of year where we also get to ride during the week instead of just on the weekends. As we get prepared to do weeknight rides in April from Hatboro-Horsham High School and Bikeworks, keep in mind some of these safety-related issues:
| Your bike – If you haven’t been riding it lately, you need to take a few minutes to check it out to make sure that everything is working correctly. It’s a good idea to go on a short ride yourself to see that everything is okay. You can find and address any problems with your bike before going out with a group and getting an unpleasant surprise. |
| Group riding – Please remember to use proper riding etiquette. This includes calling out road hazards, vehicular hazards, turns, slowing and stopping. Also, ride with a group that is going at a pace appropriate for your ability. If you are unsure, ask the ride leader. |
| Traffic – With the rides beginning at 6:00 PM this month, the amount of vehicular traffic can be high, especially at the start of the ride. Keep this in mind and remember to allow room for fast traffic (vehicular and bicycle) to pass on your left. If possible, plan the beginning portion of the route on lesser-traveled roads, saving the busier roads for the return route when traffic has become lighter. |
| Lighting – We all love to ride as much as possible in the evenings, so many times we return in partial darkness. It is important to have, at a minimum, a flashing rear light to increase your visibility to vehicles and other cyclists. If riding when it is very dark, a front headlight is a must. |
It’s still early in the year and many of us have yet to spend a lot of time outside on long bike rides, but it’s not too soon to discuss sun protection. Protecting yourself from the sun is something that needs to be done year-round. You may think I’m a little bit crazy for discussing this topic now, but consider some of these facts from the American Sun Protection Association (ASPA):
| In 1930, an American’s lifetime risk of developing melanoma (the most common type of skin cancer) was 1 in 1500. Today, it is 1 in 75. |
| Sunscreen, when used correctly, is an effective means of skin protection. It is estimated that consistent use of sunscreen in childhood and adolescence could reduce skin cancer incidence by 78%. |
| Sunglasses can reduce the amount of UV radiation to the eye by 80%. |
Whether you ride or do anything else outside during any part of the year, the most important things you can do is to apply sunscreen to areas of exposed skin and wear a good pair of sunglasses. If you would like additional details or have questions about sun protection, contact me. Also, a great source of information is the ASPA website,
www.americansun.org.
Well, it’s the middle of winter, and it seems that there
are plenty of you getting out and riding on the weekends. That’s the good news. The
bad news is that, based on what I have heard recently from some club members,
some of us have a few bad group riding habits that need to be corrected.
Please be aware that you must obey the rules of the road, regardless if
you are riding alone, in a group or regardless of the time of year.
Also, remember to respect your fellow cyclists by using proper signaling
and saying “car back” or other appropriate warnings.
The responsibility to make sure that these rules are followed lies not
only with the ride leader or me, but also with everyone in the club that
participates in rides. If you are on a
ride and notice a problem, please discuss it in a friendly manner to the parties
involved. You will be doing the right
thing and giving those people valuable information that will allow them to ride
more safely on future rides. Thanks for
you rassistance, and as always, let me know if you have any questions.
This month I have also included a number of bicycle
safety-related internet links. Please
take a look at them to get valuable information that will improve your knowledge
and awareness of the various aspects of bicycle safety.
FHWA Pedestrian/Bicycle Safety page - http://safety.fhwa.dot.gov/programs/ped_bike.htm
National Bike Safety Network - http://www.cdc.gov/ncipc/bike
Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute - http://www.bhsi.org/
Bikecom.com safety and trails directory - http://www.bikecom.com/main.html
KidsHealth bike safety - http://kidshealth.org/kid/watch/out/bike_safety.html
10 Smart Routes to Bicycle Safety - http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/pubs/343.html
National Center for Bicycling and Walking - http://www.bikefed.org/
An interactive bicycling safety page - http://www.be-safe.org/css_com/bicycle/
League of American Bicyclists - http://www.bikeleague.org/
Bicycling Life - http://www.bicyclinglife.com/index.html
While winter weather has not seemed to arrive as I write this in mid-December, you can rest assured that it will be here soon. Hopefully, you will keep riding through the colder weather, but you will need to dress accordingly. Here are some things to keep in mind as you hit the roads and trails when colder weather does arrive.
| Wear the proper cycling gloves to keep your hands warm. Depending on the temperature and personal preference, there are several types of gloves available for both road and off-road riding. |
| Wear a windbreaker that keeps the cold air on the outside and the warmth inside, but also is breathable. You’ll feel a lot better, especially on an open road ride. To ride without as much wind, try some off-road riding in the woods where the trees break up the wind. |
| Use bike shoe covers and the proper socks for your feet. Beware of using multiple pairs of socks or socks that are too bulky, as these may restrict blood circulation to your feet and make things worse. |
| Cover your ears and/or head under your helmet. A helmet cover to keep the wind from going through the vents is also helpful. About 20% of heat loss from the body is through the head, so conserving this heat helps keep everything else warm. |
If you’re new to riding in the cold, remember to experiment to see what works best for you in different conditions. You’ll find that being properly dressed for the cold will allow you to enjoy riding year-round and give you a head start on conditioning when the weather warms up.
I would like to end the year by summarizing the safety and legislation-related events and happenings over the past year, and some plans for 2002.
In April, the club held a bicycle safety rodeo for kids. We have held the rodeo for many years, but this year the rodeo was held at Peace Valley Park for the first time. Thanks to the volunteers and the folks at Bucks County Parks, the event was a success. We are looking forward to next years’ rodeo, and hope for even greater participation of kids and volunteers.
The club held two adopt-a-highway cleanups, in May and October. We had great participation at the May cleanup, but we could have used more help in October! I realize it’s not very glamorous work, but the more people we get the faster we get done (and get to eat!). I hope to see more of you out there helping in 2002.
The past year has seen a great amount of activity on the trail and touring route fronts. Montgomery County recently opened a section of the Perkiomen Trail, has completed a portion of the Plymouth Trail near Chemical and Alan Wood Roads in Plymouth Township, and is in the process of extending the Schuylkill River Trail west of Valley Forge to Mont Clare. The east-west touring route across southern Pennsylvania, Route S, was recently completed. Stay tuned for further details about how the club will be involved with Route S in the future.
Have a safe and happy Holiday season and watch out for those ice patches!
I’d like to continue the conversation about road hazards this month with some good information sent to the SCU e-mail list from fellow member Erick Allen. For those of you that are not signed up for e-mail list, the following are excerpts of Erick’s post to the e-mail list concerning gravel and debris on the road. Thanks Erick!
“First, maintain speed through gravel -- do not accelerate or brake. In other words, ride through it. Both acceleration and braking cause loss of traction on a loose surface (similar to driving a car in snow).”
“…Braking always causes loss of traction. Going through a curve causes loss of traction (because there is a smaller "contact patch" while turning -- less tire grabbing the road).
Therefore, braking through a curve is about the worst thing you can do! It gets even worse if there is gravel in the curve.”
“The best way to attack a curve is to slow down before the curve and then accelerate through it. Acceleration transfers power to the tires, which helps compensate for the loss of traction. You should exit a curve faster than you enter it. That's the ideal and if you've never done it, try it. It makes a big difference. (Most folks I see on bicycles coast through curves and exit slower than they entered.)”
I have one trail note to add. The northern 5-mile section of the proposed 20-mile Perkiomen Trail, from Crusher Road at Route 29 to Spring Mount, was opened in early October. By 2003 this trail will extend from the Schuylkill River Trail at the southern end to Green Lane Park at the northern end.
This month marks the first full month of autumn, and there are several hazards that are specific to riding this time of the year. Let’s review some of the hazards, some of which are obvious, and some not so obvious.
| Leaves – Here is an obvious hazard that you will see on the road in October. While all leaves are dangerous, beware of those that are wet, or appear dry and may still be wet underneath. Avoidance when possible is the best course of action. |
| Fog – In our area, October is one of the months with the greatest number of foggy days. Be especially careful in the morning when fog is usually thickest. Fog presents a visibility hazard for both cyclists and motorists, but it also can make the road very slick even though it doesn’t appear wet. Also, be aware of condensation on your brakes and rims, which will increase stopping distances. |
| Colder weather – Those of you that rode in the Covered Bridges ride last year will remember how cold it was, especially in the morning. While most October days eventually get warm, the mornings can be difficult, especially when you are not acclimated. Dress in layers as needed and be sure to concentrate on riding, not on how cold it is. |
With the amount of daylight available in the evenings dwindling rapidly and the kids returning to school, it’s a good time to review some of the things we cyclists should be concerned with when we ride.
| Watch out for busier roads, especially because of the additional vehicles on the road and around HHHS as people are finished with vacation and kids are back in school. |
| The weeknight rides from HHHS leave at 6:00 PM instead of 6:30 PM; therefore more vehicles are still on the road returning from work. Be sure to leave vehicles enough room to safely pass. |
| Keep the size of your group small, preferably 10 or less. While this is always a safe practice to follow, it’s especially a good idea with more cars on the road and less space for cyclists. |
| Don’t try to squeeze in more miles than the available light allows. It’s not worth the hazard of not being seen by vehicles. Leave a little time for potential flats or mechanical problems. |
| Wear light colored jerseys and keep a flashing rear light on you or your bike. Improving your visibility improves the likelihood that vehicles will see you if you get back later that you planned. |
Contact me if you have any questions about safe riding habits, and I’ll be happy to help. As always, ride safe!
This month I would like to provide you with an update on some of the improvements being made to both off-road trails and on-road facilities. Let’s start with some off-road information; the following trails have recently been built and/or extended (thanks to the folks at Bikemap.com who recently provided this information):
Schuylkill River Trail – This paved path currently ends at the Betzwood picnic area in Valley Forge National Historical Park, but it will be extended to Oaks by the end of the year. At this point it will meet up with the southern terminus of the Perkiomen Trail, a crushed limestone trail which should be complete to Collegeville by that time.
Horsham Power Line Trail – Sections of this trail between Dresher and Babylon Roads have been paved. Stay tuned for more updates later.
Plymouth Trail – This paved path currently is complete between the Home Depot on Alan Wood Road and the I-476 overpass on Chemical Road (near the Barnes & Noble). (remember that it’s not safe to read books while cycling.J)
Delaware Canal – The surface is now improved for 60 miles from Morrisville to Uhlerstown, with work planned to extend to gravel surface to Easton.
As for the on-road news, PENNDOT has recently updated its website with information about Bicycle PA Route S. There is a clickable map of the entire route available at
http://www.dot.state.pa.us. Just click on the link named “Bicycle PA – Route S”. However, there is no cue sheet posted at the site. That should happen once the route has been finalized.
Let me know if you have any questions about the exciting on and off-road improvements for cycling in our region. See you at the weeknight rides. As always, ride safe!
This month, let’s shift the discussion from hazards found on the road to those up above. More specifically, I would like to discuss the dangers caused from overexposure to the sun. Most of you are probably aware of the most acute, or short-term, effect of sun exposure: sunburn. However, there are many chronic (long-term) effects that are much more dangerous than getting sunburned. These include brown spots and uneven coloring on the skin, wrinkling and sagging of the skin, and possibly even cancer.
So what should you be doing to protect yourself? Use sunblock and reduce your time in the sun when possible (the sun is generally the most intense from 10 A.M. to 2 P.M.). You should use sunblock even on cloudy days; the most damaging part of the sun is ultraviolet radiation, which will penetrate through the clouds and damage your skin. Always use a sunblock with an SPF of at least 30 that lists zinc oxide, titanium dioxide or avobenzone (also called Parsol 1789) as an active ingredient. These ingredients help to protect you from a wider range of ultraviolet and infrared radiation.
Let me know if you have any questions about sunblock. Be safe!
This month, I would like to take the time to discuss road hazards. Unfortunately, road hazards are very much a part of our cycling experience. They come in many forms – holes, rocks, gravel, sand, grates, blobs of dried concrete, etc., and are especially prevalent after a snowy winter season where lots of salt and gravel were used to keep the roads clear. They tend to be located or build up in places that are very hazardous, such as the corners and shoulders of roads. But they can be anywhere, and that’s why we must be on the lookout for these hazards at all times. In fact, during the first week of May alone, we had two of our fellow SCU cyclists crash, directly as the result of road hazards.
While there is not much we can do to correct road hazards, there is a great way to avoid them – communication. It is everyone’s responsibility to call out road hazards that may affect others in your group. Of course it’s impossible to see or call out everything, but everyone should be making the effort to do his or her part. Also, if you know ahead of time that a particular stretch of road has hazards, communicate that information to those who are riding with you.
Building on the theme from last month of safety and the weeknight rides, particularly the Tuesday and Thursday rides Hatboro-Horsham High School, I would like to review a few issues that affect all of us riding in the evening.
First, it’s important to be very alert at all times, but especially when leaving at the start of the ride and returning at the end. The vehicular traffic in and around the school parking lots, and on nearby roads, has steadily increased over the past few years. Remember to keep a watchful eye out for you and the others in your group and call out hazards when you see them. Also, do not try to beat out vehicles when crossing the road. It’s dangerous and only serves to break up group trying to stay together.
Second, remember to take into consideration the amount of available light and pace of the ride when deciding on a distance. Allow some extra time to regroup after hills, or in case someone in the group has mechanical problems. Ride coordinator Terry Strobaugh has developed a table that shows the maximum miles and amount of riding time available in May based on the start time of 6:30 PM and sunset. Please see Terry or me at the rides with questions.
Now that it’s April and the regularly scheduled weeknight rides from Hatboro-Horsham High School are getting underway, there are a few safety-related issues to think about as we all begin to ride in the evenings. Let’s quickly review a couple of points.
Traffic – With the rides beginning at 6:00 PM during April, the amount of vehicular traffic can be high, especially at the start of the ride. Keep this in mind and remember to allow room for fast traffic (vehicular and bicycle) to pass on your left. If possible, plan the beginning portion of the route on lesser-traveled roads, saving the busier roads for the return route when traffic has become lighter.
Lighting – We all love to ride as much as possible in the evenings, so many times we return in partial darkness. It is important to have, at a minimum, a flashing rear light to increase your visibility to vehicles and other cyclists. If riding when it is very dark, a front headlight is a must.
In January, I was able to attend two meetings held at the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission (DVRPC). The first meeting, which kicked off the “Share the Road Campaign”, introduced the effort that will be made to improve understanding between motorists and bicyclists, reduce crash rates, and increase the number of people who cycle correctly and confidently. Ultimately, a media campaign will attempt to accomplish these efforts and get the message across to bicyclists and motorists. The second meeting, for the Southeastern Pennsylvania Bicycle Issues Taskforce, addressed the status of many on-road and off-road bicycling-related projects. An update on these projects was provided by representatives of Philadelphia and the surrounding four Pennsylvania counties (Bucks, Montgomery, Chester and Delaware). Please see me or e-mail any specific questions you have concerning the meetings or status of bicycling-related projects in our area.
On a related safety note, I will soon have available many copies of the Pennsylvania Bicycle Driver’s Manual. This PennDOT publication is a very helpful resource for learning about safe and effective cycling. See me after rides or send me an e-mail if you would like a copy. It is also available online at
http://www.dot.state.pa.us/penndot/bicycle.nsf/biketoc?readform.
When riding on the road this time of year, it is important to be aware of the additional hazards. While it is always important to ride safely and obey the rules of the road, here are some winter-specific hazards to keep in mind:
| Ice. This is especially a problem in the morning when the temperature is still at or below freezing. It's a good idea to assume that anything that looks wet is probably ice. |
| Salt, sand, gravel, and cinders. There is a lot of debris left over on the road from snow removal efforts. These items have a tendency to accumulate in the right-hand section of the travel lanes where cyclists ride. |
| Less space. Because of snow piles and the items mentioned above, there is a tendency for the usable road surface to narrow. Keep in mind that some motorists may not realize this, therefore not giving you adequate space to maneuver as needed. |
| Potholes. Of course, these will be a problem into the spring.
There's not too much to say about potholes, just avoid them. |
It has become painfully obvious over the past few weeks that winter weather has arrived. Hopefully, this has not stopped you from continuing to get out on your bike. When it comes to staying warm, here are some things to keep in mind as you hit the roads and trails in the cold weather.
| Wear the proper cycling gloves to keep your hands warm. Depending on the temperature and personal preference, there are several types of gloves available for both road and off-road riding. |
| Use bike shoe covers and the proper socks for your feet. Beware of using multiple pairs of socks or socks that are too bulky, as these may restrict blood circulation to your feet and make things worse. |
| Cover your ears and/or head under your helmet. A helmet cover to keep the wind from going through the vents is also helpful. About 20% of heat loss from the body is through the head, so conserving this heat helps keep everything else warm. |
If you’re new to riding in the cold, remember to experiment to see what works best for you in different conditions. You’ll find that being properly dressed for the cold will allow you to enjoy riding year-round and give you a head start on conditioning when the weather warms up.
The Holidays are coming up real soon, so consider some different safety items for that cyclist on your gift-giving list. Here are a few suggestions:
| Reflective ankle band |
| Reflective vest |
| Road Rash first aid kit |
| A mirror |
Each of these items are inexpensive and make for good stocking stuffers. A new helmet would be a great idea since most of us do not replace our helmets until they become damaged. However, most manufactures suggest replacing their helmets every five years.
November is here and the fall leaves are probably covering some parts of the roadways we are biking on. Remember wet leaves are extremely slippery. If you subscribe to Bicycling Magazine, be sure to check out the skills article in the November issue by Franco Ballerini. If not, you may be able to find the article on their website, at
www.bicycling.com. In addition to wet leaves, the article gives excellent tips on dealing with wet pavement, gravel and icy patches.
At our last meeting, Mark "Gadget" Traurig brought up some interesting points regarding bicycle brakes and some food for thought. He got me thinking about how we use our brakes. In most emergency situations, we follow are instincts and just squeeze hard. However, depending on the braking situation, you need to think about which brake will work best. In emergencies, you do not have time to think about "right rear" and "left front."
Now that the weeknight-riding season is over, please stop in at one of the Montgomery County Committee of the Delaware Valley Bicycle Coalition meetings. The meetings are on the third Monday of every month at REI in Conshohocken starting at 7:00pm. All are welcome to attend.
Excerpts from "D.W. RIDES AGAIN" part of the ARTHUR children's series by Marc Brown. (Scene: Arthur is giving D.W. bike riding lessons.)
"Pay attention," said Arthur. "This is important."
"Always ride to the right of the road," said Arthur, "and ride with traffic."
One of the benefits of being blessed with a three-year-old daughter is being able to read the latest children's books. I was pleasantly surprised that this book actually taught children some of the basic "rules of the road" and hand signals.
Unfortunately, many children are not taught the proper "rules of the road." On a daily basis we see children riding on the left side of the road rather than the right side. It is so commonplace that usually we don't even notice. Recently, I was reminded of just how dangerous riding on the wrong side of the road can be.
A young girl, riding on the left side of the road and coming off a left hand curve, was approaching my car. She did not see me because she was looking back to see if it was safe to make a right hand turn. While doing this, her bike had drifted to the middle of the road. She discovered there was a car approaching from behind. When she looked straight forward, there I was coming straight at her. What can she do now? She is trapped between two cars. Luckily, the driver approaching from the rear was able to brake in time to avoid her and she was able to accelerate into the turn safely.
Hopefully by the time you read this BicyclePa Route S will be completely signed. This route is southern east-west route from Pittsburgh to Washington's Crossing. Information, including que sheets and maps, will be available in the near future from PennDot's web site at
www.dot.state.pa.us under the Bicycle and Pedestrian Programs. The good news about this is that two of the roads on the route are roads we use for club rides (Stump Road and Lower State Road going into Doylestown.) All state roads on the BicyclePA routes have been given priority status for maintenance and possible upgrades.
The earlier sunsets really impede on the amount of time available on our weeknight rides. If you are leading a ride on one of our clubs weeknight rides, please be sure you plan to have your group back at the start location by sunset. Also, make every attempt to get back to the start location by sunset even if it means cutting your ride short of the planned distance. So, if someone has a flat (or other mechanical problem) or you have to wait for slower riders, adjust your route accordingly so you get back to the start location before sunset.
Pennsylvania Motor Vehicle Code requires that all cyclists riding their bikes after sunset use a front white light providing visibility of at least 500 feet. Ride leaders should not have rides out on the road after sunset unless every rider in the group has a bike properly equipped with lights. If you are planning on leading a ride after sunset, please be sure to list in the newsletter that lights are required.
The Tour de France always brings helmet use as a safety issue. Even with the unveiling of Giro's new Pneumo helmet, many riders removed the helmets during the first mountain stages. This makes me wonder why helmet manufacturers do not require the riders to wear their products during the race as part of a sponsorship deal.
The 11th Pro Bike/Pro Walk 2000 Conference will be at the Lowes Hotel in Philadelphia. The Conference is scheduled from September 5th through September 9th. The conference is a national gathering of professionals, advocates, public agency staff and decision makers that focus exclusively on pedestrian and bicycle issues. The Conference is held every two years at different sites. The focus of this year's conference will be "the bottom line: getting people walking and bicycling." For more information, visit the Bike Fed's website at www.bikefed.org.
The safety & courtesy guidelines below are from the information packages, which we have started sending out to all new club members. These should look familiar because the same guidelines were in the “February 200 safety & Legislation Article” of this newsletter. They are being reprinted here because it has come to our attention that some of our experienced riders are not following these guidelines, in particular the bolded guidelines.
Everyone participating in SCU rides is expected to adhere to the following safety and courtesy guidelines:
The last guideline is not included in the “New member information package” because it pertains to ride leaders, which tend to be experienced riders not new riders.) Note: According to Section 3505 paragraph (e) of the Pennsylvania Vehicle Code, cyclists are permitted to ride no more than to abreast. However, chapter seven of the “Pennsylvania Bicycle Driver’s Manual” states: “On a narrow road or with heavier traffic, be courteous! Pull into a single line well before cars reach you.”
Please note several years ago the policy of sending “New member information packages” was discontinued for reasons not known. If you just joined the club in the last few years and have not received this information, please ask Al Herman for a copy and he will gladly get one to you.
Updated 12/29/2004
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