Crashing Tips

Thanks for sending this video along Alicia.  Here are some great tips on group riding, avoiding crashes, and in case of emergency-- how to crash "gracefully".

Maine Recreation & Park Association Presentation

Programs Report 2013

TFK Program Report from Community Bicycle Center

Mountain Biking Links

1. Leave No Trace
2. Trail Etiquette Video
3.  Rules of the Trail

Notes: Please take a look at the above links for general rules when your out on the trail.

Afterschool Commute

For the last few weeks there have been a number of participants coming in to report that they have been told by a crossing guard that they should be riding their bicycles on the sidewalk rather than on the right side of the road. 

To help clarify things I have linked the MDOT Bicycling Laws below as well as the City of Biddeford ordinance regarding bicycles on the sidewalk.


http://www.maine.gov/mdot/bikeped/safety/laws.shtml
http://www.ecode360.com/15150064#15150064

Thoughts?

Bike-Car Accident Prevention

According to the League of American Cyclists wearing a helmet is not our first line of defense for safe cycling, education is! The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that 718 bicyclists were killed and 51,000 were injured in crashes with motor vehicle in 2009, but car-bike collisions account for only 17% of all bike crashes.

So let’s look at the other crash statistics to help you learn how to control your bike and not be an accident statistic:  50% involve falls, 17% are bike-bike, 8% bike-dog, and 8% other.  In this article we will look at the car-bike data with future articles educating us about safety and skill building to prevent the other types of crashes like dealing with dogs and avoiding falls.

The car-bike crashes where cyclists are to blame include riding on the wrong side of the road so remember to always cycle in the same direction that cars drive – the right side. Cyclist making left turns from the right side of a road causes crashes.  Position your bike just right of the center line with your left turn hand signal.  Other cyclists’ mistakes are failing to yield from a driveway, riding on the sidewalk, running a stop sign or signal, and swerving in front of a car.

Okay, car drivers also need some education about sharing the road with bicyclists.  The most common errors are motorists turning either left or right in front of a cyclist followed by running a stop sign or signal.  Motorists are known to inadvertently open car doors into the path of cyclists. Bike riders can ride defensively by cycling five feet left of parked cars. This position allows you to avoid car doors, avoid the swerve reflex, and more space so cars are less likely to pass the cyclist and the parked cars.

Other common accident causes are motorists not seeing bicyclist and errors in overtaking cyclists.  Cyclist should wear bright clothing avoiding dark clothing that make you difficult to see in low light conditions and blending into the Maine foliage. Front and rear bike lights are needed at night for both safety and legal reasons.  Cycling in a more leftward lane position aids in visibility, because it puts the cyclist more where other drivers are already looking for traffic.

For more information, read about the “Rules of the Road” by visiting bikeleague.org/roadrules.  Cyclists remember to follow the laws, ride predictably, be conspicuous, think ahead, and keep your cool.

Oldies but Goodies!

Looking through some older files and found a few documents that might spark some interest around the shop!

http://www.slideshare.net/cbcad2010/trailer-fabrication
http://www.slideshare.net/cbcad2010/tire-drop
http://www.slideshare.net/cbcad2010/blender-fabrication
http://www.slideshare.net/cbcad2010/bicycling-vocabulary-for-kids

All documents are also located in our links tabs!

Enjoy and feel free to send along ideas that you have!

All Feelings will Pass

The July/August 2011 article in The Atlantic by Lori Gottlieb posed the question:” Could it be that by protecting our kids from unhappiness as children, we’re depriving them of happiness as adults? Gottlieb describes a possible scenario of a child falling in a playground: “…if you don’t let her experience [toddler tripping] momentary confusion, give her a chance to figure out what just happened (Oh, I tripped), and then briefly let her grapple with the frustration of having fallen and perhaps even try to pick herself up, she has no idea what discomfort feels like and will have no framework for how to recover when she feels discomfort later in life. …If, on the other hand, the child trips on the rock, and the parents let her try to reorient for a second before going over to comfort her, the child learns: That was scary for a second, but I’m okay now. If something unpleasant happens, I can get through it.”

Gottleib and other researchers she sites believe kids need “exposure to discomfort, failure, and struggle” in order to learn how to experience and deal with painful feelings. We have an expression at the CBC, all feelings will pass. We believe in our role as mentors for young people that we help them learn how to deal with uncomfortable feelings like the frustration that can come with the struggle of fixing a bike when one’s level of bike repair skills don’t yet meet the challenge, the pain in your legs as you bike up a steep hill, and conflictual situations with other people. We believe children are learning valuable life skills through understanding their primary feelings underlying feelings like anger, frustration, and upset. In turn they learn how to problem solve and resolve conflicts on their own as new challenges arise as part of life.

Relationship Building

As you all know, the CBC puts a lot of time into relationship building and getting to know the kids that walk through our doors. Remember when you are volunteering that it isn't necessarily just about the bike that you are building, but the relationship. Here are a few ways that might help you when your working with one of our participants:

1. Ask how their day was
2. What are some of the things they are proud about
3. What do they like to do outside of the CBC
4. What are some of the things they are good at
5. What do they like to do with their friends
6. What are some of their "favorites"

There are certainly hundreds of more questions that would fit, but the meaning behind them is almost always the same-- building a relationship that is meaningful to both the participant and volunteer.

Caring adults are an important part of a young persons life! We all have someone that we look to when we are proud of something, need advice, or need some encouragement. As a CBC volunteer you are one of those people that our participants look to and you should all be proud of that.

Blog in Review

Hi all,
Just wanted to remind you of a few older posts made to the blog over the last two years. That's right, I believe we are nearing the blogs two year anniversary! Thanks Dillon!

Anyway please feel free to revisit some of these older posts:

Riding in that?
Colder Weather Riding
Common Misses
Crash Stats
Ways we learn
Rules of the Road

Most of the links in these posts should be up to date, but if not, here is a very important link to the BCM rules of the road page... BCM

Life Space Interview

As many of you know the Community Bicycle Center is more than just fixing bikes. Its about problem solving, building communication skills and positive relationships, teamwork, and having fun. One of the ways that we incorporate many of these skills is through Life Space Interviews. Every now and then children experience a personal conflict or conflict with other kids that result in physical or emotionally unsafe behaviors. Sometimes that need help learning the skill necessary to resolve their conflicts and need a little adult guidance. Refer to the document below Seven Steps to the Life Space Interview. Ignore the references to restraining children which was an intervention used during Andy's tenure in a residential child treatment center two decades ago. Components of the I E.S.C.A.P.E. model have been helpful in teaching individual kids and groups of children how to listen to each other, express their individual needs, and determine ways to heal friendships and minimize the intensity of future conflicts.

In the Explore phase of the Life Space Interview process we focus on having each child involved in a conflict describe his/her view of the events preceding and during the conflict. Each child shares as if describing what a video would capture. They tend to want to share what they perceive the intention of the other child. Have them describe what actually happened from their perspective not intentions and motivations of others. The other children are tasked with listening to each other without commenting or making faces. Having another point of view is okay. Each child will get their turn to relay his/her view of the events. The facilitator must insure that each child can communicate his/her view without being challenged and does concern him/herself with seeking the truth. Usually the facilitator will restate what each child has said to confirm that the story was heard accurately and sometime this will be asked to be done by another child.

During the Alternatives phase we will use a desirability/probability assessment (also below) to help the kids determine the likelihood of following through with alternative behaviors in the future. First have the kids brainstorm options (alternative) ideas to prevent future conflicts that seem to keep reappearing with the same themes and outcomes. Usually we precede the brainstorming with figuring out what each child wants out of the situation like becoming friends again or having fun. The desirability assessment pertains to how attractive a particular option is to the child. The probability assessment pertains to the likelihood of the child following through with a particular option. We have found that both the desirability and probability must be rated at eight or higher for action to be realized. Sometime we ask what will it take to move a rating up one point. This assessment has been the key to determine what will actually result in follow-through.

Life space interview

View more documents from Community Bicycle Center.

Desirability probability

View more documents from Community Bicycle Center.

Dehydration Signs and Symptoms

As we head into the shouldering summer seasons we wanted to remind everyone that although it may be getting cooler outside, the importance of drinking water and keeping yourself hydrated is still extremely high. Here are a few signs and symptoms to look out for in yourself and the people around you when your riding:

Mild to moderate dehydration will likely cause:

• Dry, sticky mouth
• Sleepiness or tiredness — children are likely to be less active than usual
• Thirst
• Decreased urine output — no wet diapers for three hours for infants and eight hours or more without urination for older children and teens
• Few or no tears when crying
• Dry skin
• Headache
• Constipation
• Dizziness or lightheadedness

Severe dehydration may result in:

• Extreme thirst
• Extreme fussiness or sleepiness in infants and children; irritability and confusion in adults
• Very dry mouth, skin and mucous membranes
• Lack of sweating
• Little or no urination — any urine that is produced will be dark yellow or amber
• Sunken eyes
• Shriveled and dry skin that lacks elasticity and doesn't "bounce back" when pinched into a fold
• In infants, sunken fontanels — the soft spots on the top of a baby's head
• Low blood pressure
• Rapid heartbeat
• Rapid breathing
• No tears when crying
• Fever
• In the most serious cases, delirium or unconsciousness

(http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/dehydration/DS00561/DSECTION=symptoms)

The easiest way to treat dehydration is to never let yourself get to that point. Be sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day--if your urine is clear chances are your keeping yourself hydrated.


Here are a few other websites where you can read up on more about the causes and treatment for dehydration.

http://www.medicinenet.com/dehydration/article.htm
http://www.symptomsofdehydration.com/
http://dehydration.net/2011/preventing-dehydration-in-young-athletes/ <----good information about young athletes

Summer Rides Lesson Session

Lesson #1: Riding in the Rain
Thankfully the CBC has been lucky enough in avoiding rain this riding season, but there was one occasion where we were luck was not on our side. Things to remember when riding in the rain:
1. Its still important to stay hydrated!!!
2. The white lines designating the bike lanes can be extremely slippery when wet.
3. Visibility can be reduced- a pair of bright sunglasses or even clear sunglasses will assist in keeping dirt and rain out of your eyes.
4. Braking time is increased so be sure to leave a little extra distance between you and the person in front of you.
5. Your bike (unless made of wood) is a conductor of electricity!!! If you see lightning pull off and find shelter. Always have a plan if there is a chance for rain.

Lesson #2: Shoelaces Tucked
Certainly a tough one to learn if you learn the hard way. Always be sure to tuck your shoe laces in! Do not just tuck them to the side as they will easily fall out and raise the risk of being thrown into the chainring. For a little extra precaution, tape your laces with a little athletic tape/duct tape/electrical tape. If unfortunately this does happen, stop pedaling and pull over to the side of the road to untangle your laces.

Lesson #3: Soft Sand=Slingshot
Keep your eye out for soft sand as this stuff acts as a catapult. Never try to turn out of or into a section of soft sand when riding as your wheels will come to a screeching halt and launch you into next week!

The most important thing to remember, and we cannot stress this enough, is when you are riding always take care of yourself first! If your are taking care of yourself, you are doing that much better at taking care of the group.

The Old Elastic Around the Break Pad Trick

Here is a little trick that we tried out and found to be a lot easier than using a piece of cardboard when toeing in the break pads...

You will need:
1. Break pad
2. Elastic
3. Allen or socket wrench

Step 1: Ensure that your current break pad is okay to use-- it is not to worn and it is the correct break pad for the particular bike that you are working with.

Step 2: Wrap the rear 1/4 of your break pad with an elastic (see image)

Step 3: Set break pad in designated break arm
Step 4: Press break pad against rim ensuring that the pad is aligned flush to the rim.
Step 5: Tighten break pad in place and remove elastic.

If the installation is done correctly your break pads will be properly toed in (see image)

A Special Thank You!

The last few weeks have been "crazy busy" at the CBC. We often find ourselves saying hello to each other as we are walking out the door at the end of the day due to the fact that there is just so much going on. It is crazy to think that we are almost halfway through 2011 and nearing the Trek Across Maine.

That said, recently we have had a large number of volunteers that have been putting in overtime at the CBC! From getting forms filed, data into the computers, working in the shop, filling in for staff, and training for the Trek-- all of your work is greatly appreciated.

To all of our volunteers we would like to extend our warmest thanks for all of the work that you do in creating a safe, fun, and meaningful experience for all of our participants! Your work is what helps keeps this place open!

Risk Management Policy Manual

Emergency action plan updated 2011

View more documents from Community Bicycle Center.

Cycling Laws of California

http://www.bikelink.com/law_safety.htm

Some of this stuff I would have never ever thought of...

Mentoring Best Practices Presentation

Mentoring best practices pp

View more presentations from cbcad2010.

Mentoring Articles and Resourses

Here is a link to a website with a few great articles focusing on mentoring practices and ways to connect with kids.

On the side panel scroll over "Publications" and click on "School Safety and Mentoring Guides".

Articles to take a look at:

1. Foundations for Successful Youth
2. Building Relationships: A Guide For New Mentors
3. Training New Mentors

The Balancing Act

Bear with me as this blog post will come full circle, or at least I hope for that to be the case, by the end.

As many of us know from experience actually showing up is half the battle. Whether it be showing up to work, the gym, the dreaded trainer collecting dust in the cellar during the summer months, cleaning up the kitchen, or picking up the leaves during the fall. Whatever it be, sometimes just getting up and out the door is the part we dread the most. We have all been there and have come up with excuses: "I can get it done tomorrow", "I'm not feeling well", "It's to cold", or "I'm just too tired today". Again, whatever it be, we/I have said it.

Now, is it okay? Of course, sometimes we just need a break from everything. We need to take time to relax. However, when making excuses becomes part of your daily routine its time to analyze a bit. Why are you making excuses? Do you really have zero time to get to the things you want/need to do? It is all about the balance (this is the part where I'll start bringing everything together).

Finding a balance in your daily routine is essential. Finding time to work, play, and relax is tough to do, but once you find a balance things seem to fall into place. All of a sudden, you are sleeping better and just plain feeling better about things. I got to thinking about "the balancing act" recently after feeling a bit worn down after a few long weeks. Nothing was wrong or bothering me, I was just tired. Finally, on Sunday, after a day full of football, cheese-it's, and rest, I feel "back to normal".

So, some of you may be thinking that this sounds more like Caleb's theory on front hubs (follow this link to see what I'm talking about: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IBQkg9J5szw), but as volunteers, finding a balance between everything going on in your life on top of volunteering at the CBC, can be challenging. Be sure to take some time and enjoy.

Until next time....