Bike Safety Comic Strip
View more presentations from Community Bicycle Center
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Friday, July 15, 2011
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.
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.
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Cool Website
A website with a lot of common fixes...
http://www.jimlangley.net/wrench/keepitquiet.html
http://www.jimlangley.net/wrench/keepitquiet.html
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)
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 armStep 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)
Friday, May 20, 2011
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!
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!
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Friday, May 6, 2011
Not so cuddly and cute...
<-----This guy won’t think twice about bothering you while riding your bicycle as he's to worried about what’s for dinner and to busy chasing skunks, but should you run into a curious dog here are a few links that may help out...
1.http://www.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/whatsnew/article2.cfm?id=1033
2.http://www.kenkifer.com/bikepages/traffic/dogs.htm
3. http://www.suite101.com/content/cycling-and-animals-a27707
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