Tips

This month's tip (as seen on DCTV cable channel 23):

Sharing the Road with Motorists

Since bicycles are considered legal vehicles on Georgia roads (except limited access roads like I-20), bicyclists are responsible for obeying the same traffic laws as automobile drivers. So please keep the following in mind as you share with road with motorists:

Obey all traffic laws. Bicyclists are responsible for knowing and obeying all traffic laws, signs, signals, and pavement markings. Doing so and being courteous to other road users reinforces the fact that bicycles belong on the road. Realize that traffic signals are timed for motor vehicle speeds, so take this into consideration when approaching signaled intersections when the light turns yellow.

Ride with traffic. Always ride in the same direction as traffic. Riding against traffic is not only illegal, it is more dangerous in many regards.

Ride to the right. One rule of the road is that slower traffic stays to the right. When riding a bicycle slower than other traffic, stay as far to the right as practical. The following are legal reasons for moving further left into the lane:

	To avoid obstructions
	To pass another vehicle parked or moving in the same direction
	When turning left
	If the lane is too narrow to safely share with an automobile

Ride predictably. Again, following the rules of the road will help other road users know your intentions and create a safer environment. Try to maintain a straight line, and always signal before turning.

Give pedestrians right of way. Yield to pedestrians in crosswalks. Never ride on the sidewalk; they are for walking, and riding a bicycle on them can be dangerous for you as well as others on the sidewalk.

No more than two abreast. When riding with other bicyclists, ride no more than two side by side. When automobiles are passing, be courteous and ride single file allowing them to pass more easily.

July's Tip

Sharing the Road with Bicyclists

Our roads are made for transporting people and goods; they are not intended solely for motorized vehicles. Bicycles are legal vehicles on Georgia roads (except limited access roads like I-20), and their use for transportation is attractive since they are pollution free, provide good exercise, and put no measurable wear and tear on our roads. Please keep the following in mind as you share with road with bicyclists:

	Never blast your horn or yell at cyclists as you approach or pass them. The loud noise may startle the cyclist and cause a serious accident.
	Do not litter. Debris along the road can be hazardous for cyclists.
	Expect cyclists to ride as far to the right of the road as practical, but realize they must leave this position to

pass another vehicle going the same direction

prepare for a left hand turn

avoid obstacles

	Cyclists may "take the lane" if a road is too narrow to safely share with an automobile or around a sharp curve where passing them would be dangerous.
	When passing a cyclist, do so with care. If the road isn't clear for passing, be patient and wait until it is safe. Afterwards, check over your shoulder to make sure you have adequate distance before merging back in. Some cyclists often ride at 25 - 30 MPH and may be closer than you think.
	Never hurry to pass a cyclist only to then make a right hand turn. Instead, slow down and wait behind the cyclist just as you would an automobile.

April's Tip

Spring is an excellent time to make sure your bicycle is in good shape. A well tuned bicycle is not only safer, it rides smoother and is more enjoyable too. Follow these recommendations to make sure your bike is in its best condition.

	Ensure pedals, handlebar, seat, etc. are properly fastened (not too tight and not too loose)
	Check for loose cranks
	Inflate tires to proper pressure
	Examine for rust
	Check chain for excessive wear
	Make sure drivetrain is well lubricated
	Check wheels for trueness
	Check, clean, and lubricate all cables; replace if worn or rusted
	Clean brake pads; replace pads if excessively worn
	Adjust if shifting is irregular or brakes scrape
	Check frame alignment
	If needed, overhaul headset, bottom bracket, and/or hubs

Be sure to have a qualified bicycle mechanic check your bike if you are uncomfortable performing the tasks listed above. Here is a list of local bicycle shops.

March's tip:

Bicycles are legal vehicles on all Georgia roads except limited access roadways like I-20. As such, cyclists must obey all the same rules of the road as motorists including riding on the right hand side of the road (in the same direction as automobile traffic) and stopping at all red lights and stop signs. Riding responsibly and predictably while adhering to these rules provides cyclists the greatest degree of safety.

Other Tips

Health & Safety

Stay informed

Group ride preparation tips

Group ride etiquette

Did you know you can take your bike on MARTA?

The kind folks at MARTA have a very liberal bicycle policy. Atlantans have the privilege of taking their bikes on all MARTA rail cars during regular service hours (bicycles are NOT permitted on buses). When getting to the rail platform with your bicycle, you should use the elevators inside the stations. Once on the train, please be considerate of other passengers and keep your bicycle out of the pathways where others enter and exit the train.

Miscellaneous Cycling Links

Adventure Cycling	Interested in bicycle touring were you pile everything you need to survive onto your bike and go for a trip? For some this is just clothes, water, snacks, basic tools, and a credit card. Others take sleeping bags, tents, stoves, food, and even notebook computers.
Bicycling Life	Promotes cycling as a "normal" means of transportation for every day travel needs as well as recreation and healthy exercise.
BICYCLING Magazine	Information on road bikes and mountain bikes. Also has a "bike locator" where you fill out a questionnaire and it searches a database to find a bike for your needs.
Bicycle Ride Across Georgia	The official site for this annual event.
Paul Dorn's Bike Commuting Tips	Some really good advice on bicycle commuting. Reap the rewards of Paul's mistakes and avoid so much trial and error.
RIDES	Research and information on bicycle commuting. Has a calculator that will determine how much money you spend annually driving to work. Some parts are specific to the San Francisco Bay area.
Sheldon Brown's web site	Want a TON of good information on cycling? Here it is!