There are lots of riding techniques and insider tips that most people learn bit by bit. We’ll save you some time and trouble. Don’t be shy about using a vacant parking lot or playground to practice your moves.
Braking Expertise
Get to know your brakes. Rear wheel brakes (usually the right-hand lever) are very different from front wheel brakes. The front brake has more stopping power than the rear, but also requires more skill to avoid stopping too abruptly. Spend some time in a vacant parking lot getting the feel of your brakes.
For emergency braking:
• Shift your weight toward the rear of the saddle and position your torso as low as possible.
• Apply even pressure to both brakes.
 Shoulder Check
Cyclists need to check traffic behind them when changing lanes or merging, just as drivers do when using a rearview mirror. Practice the shoulder check in a vacant parking lot until you can do it without swerving. If your neck isn’t comfortable turning that far to look over your shoulder, try pivoting at the waist and hips as well.
Mirrors can be helpful (either the helmet mount or handlebar mount variety), though they’re not a substitute for shoulder checking.
Shifting Gears
Use your gears to keep your cadence (the speed you turn the pedals) fairly consistent and easy. A cadence of about 75 to 95 pedal revolutions per minute is a good target for most cyclists.
Tip: Downshift to an easier gear when coming to a stop or climbing a hill.
 The Fast Start
Making a smooth and quick take-off is easy. Here’s how:
• Stand over the frame in front of the saddle. Hold the brake levers so the bike won’t roll.
• Lift your right foot and put it on the pedal. (If you’re “left-footed,” start with your left foot instead.) Turn the crank backwards until the pedal is at the two o’clock position.
• Let go of the brakes and push down on the pedal. The first pedal stroke starts the bike moving and lifts you up to the saddle.
• When the opposite pedal comes to the top position, put your foot on it for the second pedal stroke.
Cornering
Slow down before you turn. Applying the brakes during a turn can cause you to skid. For more stability while turning, keep the inside pedal up.
Road Hazards
Railroad tracks, wet leaves, metal utility covers, thermoplastic road markings and gravel are just a few things that cause problems for cyclists. When riding over any of these surfaces, especially when wet, avoid braking or turning. For any rough surface, shift some of the weight off of your seat and onto your hands (handlebars) and feet (pedals).
Watch Those Tracks!
Cross railroad tracks as close to a right angle as possible. Tracks are slippery, especially when wet, so don’t alter your course or speed as you cross. If you can’t get a good crossing angle or if the surface looks too rough, you can walk your bike across.
 Blind Spot
When approaching an intersection and using a bike lane, look behind you to check for oncoming vehicles, then signal and merge into the appropriate, regular traffic lane. This riding technique should be used in all intersection maneuvers, including when you are proceeding straight through the intersection. Cyclists should never ride to the right of vehicles when crossing an intersection. This will help you avoid a driver who may turn right across your path.
 Left Turn Diagram
When you approach a multi-lane intersection, think about where you would position yourself if you were driving a car. Never attempt a left turn from the right side of the lane you’re traveling in.
* Plan ahead.
* Look behind and to the left.
* Signal your intention to move left into the lane.
* Look behind and to the left again.
* Signal your intent to turn left.
When In Doubt, Slow Down
When biking, it’s easy to pull over to the side of the road and assess the situation. Slowing down also decreases your stopping/braking distance, giving you more time to react to the unexpected. |
