Riding Safety Tips

Purchasing a Bicycle
Before you buy a new bike, make sure you know what type of cycling you plan to do and how much money you wish to spend. There are different bikes for different activities. If you plan to ride off-road on rough terrain, you need a mountain bike. Buy a hybrid bicycle if the riding you wish to do will be on both paved and unpaved roads. If you are going to be commuting or enjoying long distance rides, a touring bicycle is the type to buy.

The price range of bikes is anywhere from $300 to $1500 and up. Test-ride bikes before you buy, find the one that suits your weight and is sturdy enough for your riding style. Check the bike for frame size; you should be able to comfortably straddle the frame, not the seat, when standing. The other important factor is to shop locally, as most bike shops include check-ups and a one year service warranty. It is easier and more convenient, when repairs are needed, if the shop is close to home. Bike shop experts will match your particular needs to an appropriate bike.

Helmet Safety and Legal Requirements
In British Columbia it is mandatory for all cyclists (operators and passengers) to wear a safety helmet. Statistics prove that wearing a helmet can help prevent head and brain injuries. When buying a helmet make sure it has been approved by the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), the Snell Memorial Foundation or the American Society of Testing and Materials (ASTM).

• Helmets come in a number of styles, prices and constructions. The outer shells come in different materials but the liner is made from a hard styrofoam that gives you needed protection. Your new helmet will come with foam pads that will make it possible to fit the helmet to the shape and size of your head. Chin straps should be adjusted to fit you and must never be loose. A well-fitted helmet should cover your forehead. When purchasing your helmet, read the enclosed brochure and ask the salesperson to show you how to adjust the straps.
  
• It is a good idea to replace your helmet every three to four years, after an accident, or when cracks appear. Check with your local dealer.
  
• In British Columbia, cyclists can be ticketed for not wearing helmets, for riding on the sidewalk, for not obeying traffic rules as per the Motor Vehicle Act and for not having both a headlight and tail light (in addition to reflectors) after dark. It is against the law to ride double. Cyclists who abide by the Motor Vehicle Act may be entitled to some compensation if they are in an accident where a vehicle was deemed by the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia to be at fault. A license is not required.

Preparation

• Before you do any biking, make sure your bike is properly adjusted. Both the seat and brakes should be adjusted to suit you. Learn to master your balance, braking and pedaling at slow speed. Practice both front and rear wheel lifts and tight circles. When it comes to cornering, look ahead to where you want to be out of the turn, lean the bike not your body. Relax your shoulders and bend your elbows and pedal smoothly. Set your own pace, and before long you will be able to ride to those out-of-the way places. Be safe and have fun!
  
• Before you head out, find out how physically and technically demanding the trail might be, and take into account your experience and fitness level. Local maps are available from bike shops in the region and staff members are always willing to help.

Proper Biking Conduct

• Many trails and paths have to be shared by hikers, horseback riders, cyclists as well as people out walking and jogging, so it is essential that you always practice good manners.
  
• Learn proper riding techniques. Don't cause trail damage. Always stay on the trails and never ride when it is wet or muddy.
  
• Before starting out, make sure your bike is in good condition and be prepared by having spare parts, adequate food, water, clothing and a small first aid kit.
  
• Yield to others, slow down or stop when approaching others on the trail.
  
• Be aware of others on the trail. Use a bell if possible.
  
• Always be courteous, as conflicts could lead to trail closures.
  
• Watch for wildlife and livestock and give them a wide berth.
  
• Bike with a buddy or guide. When heading out for the back country, inform someone about your route, destination and when you can be expected back.
  
• Always help protect the environment. Garbage in, garbage out!
  
• Learn the appropriate hand signals before heading out on the road. All signals are made using the left arm. Indicate you are stopping by bending your arm at the elbow and point your hand toward the ground; like an upside-down "L". To turn left, hold your arm straight out, pointing in the direction you are turning. To indicate right turn, bend your arm at the elbow and point your hand up making an "L" with your arm.
  
• When biking on a highway, a cyclist has the same rights and duties as the operator of a motor vehicle. Know the biking laws and be sure to obey them.
  
• When your bike is not in use, keep it securely locked and preferably in a well-lit and well-travelled area.

Commuter Cycling Tips 
Yes, you can bike to work! If more people biked to work, we would have cleaner air and quieter streets that require less maintenance. So, why not commute by bike?

• If you live too far from work, consider driving part of the way and riding the rest. This is especially useful if you work in a traffic-congested area. Reducing motor vehicle use helps the environment and becoming a bicycle commuter creates greater awareness of other cycle commuters when you drive. Or, you can ride the bus part way; bike racks have been installed on all low-rider BC Transit buses. Taking your bike along for the ride saves fuel and money. A monthly bus pass plus a bike can take you anywhere you want to go.
  
• Because of traffic in urban areas, cycling generally takes less time than driving for trips of three kilometres or less, and about the same time for five-kilometre trips. For longer trips, consider that you are saving time by combining your daily exercise with your commute. Also, don't forget your savings of time, money and the environmental benefit when you eliminate visits to the gas pump.
  
• If your commute is less than 10 kilometres round trip, the difference in commute time will be insignificant. But even if your commute is longer, 30 minutes of extra sleep won't be nearly as invigorating as an early morning ride. You will arrive at work alert and refreshed. Likewise, your evening ride home should leave you more relaxed since you won't face the aggravation of sitting in rush hour traffic, and you will not have to rush off for an evening work-out to unwind.
  
• If you leave yourself plenty of time and go at an easy pace, you will find cycling no more difficult than walking. As you ride more, you will ease your way into better shape, building fitness that will be a regular part of your schedule. If you have health problems, consult your family doctor for suggestions about getting started.
  
• You do not need a special or high-end bicycle to commute. Your old bicycle, gathering dust in the garage, will suffice if properly adjusted and maintained, and it will be less attractive to thieves. If you have a recreational bicycle, you can outfit it with a lightweight rack and bag or use a fanny pack to carry necessary commute items. With the fixed cost of operating an automobile at around 30 cents per kilometre, the money you save commuting by bicycle on an average 10 kilometres round trip would buy you an $800 bicycle within a year. (Not to mention the health benefits or the savings to the environment.)
  
• At work, there is probably a storage room or closet where your bike can be secured behind a locked door. Maybe you can even take it to your office; what a status symbol! Or check if parking is available in nearby buildings or garages. Otherwise, fasten it to an immovable object with a U-bolt lock, preferably where you can see it.
  
• Some bicycle commuters simply ride in their business attire; they seem to command more respect from motorists. Most, however, ride in casual or cycling clothes and change when they arrive at work. You can carry your change of clothes in a pack or in panniers on the bike, or even transport them back and forth on days when you don't ride.
  
• Depending on the weather, you may not need a shower if you ride at a leisurely pace. If you do, take a washcloth, soap, towel and deodorant and clean up at the restroom sink, or look for a public facility or health club within walking distance of your workplace where you can shower. Encourage your employer to install showers where you work.
  
• Start as a fair-weather bicycle commuter; when the forecast is bad, do not cycle bike. Some people may conquer the elements and commute every day, but it does not mean you have to. If you only ride when the weather report is favourable, it will still make a dramatic improvement. The more you enjoy bicycle commuting, the more you will look forward to your daily ride. You may eventually decide to invest in rainwear and cold weather gear so you can commute year-round!
  
• You can successfully share the road with cars by riding lawfully and assertively. The fear of riding in traffic is often much greater than the actual danger. Most bicycle accidents involve children and cyclists who do not obey the law. Minimize risk by riding properly; be visible, predictable and follow all traffic laws. In stop-and-go traffic, a fit cyclist can generally keep up with the traffic flow, so it is acceptable to maintain your place in the roadway. Hugging the curb invites danger, as cars try to squeeze past. To help prevent injury, always wear a helmet. You can also reduce the risk of riding in traffic by using less congested secondary roads. The Victoria Bicycle Map, available from the GVCC and from bike shops in Victoria can help you plan your route. You may travel a few extra kilometres, but you will be able to enjoy the ride: a worthwhile trade-off.
  
• If you must ride in the dark, wear light-coloured reflective clothing, have a good lighting system and, if possible, choose a route that avoids major thoroughfares. There are a variety of bike-mounted lights that can help you see and be seen. 
  
• Some jobs do require an automobile, but many transportation tasks can be handled equally well on a bike. Meet with your employer and ask if your company could benefit from a more environmentally-friendly image if you conducted your business by bike. (Consider that many traditional tasks adapt well to cycling, whether they are police work, metre reading or postal delivery.) If you absolutely cannot use a bike at work, then use your bike for personal errands at work and at home.