Bicycle

Transportation Programs

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Before You Ride

Helmets
What route should I take?
Where will I park my bike?
Equipment/Clothes
Friends
Bike maintenance and safety check
Know the rules of the road

Helmets- Always wear a helmet - it may save your life.

A good helmet (with ANSI or SNELL safety certificate) can be purchased for as little as $20-50. Make sure the helmet fits your head. Have a bike shop employee fit the helmet. The extra $10-20 on a lighter, more breathable helmet is worth the cost in comfort. It should consist of an outer polycarbonate or fiberglass shell, an energy-absorbing inner liner made of semi-rigid foam, comfort pads, and an adjustable strap. Replace your helmet if your helmet hits anything hard.

Helmets are required by California law for youth up to 18 years old, when bicycling, skateboarding and other sports with wheels. For more information visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration page “Easy Steps to Properly Fit a Bicycle Helmet.”

What route should I take?

Check the Santa Cruz County Bike Way Map (available free at most bike shops or through Bike to Work). Use a map to draw a potential route that avoids busy main streets and steep hills. Explore the area for alternate routes with bike paths, bike lanes, and quiet neighborhoods. These routes might not be the most direct but they are more enjoyable.

Where will I park my bike?

Does your employer offer bike lockers or indoor parking? If not, you could try storing your bike in a public bike locker. A good u-lock or a very thick chain link lock is essential especially if you bike is worth over $350. Make sure your lock fits into an enclosed part of your frame. If you lock just your wheels, the rest of your bike is prone to theft. Many employers want to help employees use alternatives to driving alone, so ask your employer if lockers or showers can be installed or provisions can be made for bicycles inside your building.

Equipment/Clothes

Essential items include:

  • well running bike that fits you properly
  • helmet
  • bright clothes
  • front and rear light
  • strong lock

A breathable windbreaker or rain jacket is essential for cool, foggy mornings and evenings. Sunglasses not only keep you from squinting but also protect your eyes from debris. Carrying baskets and saddlebags mounted on a rear rack are great for carrying briefcase/work supplies, lunch, a change of clothes, and grocery items. Increasing your bikes carrying capacity allows you to take weight off your body and let the bike do the carrying of heavy items. For larger items bike trailers can handle four to five full grocery bags.

Friends

Ask neighbors or co-workers if they ride their bikes to work. Friends who ride to work can give you tips on routes, safety, and parking. If they live near you, ask if you can ride with them for the first few days while you get used to your route and traffic patterns. You can also try the bike buddy program that matches new cyclists with experienced bicycle commuters.

Bike maintenance and safety check

Be sure your bike is tuned-up.

  • Brakes are in good working order
  • Wheels don't rub the frame or brake pads
  • Handlebars are tightened down.
  • Check the tire pressure - many cyclists ride with under inflated tires, which makes the ride slower, and potentially unsafe.

Know the rules of the road

You are recognized as a legal driver of a vehicle. Therefore, drive your bicycle as you would any vehicle. Obey traffic laws. The Department of Motor Vehicles can provide you with rules for cyclists.

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Program Contact

Piet Canin

Program Director, Transportation Group
Phone: 831-426-5925 x127
Fax: 831-423-1368
Email

 

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