{"id":4966,"date":"2014-09-03T09:00:29","date_gmt":"2014-09-03T13:00:29","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/spacing.ca\/national\/?p=4966"},"modified":"2016-03-14T11:17:39","modified_gmt":"2016-03-14T15:17:39","slug":"adding-bike-transportation-tool-kit","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/spacing.ca\/national\/2014\/09\/03\/adding-bike-transportation-tool-kit\/","title":{"rendered":"Adding a bike to your urban mobility tool kit"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"cities<\/a><\/p>\n

Unlike some of the best-established cycling cities, North American transportation cycling culture is still growing and maturing \u2014 every year we have more eager, and often nervous, new riders with varying levels of skill in traffic. With a relatively young bike culture, limited bike-specific infrastructure (bike lanes, etc.), a gap in bike education, and a wider variety of riding conditions to adapt to, some cycling norms are still in development. Many new riders pick up cycling habits from watching others and through their own lived experience. Although honing skills through observation and experience is important, it\u2019s crucial to have a solid and well-informed foundational knowledge to start from.<\/p>\n

The physical act of riding a bicycle, the balance and muscle movements needed to propel the vehicle forward, does come back quite easily, if you learned to ride as a child. That said, the part where you ride that bike out into the often fast-paced and shared vehicular roadways of your city, is not quite so simple. Learning how to do so safely can help reduce chances of a collision or crash, can help build confidence, and make the experience more enjoyable.<\/p>\n

Choosing a Bike & Keeping It Safe<\/h3>\n

\"3\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Other than confidence and a good sense of how to behave as part of traffic, the only other thing you need to get started cycling is a bicycle. You can begin by borrowing a bike, or using a bike share program if your city has one, but most people will soon want a ride of their own.<\/p>\n

There are several basic bike styles, and many models to choose from, but the easiest place to start is by talking with friends who ride and shopping around online, then visiting the nearest bike shops to see, feel and try out what they\u2019ve got in stock. Doing early research means that you can be better prepared when you get there, and know what you want to try out. Even if your budget only allows you to pick up a bike from a large chain retailer, visiting independent bike shops can give you a better sense of the bike landscape, and an opportunity\u00a0to ask bikey questions. If you continue to ride regularly, chances are you\u2019ll eventually want to upgrade your wheels \u2014 independent bike shops are the place to do so. Bike shops can be fantastic community hubs and a great source of all kinds of bike related information.<\/p>\n

Before you actually take the plunge and pick up your ride, there are several things to consider: budget, distance of travel, terrain, speed, parking\/storage. If you understand your needs for each of those factors, a bike shop will have no trouble finding you a suitable ride, be it a road bike, upright city bike, mountain, hybrid, folding, cruiser, or electric assist bike.<\/p>\n

A well-fitted bicycle is important and there are several factors that affect bike fit: frame size; handlebar style, height and placement; seat style, height and position. Be sure to ask for help getting the best fit \u2013 city cycling shouldn\u2019t be a pain in the butt, back, or neck.<\/p>\n

Once you\u2019ve narrowed down the bikes you\u2019re interested in, take them for a longer test ride \u2014 even 10 minutes will give you a really good feel. Bike shops will always welcome you back for adjustments to your bike after you\u2019ve been riding it for a week or two.<\/p>\n

Love that new bike? Invest in a good lock (or two) and use it right. Always lock to something secure, indoors overnight if possible, and make sure to lock tightly through the bike frame and rear wheel. Add a metal cable that can also go through your front wheel for added security.<\/p>\n

\"Locked<\/a><\/p>\n

Basic Skills for City Cyclists<\/h3>\n

Before you hit the streets you should be able to:<\/p>\n