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In Cycling Tip of the Week, we'll be featuring a weekly tip aimed at making cycling safer and more fun for you. Feel free to send us your tips as well.
Cycling isn't Like Driving
Ask any avid cyclist and she will tell you that there is nothing as rewarding and fun as cycling for recreation or transportation. However, she will probably also tell you that it takes time to develop the bike handling skills and awareness of traffic to feel comfortable riding on busy roads. This shouldn't be a surprise: new drivers are more prone to accidents, and while cyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as motorists, having a driver's license doesn't automatically make one a good cyclist! As thousands of new, inexperienced cyclists dust off their bikes to avoid pain at the pump, it is essential that they learn how to ride safely.
Bike Buddies Can Make Cycling Safer
Some cities, such as Santa Cruz, California, actually offer bicycle traffic schools to cyclists that have received tickets. However, for the vast majority of new riders the only option for learning the rules of the road and gaining experience is to get out and ride. Unfortunately, that's often a daunting task for people: that's where Bike Buddies can help. The idea is very simple: a Bike Buddy is an accomplished cyclist who offers to ride with new cyclists several times a week until they feel comfortable riding on their own. This model is especially helpful for people hoping to commute to work, as the Bike Buddy can help identify the safest route as well as potentially dangerous spots along the way, such as intersections, potholes and narrow streets.
Find a Bike Buddy Program—Or Start One!
Go to your local bike shop and ask if they have a Bike Buddy program in place; if they don't, suggest that they implement one. Go to your local bicycle club and see if anyone is willing to do a couple of rides with you. Don't be shy—cycling is fun, but just as with driving, it can be dangerous if you don't know what you’re doing out there! If you are an experienced cyclist, start a Bike Buddy program in your community and offer your knowledge and skills to others.
In the end, it's a great way to bring more people to the sport, make the roads safer for motorists and cyclists, meet new people and have fun. There is a surprising number of people who are interested in cycling to work, but are too afraid to venture out onto the roads. With the help of a Bike Buddy, they can be riding their way to health, fun and savings on gas.
More on Cycling
Cyclists, Motorists and the Law
Mayor of London Announces the 'Summer of Cycling'
Should Cyclists Be Allowed to Blow Through Stop Signs?
Why Cycling is to Transportation What Efficiency is to Energy
Cycling Saves Australia $200 Million in Health Costs
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