Summer is almost here, which means it is time to check your breaks, inflate your tires and lubricate your chain. You’ll be pulling out your bicycle helmet too, I’m sure, but what else can you do to keep yourself safe as the you ride this summer.
Well, here’s where you can find out!
Free Bicycle Safety Workshops at four Peninsula library branches and one community center. If you register before the workshop, you’ll be entered to win a $25 gift card from a local bike shop.
- East Palo Alto Library:
Thursday, April 22 at 6:30 p.m.
To register, call (650) 591-8286 x 237, or email victorino@smcl.org
- Belmont Library:
Sunday, April 25 at 3 p.m.
To register, call (650) 591-8286 x 237, or email victorino@smcl.org
- Colma Community Center:
Wednesday, April 28 at 6:30 p.m.
To register, call (650) 985-5690, or email brian.dossy@colma.ca.gov
- Brisbane Library:
Tuesday, May 4 at 7 p.m.
To register, call (650) 591-8286 x 237, or email victorino@smcl.org
- Millbrae Library:
Wednesday, May 5 at 7 p.m.
To register, call (650) 591-8286 x 237, or email victorino@smcl.org
The 90-minute workshop will include information on current traffic laws for bicyclists and drivers, Bike to Work Day 2010, bicycle maintenance, maps and safety booklets. Visit
“Safe Bicycling in San Mateo County” for a practical guide in biking to work, or combining public transit and biking to work.
For more information, email: gina@commute.org
In the meantime, here are some great bicycle safety times.
1. Get a rear light. If you’re riding at night, use a flashing red rear light. Bike shops have red rear blink lights for less than $15. If you already have one, make sure the batteries are working!
2. Wear a reflective vest or a safety triangle. High quality reflective gear that you can get at any bike shop makes youmore visible, even in the day time. When you hear a car/truck approaching, straighten up to make your reflective gear more noticeable.
3. Choose wide streets. Ride on streets whose outside lane is wide enough that it can fit both a car and your bike side by side. That way a car may speed past you and avoid hitting you, even if they didn’t see you!
4. Choose slow streets. The slower a car is going, the more time the driver has to see you.
5. Use back streets on weekends. Because some people still drink and drive, it’s safer to ride along neighborhood streets..
6. Get a mirror. Get a mirror and use it. If it looks like a car doesn’t see you, hop off your bike and onto the sidewalk. Mirrors cost $5-15.
7. Don’t hug the curb. Allow space between yourself and the curb so you have someplace to go to avoid getting hit. This also enables turning across or from your lane to better see you.