Prepare for Cycling
Wheel Life column - 6 March, 1999
by Todd Litman and Suzanne Kort - Victoria Transport Policy Institute

People are discovering the value of bicycling as a transport option to help handle the recent transit strike. Unfortunately, most of the official response has focused on car pooling and even hitchhiking, with little support for cycling. Here are some suggestions for people who are suddenly forced to cycle for transportation.

If you don't currently have a bicycle - well, what are you waiting for! Spend a few dollars. Get the best bicycle you can afford, you'll appreciate the quality. Plan to spend at least $300 for a new bike. Don't be tempted by cheap bikes sold by department stores, which tend to be inferior.

If finances are tight, look for a used bike. If possible, purchase from a bikeshop. If you buy from an individual, have the bicycle checked by a bikeshop to insure that it is mechanically sound.

If you already have a bike, be sure it is in good operating condition. Check tire pressure. Spin the wheels to see if they rub. Test the brakes and gear shifters. Check for loose nuts and bolts. Listen for squeaks. If anything looks amiss, have the bike checked by a mechanic.

Accessories are important. Be sure to get a lock. The better your bicycle, the better your lock. A rack is nice. Get panniers (saddle bags) or a couple bungee cords to hold stuff on. Fenders are helpful this time of year. A light is essential for transportation cycling in case you ride after dark or in heavy rain.

A rain jacket designed for cycling is nice. A lightweight Activa model costs just $20, or you can spend as much as $200 for top brands. You don't need special cycling clothes for short rides, but avoid wearing tight jeans or chunky-sole shoes.

You need a helmet to protect those valuable assets between your ears, and to avoid being ticketed by police. Many different styles are now available, and prices are low if you shop around.

Try to find routes on lower traffic side streets. Look for paths that may offer shortcuts. Give yourself plenty of time when you begin a new route, and don't feel bad if you have to get off your bicycle and walk. Yield to pedestrians and skaters when cycling on paths.

If you haven't been cycling in a while, the hills may seem excessively high and motorists can seem dangerous, but in a few days the hills will get lower and the traffic will seem less threatening.

Be sure that you know your rights and responsibilities as a cyclist. If in doubt, get the "Cycle Right" brochure produced by the Motor Vehicle Branch, available at government offices and many bikeshops. Cyclists should follow the same traffic rules as any vehicle, which includes observing traffic signs and lights, and staying to the right side of the traffic lane when going slower than other traffic. Be sure to follow traffic rules even when you are in a group of cyclists.

Do you have suitable bicycle parking? Could you use shower facilities at work? Have you found barriers, bottlenecks, or hazards to cycling along your route? This would be a good time to talk with your employer, school, or city officials about improving facilities for cyclists.

It's unfortunate that the the weather has been so nasty during this bus strike. You could let the rain give you a soggy impression of cycling, but once you get used to these conditions, you'll really enjoy it later in the year.