Western Wheelers Bicycle Club Safety Tips

December Safety Tip — Ride SMART

Fri, 01 Dec 2023 17:00:00 GMT

Let's be careful out there.
~ Sgt. Phil Esterhaus, Hill Street Blues

I’m concluding my series of Safety tips with the Ride SMART guidance from the Cascade Bicycle Club based in Seattle, Washington. Many of the safety tips I’ve covered in this series are included in these recommendations, bringing them together in one cohesive format.

Ride SMART

STAY ALERT

Momentary inattention is the number one cause of incidents.
Watch for vehicles, bicyclists, pedestrians and hazards (e.g. curbs, potholes, railroad tracks, glass, debris).
Do not wear earbuds or use phones while riding.

MAINTAIN SPACE

Move off the road or trail when stopped.
Leave enough room in front of you to avoid other riders, vehicles and hazards.
Ride at least four feet from parked cars, outside the door zone.

ACT SAFELY AND PREDICTABLY

Wear a properly fitted helmet.
Ride in a straight line.
Stay right, pass left.
See and be seen.
Be courteous and a good bike ambassador.

RESPECT THE RULES OF THE ROAD

Obey all traffic laws.
Use hand signals when turning or stopping -- if it is safe to do so. Show everyone around you what you are going to do before you do it.
Single file is safer. Bicyclists have the legal right to ride two abreast and to take the full lane when necessary to give adequate space to ride safely. In most cases, riding single file is safer.
Yield to pedestrians. They have the right of way.

THINK AHEAD AND TALK

Scan ahead and anticipate what others will do.
Tell others what you are going to do by saying: "Stopping", "Slowing", "Passing on your left". Announce "Broken" when the group becomes separated.
Call out hazards such as: "Glass", "Sand", "Post". Use your outside voice.
Do not yell "Clear" at intersections. Everyone should check for themselves.
Cross railroad tracks at a right angle whenever possible. Warn other riders and plan your approach to ensure safe crossing.

November Safety Tip — Where to Ride in Traffic

Wed, 01 Nov 2023 16:00:00 GMT

You can’t buy happiness, but you can
buy a bicycle and that’s pretty close.
~ Anonymous

Many cyclists believe they are safer and more comfortable riding as far to the right as possible. They fear being passed uncomfortably close by a motorist or they feel intimidated by impatient drivers. Riding too far to the right is very dangerous for several reasons: it puts the cyclist in the danger zone of poor sightlines and opening car doors; it invites motorists to attempt to pass too closely; and it takes away the cyclist's escape route to the right in the event of the unexpected. Take responsibility for your own safety and decide when to take the lane, even if other traffic must occasionally slowly follow you until there’s an opportunity to pass by crossing over to the next lane.

For a more thorough discussion of how to position your bike when riding in traffic, see Chapter 2 of Bicycling Street Smarts: Riding Confidently, Legally, and Safely, by John S. Allen.

October Safety Tip — Care when Descending

Sun, 01 Oct 2023 16:00:00 GMT

Don’t buy upgrades, ride up grades
~ Eddy Merckx

During your ride when descending, move back in the saddle to prepare for emergency stops. Many experts recommend getting "in the drops" where you have full braking leverage and a lower center of gravity. Take care when passing fellow cyclists, always passing to the left, and announcing yourself before you pass. But most of all, SLOW DOWN! This is not a race and our roads are not in perfect condition, especially in the winter months when rain, leaves, and other debris are frequently present. You will enjoy the ride more if you are relaxed and not pushing the limits of your bike, road conditions, or your own abilities.

I want to especially note descending Page Mill as requiring extra care. In the Western Wheeler crash data I maintain, this is the one location that has seen multiple crashes. Seven Wheelers have crashed descending Page Mill in the past 4.5 years. Two involved some interaction with cars, but the other five were solo bike incidents, likely related to speed and road conditions (the exact cause of the crashes was not always known). So please, use EXTRA CARE when descending Page Mill.

September Safety Tip - Crossing Train Tracks

Fri, 01 Sep 2023 16:00:00 GMT

Work to eat. Eat to live.
Live to bike. Bike to work.
~ Unknown

A while back a club member crashed while crossing train tracks at too narrow an angle. The tracks caught their wheel and they went down hard, sustaining serious injuries. This danger is dramatically demonstrated in this terrifying video showing over 50 cyclists crashing while crossing railroad tracks. Several of the cyclists look to be quite seriously hurt: https://youtu.be/YfeQvbIFBks.

Crossing a railroad track at a shallow angle runs the risk of your wheel catching on the metal rail or the gaps next to it. The danger is much greater when the tracks are wet or when breaking during the crossing. The simple key conclusion from the study associated with the video is that the crash rate is dramatically reduced when the crossing angle is greater than 30º and is eliminated at greater than 60º.

I know of a couple of risky skewed track crossings in our riding area. One is north bound on Winchester Blvd near 85 in Los Gatos; the other is where tracks cross Cox Ave. The key is to turn away from the tracks in advance, then veer back toward the tracks to cross them at a greater angle. Of course, if either turn puts you into the lane of traffic, you’ll need to make sure it is safe to do so.

If you know of other dangerous train track crossings, please comment on this safety tip on the web site.

August Safety Tip - Dangerous Behaviors on Group Rides

Tue, 01 Aug 2023 16:00:00 GMT

Riding bicycles will not only benefit the
individual doing it, but the world at large.
~ Udo E. Simonis

There’s a second dangerous behavior I’ve seen. Wheelers are typically quite good at calling “Car Back” when there is a car trying to pass a group of riders. But all too often, two or three people riding abreast fail to pull over into a single file formation to let the car pass. While there are times when taking over a lane is advisable, the default behavior should be to pause your conversation, pull to the right (of course, after checking there is room), and let the car pass.

These behaviors may both come from the same root cause. Don’t let riding in a large group lull you into feeling cyclists own the road and can violate traffic rules or safe cycling practices. “Share the Road” works both ways, so even in a large group follow the same safe riding behavior as you would when riding by yourself or with one other person.

July Safety Tip - See and be Seen

Sat, 01 Jul 2023 16:00:00 GMT

It doesn’t matter whether it’s raining or the sun is shining
or whatever: as long as I’m riding a bike,
I know I’m the luckiest guy in the world.
~ Mark Cavendish, British pro racer

As we move into the summer touring season with members visiting beautiful places to ride, it is more important than ever to be very conspicuous by wearing bright colors and using lights. Many drivers are often not looking for cyclists and are more interested in the scenery than watching the road. Wearing bright clothing increases your visibility so drivers can’t help but notice you from a distance or as soon as they round a curve. Bright colors or lights are especially effective on your ankles or feet as the up and down motion attracts further attention. Blinking lights, both rear and front, are sure ways to be very noticeable to drivers. Using a mirror lets you be much more aware of cars and bicycles approaching from the rear. The mirror can be attached to your helmet, to your sunglasses, or to your bike.

June Safety Tip - Yield to Pedestrians

Thu, 01 Jun 2023 16:00:00 GMT

Life is like a 10-speed bicycle.
Most of us have gears we never use.
~ Charles M. Schultz

This month’s safety tip expands upon last month’s tip to yield the right of way to motor vehicles when appropriate. Michael Khaw suggested also pointing out the need to yield to pedestrians. Pedestrians have the right of way over vehicles, INCLUDING BIKES, especially when the pedestrian is in a crosswalk. Too often cyclists see the relatively slow moving pedestrians and blow past them, antagonizing them and reinforcing the prejudices against cyclists. When you come to a crosswalk that a pedestrian has already started to cross or is about to cross, do as a car should do and stop to let them cross.

May Safety Tip - Yield the Right of Way

Mon, 01 May 2023 16:00:00 GMT

Riding a bicycle is the closest you can get to flying.
~ Robin Williams

I am writing this column to describe a dangerous behavior I have observed in other riders and have sometimes fallen into myself.

While there are problem drivers, overall we are blessed with many courteous drivers. Often at intersections, drivers will wave cyclists through, even if the driver got there first or has the right of way. Unfortunately, this can lead to cyclists feeling privileged, assuming all motor vehicles will stop to let them through. One can get so used to drivers waving cyclists through, that when they come to a 4-way stop sign intersection that already has a car at one of the perpendicular streets, they’ll assume the car will wait for them to proceed. This is wrong and can lead to disastrous consequences.

When you come to a 4-way stop that already has a vehicle waiting or a vehicle approaching the intersection before you, give them the opportunity to go first. If approaching at the same time, remember from your driver’s training that the vehicle on the right has the right of way. If the driver stops and waves you through, by all means go ahead, while giving a friendly wave or saying thank you to the driver. But always give the vehicle that has the right of way the opportunity to take advantage of it. Don’t assume that just because you can see that a driver notices you, you then have the right of way.

April Safety Tip - Point Out Hazards

Sat, 01 Apr 2023 16:00:00 GMT

Riding bicycles will not only
benefit the individual doing it,
but the world at large.
~ Udo E. Simonis

With all of the recent stormy weather, there are a lot of sticks and other debris on the sides of roads putting cyclists at risk. On a club ride a while back, there was a rock in the bike lane on Foothill Expressway. Most people went around it, but a cyclist near the back of the group hit it directly, getting quite a jolt. Luckily, he managed to avoid a crash, but did get a pinch flat. It is important to point out these obstacles to the cyclists behind you.

Communication is very important when bicycling in a group. When you see a hazard ahead or a car coming up behind (or in front on a narrow road), please communicate this to your riding partners. Usually a verbal signal is best such as "car up" or "rock" or "gravel." At other times pointing out a hazard with a hand signal is best (remember that when biking we always point at the hazard). The important thing is to COMMUNICATE!

March Safety Tip - Get Your Bike Ready

Wed, 01 Mar 2023 17:00:00 GMT

Like dogs, bicycles are social catalysts
that attract a superior category of people.
~ Chip Brown, writer

We are transitioning into the spring season that is optimal for long rides. Our club’s great LTD rides are taking us further afield to ride scenic routes in remote areas. Don’t let bike mechanical problems leave you stranded or unable to enjoy a great day of riding. Study your bike to determine if it is in good condition and ready to ride. If you have been putting off that tune-up or trying to stretch that worn tire just a few more miles, now is a good time to get these maintenance items done. How many miles are on those tires? When was the last time you had your shifting cables changed or checked your chain for stretch? Are your brake pads worn down? Have you cleaned off the grit on your bike acquired while riding on wet roads?

Most rides will not stop while you fix a flat nor is the ride leader expected to change your tire for you. Many of our organized rides are in remote areas without cellular reception where a mechanical issue may be quite problematic, so be prepared and get your bike in top shape!

February Safety Tip – Check your Tires

Wed, 01 Feb 2023 17:00:00 GMT

It is the unknown around the corner
that turns my wheels.
~ Heinz Stücke
Long-distance touring cyclist

The recent deluge of storms has brought a significant increase in the amount of dangerous debris out on the roads. There’s more than the usual amount of glass, nails, screws, and fine wires from steel belted tires. I’ve personally experienced two flat tires during the first two rides of the year, one of which was a front tire blow-out. It’s a good time to aggressively replace tires that have a large number of miles on them, are showing wear, or are just plain old. So, check your tires and the records on the life of your tires (if you maintain that data) and replace tires that are nearing the end of their usable lifetime.

January Safety Tip – Communicate Your Intentions

Sun, 01 Jan 2023 17:00:00 GMT

The bicycle is the noblest invention of mankind
~ William Saroyan

When riding in groups, it is critically important to communicate intended actions that may impact cyclists riding behind you. Many club members have been in crashes caused by cyclists slowing down or making unexpected turns, forcing a cyclist behind them to either crash into them or crash while trying to avoid them. It is important to call out “Stopping” or “Slowing” when taking one of these actions and to call out or signal when turning. Sometimes a cyclist must slow or stop quickly due to some issue ahead and it can be hard to think to call out, but it is something we all need to learn to do. At other times, a cyclist pulls over to take a picture or to make an adjustment on their bicycle not realizing their action may impact the rider behind them. The key is to always communicate your intended actions to the cyclists around you.

December Safety Tip - Beware of Debris and Wet Leaves

Thu, 01 Dec 2022 17:00:00 GMT

Whoever invented the bicycle
deserves the thanks of humanity.
~ Lord Charles Beresford

This is my annual safety tip warning of the dangers during this time of year due to wet conditions or debris on the road.

While we tend not to ride on days when it is raining, we often ride shortly afterwards. During this season, there are frequent areas with wet leaves on the ground that are SLIPPERY. In 2018, a club member broke her hip after taking a fall caused by sliding out while running over a clump of wet leaves.

Stormy conditions also cause sticks and other debris to fall on the road, much of it ending up in the bike lanes. In the past few years, we’ve had incidents where we sadly lost two club members after fatal encounters with an errant stick in the bike lane going into their front wheel.

After a rainy or windy day or while riding through damp conditions, be especially careful around wet leaves and keep a sharp eye out for dangerous sticks or other debris on the road.

November Safety Tip - Don’t be Isadora Duncan

Tue, 01 Nov 2022 16:00:00 GMT

You have no such accurate remembrance
of a country you have driven through
as you gain by riding a bicycle.
~ Ernest Hemingway

With the changing season it is common to need an extra layer of clothing at the beginning of a ride and as the day warms to strip off the extra clothing. In the last few years we have had two riders get their jackets tangled in their back wheels. The first instance resulted in a frustrating hour of cleaning bits and pieces of clothing from the rear cassette but no crash. The second was much worse, resulting in a crash and broken leg! Make sure your gear is stowed safely with no chance of it getting into your wheel. Don’t ride with a jacket tied around your waist. And when you stuff a jacket into a back jersey pocket, make sure it is completely contained and doesn’t have a sleeve hanging down that can get caught in the rear wheel. So, when taking layers off, store them safely and don’t be like Isadora Duncan.

October Safety Tip - Use Lights for Visibility

Sat, 01 Oct 2022 16:00:00 GMT

Bicycle Lawyer Gary Brustin’s presentation to the Western Wheelers a while back included a discussion of the most common bike–car accidents he sees in his practice. Many of the accidents he describes occur with the cyclist in plain sight of the driver. It’s not that the driver intentionally hits the cyclist; rather, the driver fails to notice or pay sufficient attention to cyclists properly riding on the road.

The number of these accidents can be reduced when cyclists use lights to be more conspicuous. A rear blinking light will make you much more conspicuous as drivers approach you from behind. A front facing light will increase your frontal visibility, reducing incidents of Left Turn Accidents. Some club members further increase their safety by adding bio-motion into the effect, putting lights on their ankles, the up and down motion making them even more conspicuous. Gary and many other sources recommend the use of lights. For example, see the WSJ video Simple Tips to Improve Cyclist Visibility, Safety. So, be safe and use lights when you ride.

September Safety Tip - Where to Ride in Traffic

Thu, 01 Sep 2022 16:00:00 GMT

For a more thorough discussion of how to position your bike when riding in traffic, see Chapter 2 of Bicycling Street Smarts: Riding Confidently, Legally, and Safely, by John S. Allen.

August Safety Tip - The Emergency Stop

Mon, 01 Aug 2022 16:00:00 GMT

Every time I see an adult on a bicycle,
I no longer despair for the future of
the human race.
~ H. G. Wells

On a recent Saturday I was fortunate enough to take the Bike Skills 101 class offered through Western Wheelers and taught by Lorri Lown of Savvy Bike. One of the many great skills she taught was the emergency stop. It’s much better learned through seeing and doing, but I’ll describe it here.

The emergency stop begins with your hands on the drops so you can apply more leverage on the brake levers and be in a lower position. When the need for a fast stop occurs, you put your pedals to a neutral level position (one front one back), push your butt way back, optimally behind your saddle, and brake hard with both brake levers. You should instinctively know which brake lever is your front and which is your rear, but you use both to brake. Your front brake is providing most of the braking power, while your rear brake acts as a stabilizer.

It will be next to impossible to think this through in an emergency situation, so the key is to practice, practice, practice. Lorri had us ride around a building with an empty parking lot and practice this stopping maneuver repeatedly, coming close to a complete stop before peddling again. We must have done at least twenty iterations of the stop during this drill. One needs to practice this maneuver until it becomes instinctual and automatic.

The YouTube video Emergency stops on the bike gives a description and demonstration of the stop as well as mentions several of the related tips that Lorri emphasized in her excellent class.

July Safety Tip - Avoid Getting Doored

Fri, 01 Jul 2022 16:00:00 GMT

The sound of a car door opening in front of you
is similar to the sound of a gun being cocked.
~ Amy Webster

Many years ago on his way to a clarinet lesson, my son was riding his bike in the bike lane north on Mary Avenue toward the Don Burnett Bridge when the driver of a van suddenly opened her door right in front of him, causing my son to crash. He ended up going to the hospital with a broken collarbone.

California Vehicle Code 22517 puts the fault of a dooring crash completely on the motorist opening the door. But that can be little consolation for the cyclist getting severely injured.

When there is a bike lane that goes along a row of parked cars, stay to the far left in the lane, or better yet, move left out of the bike lane altogether to give more room between you and the parked cars. As you ride, keep a watchful eye on the parked cars. If someone has just parked or if you see a car’s brake lights, give the car a wide berth. But more generally, scan the cars to see if there are people in them and be very cautious when you see someone in a parked car.

For more info and tips, see the article in Road Bike Rider or see the article California ‘dooring’ Law Places Liability with Motorists for more info on the legal aspects.

June Safety Tip — Pay Attention!

Wed, 01 Jun 2022 16:00:00 GMT

Think of bicycles as rideable art
that can just about save the world.
~ Grant Peterson

Riding a bicycle on roads with cars, trucks, potholes, bumps, animals, and other bikers requires constant attention. One of the most critical lessons for new cyclists is that they must learn to pay attention at all times. The one time that you space out for a few minutes is often when the unexpected occurs. This doesn't mean you can't relax — that’s why we are out cycling! But it’s very important that even when the scenery is incredible, the sunshine soothing, and the conversation invigorating, you must pay attention to the road and the surroundings.

May Safety Tip — Be Careful when Passing

Sun, 01 May 2022 16:00:00 GMT

Cyclers see considerably more of this beautiful world
than any other class of citizens. A good bicycle,
well applied, will cure most ills this flesh is heir to.
~ Dr. K. K. Doty

One safety complaint I frequently hear is about riders being passed dangerously. Please avoid passing on a rider’s right side whenever possible! Passing on the right side often startles a rider and most riders’ first reaction when startled is to move right. Communication is the key. Let the person in front of you know when you are passing, but especially in the rare instance when you must pass on their right.

When riding with a group, position your bike directly beside or behind your companions. Do not partially “overlap” your wheels because a sudden change of course would likely cause the trailing bike (and probably others) to crash. For a vivid example of what can happen, see this short YouTube video The Danger of Overlapping Wheels.

April Safety Tip — Make Your Own Safety Choices

Fri, 01 Apr 2022 16:00:00 GMT

Life is like riding a bicycle: you don’t  
fall off unless you stop pedaling.
~ Claude Pepper

On group rides, it is all too easy to just blindly follow the person in front of you as he or she goes through an intersection or crosses lanes. But what is right for that cyclist might not be right for you. Don’t always follow what others are doing. Be sure that you make your own safety choices during a ride. Always look, listen, and think before proceeding. Just because the person in front of you goes through a stoplight, rolls through a stop sign, or changes lanes for a turn does not mean it’s safe for you to do so. There have been many near accidents caused by riders blindly following the actions of a rider 10 or more feet in front of them. When going through an intersection or changing lanes, look in all pertinent directions, use your own judgment, and stay safe!

March Safety Tip — Stay Hydrated

Tue, 01 Mar 2022 17:00:00 GMT

The bicycle is a curious vehicle.
Its passenger is its engine.
~ John Howard

One of the crashes reported for 2021 occurred when a cyclist fainted while riding due to being unknowingly dehydrated. The cyclist sustained a concussion and spent a day in the hospital. During a previous year, another club member experienced a serious medical issue due to not drinking water during a long ride. Don’t let this happen to you.

Good hydration is important all year long. On warm or hot days we perspire heavily and need to drink frequently to replace lost fluids and stay cool. On cool days when perspiration is not as obvious, it can be easy to forget to drink for long periods or even for an entire ride. Everyone has a different internal thermometer, but it’s important to know your own needs and to tend to them in all weather conditions. Like several others, I have an alarm set on my cycle computer to remind me to drink at regular intervals. When there is a shortage of water sources on longer rides, riders should carry extra water—say two large water bottles and refill them at every opportunity.

February Safety Tip — Care when Stopping/Regrouping

Tue, 01 Feb 2022 17:00:00 GMT

When the spirits are low, when the day appears dark,
when work becomes monotonous, when hope hardly
seems worth having, just mount a bicycle and go out
for a spin down the road, without thought on anything
but the ride you are taking
~ Arthur Conan Doyle

Many WW routes have regroups listed on the ride sheets (e.g. LDT, FFS). We try to place regroups where there is room to get off the roadway, but use common sense and caution as well. Remember not to block traffic or hinder cars that are turning. It’s safer and more courteous to pull well off the road. Even on individual rides, call out when stopping and pull as far off the road as possible so as not to block cars or other cyclists.

January Safety Tip — Care when Descending

Sat, 01 Jan 2022 17:00:00 GMT

Melancholy is incompatible with bicycling.
~ James E Starrs
1930–2021

Many of the great rides we have in our area travel hills and have long descents. There are some important considerations for safely handling descents. Begin at home the day before the ride by making sure your bicycle is in good condition. Make sure your tires and brakes are in good condition and tires are fully inflated. Inspect your wheels for any misalignment or looseness. During your ride when descending, move back in the saddle to prepare for emergency stops. Many experts recommend getting "in the drops", where you have full braking leverage. Take care when passing fellow cyclists, always passing to the left, and announcing yourself before you pass. But most of all, SLOW DOWN! This is not a race and our roads are not in perfect condition, especially in the winter months when rain, leaves, and other debris are frequently present. You will enjoy the ride more if you are relaxed and not pushing the limits of your bike, road conditions, or your own abilities.

December Safety Tip - Beware of Debris and Wet Leaves

Wed, 01 Dec 2021 17:00:00 GMT

No hour of life is lost that is spent in the saddle.
~ Winston Churchill

This is my annual safety tip warning of the dangers during this time of year due to wet conditions or debris on the road.

After a rainy or windy day or while riding through damp conditions, be especially careful around wet leaves and keep a sharp eye out for dangerous sticks or other debris on the road.

November Safety Tip - Communicate Your Intentions

Mon, 01 Nov 2021 16:00:00 GMT

Enough of this Sunday stroll. Let’s hurt a little.
~ Muzzin, American Flyers

When riding in groups, it is critically important to communicate intended actions that may impact cyclists riding behind you. Many club members have been in crashes caused by cyclists slowing down or making unexpected turns, forcing a cyclist behind them to either crash into them or crash while trying to avoid them. It is important to yell out “Stopping” or “Slowing” when taking one of these actions and to call out or signal when turning. Sometimes a cyclist must slow or stop quickly due to some issue ahead and it can be hard to think to call out, but it is something we all need to learn to do. At other times, a cyclist pulls over to take a picture or to make an adjustment on their bicycle not realizing their action may impact the rider behind them. The key is to always communicate your intended actions to the cyclists around you.

October Safety Tip - Yield the Right of Way

Fri, 01 Oct 2021 16:00:00 GMT

Riding bicycles will not only benefit the
individuals doing it, but the world at large.
~ Udo E. Simonis

I am writing this column to describe a dangerous behavior I have observed in other riders and have sometimes fallen into myself.

September Safety Tip - Cross Train Tracks at 60º or More

Wed, 01 Sep 2021 16:00:00 GMT

Robin Davis recently crashed while crossing train tracks at too narrow an angle. The tracks caught her wheel and she went down hard, sustaining serious injuries. She suggested repeating the recommendation on how to cross railroad tracks. This danger is further demonstrated in this terrifying video showing over 50 cyclists crashing while crossing railroad tracks. Several of the cyclists look to be quite seriously hurt.

https://youtu.be/YfeQvbIFBks

Crossing a railroad track at a shallow angle runs the risk of your wheel catching on the metal rail or the gaps next to it. The danger is much greater when the tracks are wet or when breaking during the crossing. The simple key conclusion from the study associated with the video is that the crash rate is dramatically reduced when the crossing angle is greater than 30º and is eliminated at greater than 60º.

If you know of other dangerous train track crossings, please comment on this safety tip on the web site.

August Safety Tip - Point Out Hazards

Sun, 01 Aug 2021 16:00:00 GMT

On a club ride a while back, there was a rock in the bike lane on Foothill Expressway. Most people went around it, but a cyclist near the back of the group hit it directly, getting quite a jolt. Luckily, he managed to avoid a crash, but did get a pinch flat. On a LDT ride, a large pack of riders entered onto a bike path with a pole in the middle of the entrance. One cyclist later reported “this pole suddenly came at me and knocked me down.” Unfortunately, this cyclist sustained some minor injuries that kept him off the bike for a few weeks. Both of these incidents might have been averted with proper communication.

July Safety Tip - Take Care after a Mechanical Failure

Thu, 01 Jul 2021 16:00:00 GMT

Here are some safety tips related to mechanical failures discussed in the Turn at the Front column.

The second most common mechanical failure mentioned in that column is a broken cable. When that happens with externally routed cables, don’t try to ride to a bike shop while holding onto your broken cable. One slip and it may easily get all tangled up in your bike, bringing it to a screeching halt and throwing you off the bike! Find a way to safely secure the broken cable to the bike before riding to help.

Similarly for flat tires, never try riding on them to the bike store, especially with a flat front tire. The moment you attempt a turn, the tire will tend to roll, sending you sprawling onto the pavement. You need to either fix the flat and pump up the tire, or get a car ride to the bike store to get it fixed.

June Safety Tip - Store Your Gear Safely

Tue, 01 Jun 2021 16:00:00 GMT

Those who wish to control their own lives
and move beyond existence as mere clients
and consumers - those people ride a bike.
~ Wolfgang Sachs

As the day warms we often strip off our extra clothing. In the last few years we have had two riders get their jackets tangled in their back wheels. The first instance resulted in a frustrating hour of cleaning bits and pieces of clothing from the rear cassette but no crash. The second was much worse, resulting in a crash and broken leg! Make sure your gear is stowed safely with no chance of it getting into your wheel. Don’t ride with a jacket tied around your waist. And when you stuff a jacket into a back jersey pocket, make sure it is completely contained and doesn’t have a sleeve hanging down that can get caught in the rear wheel.

May Safety Tip - If you see something, say something

Sat, 01 May 2021 16:00:00 GMT

Ride as much or as little, or as long
or as short as you feel. But ride.
~ Eddy Merckx

In September 2019 Tom Ockenden was riding with other Western Wheelers, heading north towards the Don Burnett Bridge over 280 from Mary Avenue. Tom got tangled in the narrow gap between the right hand white pole (bollard) and the fence on the right side of the bridge. His helmet hit one of the upright fence supports and twisted his head resulting in the fracture of his second cervical vertebrae in his neck. Tom had to wear a neck brace for three months and was unable to ride for an extended period of time.

Not content to attribute this crash to misfortune, Pete Letchworth examined whether dangerous conditions on the entrance to the bridge contributed to the crash. His first thought was that the white poles blended into the bridge backdrop, so were not sufficiently visible, a simple problem that could have been addressed with a splash of orange paint. But working with Alan Wachtel together they found a section in the CalTrans Highway Design Manual with 11 guidelines governing the use of bollards in such a situation. The bollards on the Don Burnett bridge violated 6 of these guidelines! Chief among them, bollards should be:

   •   Yielding to minimize injury to bicyclists and pedestrians who may strike them.
   •   Reflectorized for nighttime visibility and painted ... in a bright color to enhance daytime visibility.
   •   Spaced to leave a minimum of 5 feet of clearance between obstacles ...
   •   Positioned so an even number of bicycle travel lanes are created [odd number of bollards] ... 

The Don Burnett bridge had two white rigid poles at each end of the bridge, creating three lanes, each less than five feet across!

Pete wrote letters to various Cupertino officials. He followed up with more letters when there was a lack of action related to his earlier correspondence. The issue was belatedly taken up by the Cupertino Bicycle Pedestrian Commission in mid 2020 which approved changing the configuration to a single bollard at the centerline on both sides of the bridge. The work was supposed to be completed by the end of 2020 but was finally completed in February of this year.

Pete next to the highly visible, single bollard
on the Don Burnett Bridge entrance

We can all follow Pete’s lead. If you see a situation that is dangerous for cyclists such as a bridge or road design or any kind of road hazard, report it to the appropriate agency. SVBC maintains a web page with contact info for different regions and agencies that can be used to report the hazard. Persevere to get your issue resolved. The cycling community will benefit from your efforts.

Thankfully, Tom fully recovered from his crash and his cheerful presence is again enjoyed by his fellow cyclists on club rides.

April Safety Tip - Get Your Bike Ready

Thu, 01 Apr 2021 16:00:00 GMT

I don’t ride a bike to add days to my life.
I ride a bike to add life to my days.
~ Unknown

As we transition from the wintry wet days into the spring season optimal for long rides, it is time to make sure your bicycle is in good shape. Study your bike to determine if it is in good condition and ready to ride. If you have been putting off that tune-up or trying to stretch that worn tire just a few more miles, now is a good time to get these maintenance items done. How many miles are on those tires? When was the last time you had your shifting cables changed or checked your chain for stretch? Are your brake pads worn down? Have you cleaned off the grit on your bike acquired while riding on wet roads?

Most rides will not stop while you fix a flat nor is the ride leader expected to change your tire for you. Many of our organized rides are in remote areas where a mechanical issue may be much more problematic, so be prepared and get your bike in top shape!

March Safety Tip - Beware of the Stupid Hour

Mon, 01 Mar 2021 17:00:00 GMT

By Mindy Steiner

I thought of that while riding my bicycle
~ Albert Einstein
(on the Theory of Relativity)

In this month’s Safety Tip, I’m piggybacking on the September 2020 tip about the importance of always paying attention while riding. Even when the scenery is lovely, riding a bicycle safely requires constant attention to the road and all of the surroundings.

While it’s important to keep focused all during a ride, it is especially important to beware of what I’m calling the “Stupid Hour” This is the last part of your ride when you are tired and you may be thinking about the plans you have after the ride or later in the day. Don’t let your mind wander and don’t take your focus off the road. Alertness and attentiveness naturally decrease as you get tired so it is important to concentrate on staying focused on the road all the way to the end of your ride. Don’t let the stupid hour ruin your day!

February Safety Tip - Be Visible

Mon, 01 Feb 2021 17:00:00 GMT

One of the most important days of my life
was when I learned to ride a bicycle.
~ Michael Palin , Monty Python Member

Robert Neff took exception to last month’s Safety Tip about making eye contact, saying “If a driver looks in your direction, there is no guarantee that you have been seen. Humans tend to only see what they are looking for (not bicyclists), but they also see things that are unusual, especially bright colors and motion.” While I stand by my column, Robert makes an excellent point on the value of drawing driver’s attention. He has some great advice, so let me just quote him.

“Positioning: If I am riding in traffic with no shoulder or bike lane, I ride in the middle of the lane. When there is a parked car blocking the bike lane, I move to the middle of the open lane at least 50 yards ahead of the blocker, when it is safe. Bright clothing: I am glad that our unofficial club uniform is high-visibility cycling jackets! Throw out your black jerseys and windbreakers. Motion: Wear bright socks, or bright reflective bands on your ankles, put reflective tape on your shoes, and reflective tape on your crank arms, because if something bright is moving up and down, humans are tuned to notice it. Finally, use lights, nighttime and daytime. Many of us now have blinkies on our bikes going day and night. The blinking gets more attention.

“In the winter I go much further. You can get Monkeylectric wheel lights, wear a reflective safety vest, mount battery powered holiday lights to your bike with zip ties, or even wear them. I find that everyone (drivers, pedestrians, other cyclists) likes the Christmas lights. The first time I went to the holiday party I thought the ride was going to be about OUR lit up bicycles. The advantage of lights instead of reflectors is that you do not need to be illuminated by someone else's headlights to be visible.

“Finally, I like having a white safety light (not TOO bright) on my helmet, so I can aim it at automobiles that might cross my path. I use that starting at dusk. It is effective at changing the behaviour of motorists who might not see me otherwise and it is also handy for seeing pedestrians on dark paths.

“A last comment - watch the calendar. The day after the end of Daylight Savings Time, it is dark one hour earlier, and you may discover that motorists who saw you at 5:30 the week before won't see you at all. Shine a light on them! Or ring a bell, or just yell. My default exclamation is a strong Yo (one benefit of an East Coast education).

“Let's be safe on our wonderful roads.”

Thanks, Robert, for your good advice and for writing my safety tip this month.

January Safety Tip - Defensive Cycling

Fri, 01 Jan 2021 17:00:00 GMT

No hour of life is lost that is spent in the saddle.
~ Winston Churchill

My motivation for this month’s safety tip comes from the 2019 New Year’s Day bicycling crash experienced by San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo. You can read more about it here.

Sam was cycling toward an intersection with no stop sign in his direction. An SUV driving on the cross street with a stop sign, came to a stop, then proceeded through the intersection right in front of Sam, presumably not seeing him. Sam smashed into the SUV. Sam was completely in the right, but ended up with fractures to two of his vertebrae and his sternum, major scrapes on his body, bruises on his face and a swollen lip. The SUV had a smashed rear window (from Sam’s head). The SUV driver was issued a citation for failure to yield.

The booklet, California Bicycling Street Smarts, which is sent to new members has a section addressing this kind of situation.

MAKING EYE CONTACT

How do you test that a driver has seen you? Here's an example. Suppose that you are on a main street, riding toward an intersection. A car is approaching from the right in the cross street, where there's a stop sign. How do you handle this situation?

As you approach the intersection, look into the car window and make eye contact with the driver to ascertain that the driver has seen you. Watch for the car to slow down more than it would if you weren't there.

If you look into the driver's window and the driver isn't looking at you, then be very cautious. ... Slow down, and call out to get the driver's attention [or ring your bell].

I heartily recommend reading Street Smarts as it provides useful information for cyclists at all skill levels. It will make you a safer rider with information such as where on the road to ride (not always on the far right), how to handle standard and non-standard intersections, riding in groups, and other useful topics. The generic (not California specific) version is available online. If you want a physical copy please contact Bill Sherwin with your mailing address.

December Safety Tip - Beware of Debris and Wet Leaves

Tue, 01 Dec 2020 17:00:00 GMT

You never have the wind with you — either
it is against you or you’re having a good day.
~ Daniel Behrman

This is my annual safety tip warning of the dangers during this time of year due to wet conditions or debris on the road.

While we tend not to ride on days when it is raining, we often ride shortly afterwards. During this season, there are frequently areas with wet leaves on the ground that are SLIPPERY. In 2018, a club member broke her hip after taking a fall caused by sliding out while running over a clump of wet leaves.

Stormy conditions also cause a lot of sticks and other debris to fall on the road, much of it ending up in the bike lanes. 2018 saw the tragic passing of member Troy Folkner after a crash caused by an errant stick in the bike lane going into his front wheel. Recently, a similar event caused a horrendous crash to long time cyclist and previous WW President Tim Ellis who faces a long recovery.

After a rainy or windy day or while riding through damp conditions, be especially careful around wet leaves and keep a sharp eye out for dangerous sticks or other debris on the road.

November Safety Tip - Yield the Right of Way

Sun, 01 Nov 2020 17:00:00 GMT

Nothing compares to the simple pleasure
of a bike ride
~ John F. Kennedy

I am writing this column to describe a dangerous behavior I have observed in other riders and have sometimes fallen into myself.

October Safety Tip - Signaling from the back

Thu, 01 Oct 2020 16:00:00 GMT

Life is like riding a bicycle - in order to
keep your balance, you must keep moving
~ Albert Einstein

This month’s Safety Tip comes from the article Why is Riding With A Cyclist Mentality Dangerous? by Coach Robert Wilhite in Road Bike Rider (recommended by Dave Fitch). Robert points out that the people in the back of a pack of riders have the best vantage point for assessing cars coming up from behind and have the best position to signal to those drivers the intent of the group of cyclists. Yet, riders in the back of a pack tend to have a “follow the leader” mentality without assuming responsibility to assess the safety of a turn or signaling to drivers behind the group.

A specific example is when a pack of riders approaches a left-hand turn. It is typically the riders in the front that signal to the left and start shifting over lanes. Riders behind them, especially the ones towards the back of the group, may check that it's clear (though not always) but often don’t signal to drivers that the group is moving to the left. It is the responsibility of every rider in the group, no matter how far forward or back, to assess the safety of a lane change and to signal their intent. In particular, the riders toward the back of the pack have the greatest responsibility to signal to oncoming drivers what the pack is doing.

Don’t blindly follow the leader. Always take individual responsibility to check that things are clear when going through an intersection or changing lanes and always signal your intent, even if you are at or towards the back of a group of riders.

September Safety Tip - Pay Attention!

Tue, 01 Sep 2020 16:00:00 GMT

Cycle tracks will abound in Utopia

~ H.G. Wells

Riding a bicycle on roads with cars, trucks, potholes, bumps, animals, and other bikers requires constant attention. One of the most critical lessons for new cyclists is that they must learn to pay attention at all times. The one time that you space out for a few minutes is often when the unexpected occurs. This doesn't mean you can't relax - that is why we are out cycling ! But it’s very important that even when the scenery is incredible, the sunshine soothing, and the conversation invigorating, you must pay attention to the road and the surroundings.

August Safety Tip - Be Aware of other Bicyclists

Sat, 01 Aug 2020 16:00:00 GMT

One side effect of the COVID-19 outbreak is the large number of new people taking up bicycling, either for transportation or recreation. These new riders are more likely to make erratic moves on the road. It is more important than ever to be aware of the other cyclists on the road as you ride. As the operator of a bicycle, you are responsible for being in control and able to stop when a rider slows or stops in front of you. Keep a safe distance behind and pay attention.

At the same time, be aware of riders following behind you. Warn other riders when slowing, and avoid sudden stops when possible. When your phone rings or there’s a beautiful picture to be taken, call out that you are stopping, make sure it is safe to do so, and then pull over to the far right of the road as you stop.

July Safety Tip - Sharing the Road with Horses

Wed, 01 Jul 2020 16:00:00 GMT

A horse is a horse, of course, of course,
And no one can talk to a horse of course
That is, of course, unless the horse
is the famous Mr. Ed.

In keeping with the historical theme, this week’s safety tip is drawn from a column on the subject from an old issue of the Flat Tyre.

While most of us are familiar with how to interact with cars, other bicyclists and pedestrians, many of us are less familiar with the proper etiquette when meeting up with and passing horses. When you meet up with a horse on a road or pathway, there are several things to know that help make the interaction a safe one for you, the person riding the horse, and for the horse itself. Bicyclists often frighten horses who sometimes bolt uphill when spooked, causing potential danger for everyone involved. Section 21759 of the California Vehicle Code gives people riding or leading stock animals the right to direct pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists to ensure their safety and the safety of their animals.

When meeting with a horse on a road be sure to:

Slow down and pull over to the side
Actually stop if it’s a narrow road
Quietly greet the rider and ask if you are ok where you are
Follow any instructions from the person on the horse

If you come up from behind a horse on a road or trail, be sure to slow down and as you approach the equestrian call out a friendly greeting from about 50-75 feet away. Ask the person what they would like you to do or how they would like you to get by. Find out if they would like you to get off and walk or pass slowly at the next safe spot. Most importantly, do not approach a horse from behind on a narrow pathway. If you see that you are coming up behind a horse or horses, you need to stop and wait until the path is clear.

June Safety Tip - Staying Hydrated

Mon, 01 Jun 2020 16:00:00 GMT

It never gets easier. You just go faster.

~ Greg LeMond

As we move into summer, the days are getting longer and hotter. Due to the current pandemic, many sources of water like water fountains or bathrooms with running water are closed. So, extra care must be taken to stay hydrated.

While hydration is important all year long, on warm or hot days we perspire much more and need to remember to drink frequently during a ride. Everyone has a different internal thermometer, but it’s important to know your own needs and tend to them in all weather. Like several others, I have an alarm set on my cycle computer to remind me to drink at regular intervals. With the shortage of water sources, on longer rides you should carry extra water, say two large water bottles and refill your bottles at every opportunity.

May Safety Tip - See and be Seen

Fri, 01 May 2020 16:00:00 GMT

Cycling can be lonely, but in a good way.
~ David Byrne

With many of us riding solo or in small groups, it is more important than ever to be very conspicuous by wearing bright colors and using lights. Many people are out driving as a break from being sheltered in place and are often more interested in the scenery than watching the road. Unfortunately, they are often driving too fast. Wearing bright clothing increases your visibility so drivers can’t help but notice you from a distance or as soon as they round a curve. Bright colors or lights are especially effective on your ankles or feet as the up and down motion draws further attention. Blinking lights, both rear and front, are sure ways to be very noticeable to drivers (see the article in this issue about lights). Using a mirror lets you be much more aware of cars and bicycles approaching from the rear. The mirror can be attached to your helmet, to your sunglasses, or to your bike.

April Safety Tip - Cycling During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Wed, 01 Apr 2020 16:00:00 GMT

Don’t Stand So Close to Me

~ The Police

Here is some advice from the article Coronavirus & Cycling: Your Best Protection Tips, with additional info from other sources including medical professionals in the WW club. This is a rapidly evolving situation, so the advice might change between the writing and publishing of this article.

Don’t ride with others if you are not 100% healthy, even if you think it is only allergies. We all have a responsibility to reduce the spread of this illness.
Keep groups small or ride solo. Remember people can have the virus and not show symptoms.
Religiously practice social distancing, keeping at least 6 feet away - much more when behind another cyclist. To visualize this, imagine you and the other person sticking your arms out toward each other - if you can touch fingers, you are way too close.
Bring antibacterial hand cleaner on every ride. Use the hand cleaner or wash your hands before, during, and after the ride, and at every restroom stop. Thoroughly wash your hands the moment you get home.
Minimize hand and finger contact with your eyes, nose, ears, and mouth. Become hyper aware of when you touch your face and do not do it!
Refrain from spitting or blowing your nose into the open air. This can easily transmit the virus (Bicycling article link).
Do not draft! When you ride behind someone, increase the distance to 2 to 3 seconds behind (count one-one-thousand, two-one-thousand), to avoid breathing their freshly exhaled air or droplets.
Slow down and ride defensively. This is not a time to have a trip to the ER and there might not be a hospital bed available for you.

March Safety Tip - Make Your Own Safety Choices

Sun, 01 Mar 2020 17:00:00 GMT

Get a bicycle. You will not regret it if you live.
~ Mark Twain

On group rides, it is all too easy to just blindly follow the person in front of you as he or she goes through an intersection or crosses lanes. But what is right for that cyclist might not be right for you. Don’t always follow what others are doing. Be sure that you make your own safety choices during a ride. Always look, listen, and think before proceeding. Just because the person in front of you goes through a stoplight, rolls through a stop sign, or changes lanes for a turn does not mean it’s safe for you to do so. There have been many near accidents caused by riders blindly following the actions of a rider 10 or more feet in front of them. When going through an intersection or changing lanes, look in all pertinent directions, use your own judgement, and stay safe!

February Safety Tip - Cross Train Tracks at 60º or More

Sat, 01 Feb 2020 17:00:00 GMT

This month’s safety tip comes from viewing the terrifying video Ron Dell’Aquila sent recently to WWBC. It shows over 50 cyclists crashing while crossing railroad tracks. Several of the cyclists look to be quite seriously hurt.

https://youtu.be/YfeQvbIFBks

Crossing a railroad track at a shallow angle runs the risk of your wheel catching on the metal rail or the gaps next to it. The danger is much greater when the tracks are wet, or while breaking during the crossing. The simple key conclusion from the study associated with the video is that the crash rate is dramatically reduced when the crossing angle is greater than 30º, and is eliminated at greater than 60º.

There are a couple of skewed track crossings that are in my common riding area. One is North bound on Winchester Blvd near 85 in Los Altos, the other is when the tracks cross Cox Ave. The key is to turn away from the tracks in advance, then veer back toward the tracks to cross them at a greater angle. Of course, if either turn puts you into the lane of traffic, you’ll need to make sure it is safe to do so.

If you know of other dangerous train track crossings, please comment on this safety tip.

January Safety Tip - Beware of Debris and Wet Leaves

Wed, 01 Jan 2020 17:00:00 GMT

If you are like me, you tend not to ride on days when it is raining. But with all the rain at this time of year, we often ride shortly after a day with heavy rain. During this season, there are often places with wet leaves on the ground that are SLIPPERY! In 2018, a club member broke her hip after taking a fall caused by sliding out while running over a clump of wet leaves. 2018 also saw the tragic passing of member Troy Folkner after a crash caused by an errant stick in the bike lane. After a rainy day or while riding through damp conditions, be especially careful around wet leaves or other debris on the road.

December Safety Tip - Use Lights for Visibility

Sun, 01 Dec 2019 17:00:00 GMT

Bicycle Lawyer Gary Brustin’s recent presentation to the Western Wheelers included a discussion of the most common bike–car accidents he sees in his practice. Many of the accidents he describes occur with the cyclist in plain sight of the driver. It’s not that the driver intentionally hits the cyclist; rather, the driver fails to notice or pay sufficient attention to cyclists properly riding on the road.

November Safety Tip - Care when Descending

Fri, 01 Nov 2019 16:00:00 GMT

Many of the great rides we have in our area travel hills and have long descents. There are some important considerations for safely handling descents. Start at home the day before the ride by making sure your bicycle is in good condition. Make sure your tires and brakes are in good condition and tires are fully inflated. Inspect your wheels for any misalignment or looseness. During your ride when descending, move back in the saddle to prepare for emergency stops. Many experts recommend getting "in the drops", where you have full braking leverage. Take care when passing fellow cyclists, always passing to the left, and announcing yourself before you pass. But most of all, SLOW DOWN! This is not a race and our roads are not in perfect condition. You will enjoy the ride more if you are relaxed and not pushing the limits of your bike, road conditions, or your own abilities.

October Safety Tip - Care when Stopping/Regrouping

Tue, 01 Oct 2019 16:00:00 GMT

September Safety Tip - Be Careful when Passing

Sun, 01 Sep 2019 16:00:00 GMT

One frequent safety complaint I receive is from riders being passed dangerously. Please avoid passing on a rider’s right side whenever possible! Passing on the right side often startles a rider and most riders’ first reaction when startled is to move right. Communication is the key. Let the person in front of you know when you are passing, but especially in the rare instance when you must pass on their right.

When riding with a group, position your bike directly beside or behind your companions. Do not partially “overlap” your wheels because a sudden change of course would cause the trailing bike (and probably others) to crash. For a vivid example of what can happen, see this short YouTube video The Danger of Overlapping Wheels.

August Safety Tip - Dangerous Behaviors on Group Rides

Thu, 01 Aug 2019 16:00:00 GMT

Okay, I admit it; I don’t always come to a complete stop at stop signs. But there’s a dangerous behavior at stop signs I’ve observed on some group rides. A group of riders stop at a stop sign, perhaps to let another driver through, or to let pedestrians cross, or for some other reason when another rider comes from behind, passes the stopped riders and goes through the intersection without stopping, endangering him or herself, breeding ill will toward cyclists, and aggravating the stopped riders. When you see cyclists stopped at an intersection, you should always assume there is a reason and come to a full stop.

There’s a second dangerous behavior I’d like to mention. Wheelers are typically quite good at calling “Car Back” when there is a car trying to pass a group of riders. But all too often, two or three people riding abreast fail to pull over into a single file formation to let the car pass. While there are times when taking over a lane is advisable, the default behavior should be to pause your conversation, pull to the right (of course, after checking there is room), and let the car pass.

These behaviors may both come from the same root cause. Don’t let riding in a large group lull you into feeling cyclists own the road and can violate traffic rules or safe cycling practices. “Share the Road” works both ways, so even in a large group follow the same safe riding behavior as you would when riding by yourself or with one other person.

July Safety Tip - Take Care after a Mechanical Failure

Mon, 01 Jul 2019 16:00:00 GMT

Last month, the Turn at the Front column talked about common bicycle mechanical failures. Mike Khaw mentioned some safety issues related to those failures that are worth noting.

Similarly for flat tires, don’t try to ride on them to the bike store, especially with a flat front tire. The moment you attempt a turn, the tire will tend to roll, sending you sprawling onto the pavement. You need to either fix the flat and pump up the tire, or get a car ride to the bike store to get it fixed.

June Safety Tip - Avoid Getting Doored

Sat, 01 Jun 2019 16:00:00 GMT

A number of years ago on his way to his clarinet lesson, my son was riding his bike in the bike lane north on Mary Avenue toward the Don Burnett Bridge when the driver of a van suddenly opened her door right in front of him, causing my son to crash. He ended up going to the hospital with a broken collarbone. (The driver did not admit any fault in the crash.)

California Vehicle Code 22517 puts the fault of a dooring crash completely on the motorist opening the door. But that can be little consolation for the cyclist getting severely injured.

There’s been some discussion about this risk on our WWBC list. Here’s some basic advice. When there is a bike lane that goes along a row of parked cars (like on Mary Avenue), stay to the far left in the lane, or better yet, move left out of the bike lane altogether to give more room between you and the parked cars. As you ride, keep a watchful eye on the parked cars. If someone has just parked or if you see a car’s brake lights, give the car a wide berth. But more generally, scan the cars to see if there are people in them and be very cautious when you see someone in a parked car.

For more info and tips, see the article in Road Bike Rider or see the article California ‘dooring’ Law Places Liability with Motorists for more info on the legal aspects.

May Safety Tip - Store Your Gear Safely

Wed, 01 May 2019 16:00:00 GMT

April Safety Tip - Get Your Bike Ready

Mon, 01 Apr 2019 16:00:00 GMT

As we transition from the wintry, wet days into the spring season optimal for long rides, it is time to make sure your bicycle is in good shape. Study your bike and see if it is in good condition and ready to ride. If you have been putting off that tune up or trying to stretch that worn tire just a few more miles, now is a good time to get these maintenance items done. How many miles are on those tires? When was the last time you had your shifting cables changed, or checked your chain for stretch? Are your brake pads worn down? Have you cleaned off the grit on your bike acquired while riding on wet roads?

Most rides will not stop while you fix a flat, nor is the ride leader expected to change your tire for you! Many of our organized rides are in more remote areas where a mechanical issue may be much more problematic, so be prepared and get your bike in top shape!

March Safety Tip - Point Out Hazards

Fri, 01 Mar 2019 17:00:00 GMT

On a recent WW group ride, there was a rock in the bike lane on foothill. Most people went around it, but a cyclist near the back of the group hit it directly, getting quite a jolt. Luckily, he managed to not crash, but did get a pinch flat. On a LDT ride a while back, a large pack of riders were entering onto a bike path, with a pole in the middle of the entrance. One cyclist later reported “this pole suddenly came at me and knocked me down.” Unfortunately, this cyclist sustained some minor injuries that kept him off the bike for a few weeks. Both of these incidents might have been averted with proper communication.

Communication is very important when bicycling in a group. When you see a hazard ahead or a car coming up behind (or in front on a narrow road) please communicate that to your riding partners. Usually a verbal signal is best such as "car up" or "rock" or "gravel." At other times pointing out a hazard with a hand signal is best (remember that when biking we always point at the hazard). The important thing is COMMUNICATE!

February Safety Tip – Defensive Cycling

Fri, 01 Feb 2019 17:00:00 GMT

My motivation for this month’s safety tip comes from the New Year’s Day bicycling crash experienced by San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo. You can read more about it here.

In short, Sam was cycling toward an intersection with no stop sign in his direction. An SUV driving on the cross street with a stop sign, came to a stop, then proceeded through the intersection right in front of Sam, presumably not seeing him. Sam smashed into the SUV. Sam was completely in the right, but ended up with fractures to two of his vertebrae and his sternum, major scrapes on his body, bruises on his face and a swollen lip. The SUV had a smashed rear window (from Sam’s head). The SUV driver was issued a citation for failure to yield.

The booklet California Bicycling Street Smarts, which was recently distributed at the Holiday Party has a section addressing this kind of situation.

MAKING EYE CONTACT

How do you test that a driver has seen you? Here's an example. Suppose that you are on a main street, riding toward an intersection. A car is approaching from the right in the cross street, where there's a stop sign. How do you handle this situation?

As you approach the intersection, look into the car window and make eye contact with the driver to ascertain that the driver has seen you. Watch for the car to slow down more than it would if you weren't there.

If you look into the driver's window and the driver isn't looking at you, then be very cautious. ... Slow down, and call out to get the driver's attention [or ring your bell].

I heartily recommend reading Street Smarts as it provides useful information for cyclists at all skill levels. It will make you a safer rider with information such as where on the road to ride (not always on the far right), how to handle standard and non-standard intersections, riding in groups, and other useful topics. The generic (not California specific) version is available online. If you did not receive a physical copy but would like one, please contact Bill Sherwin with your mailing address.

January’s Safety Tip – Beware of Wet Leaves!

Tue, 01 Jan 2019 17:00:00 GMT

If you are like me, you tend not to ride on days when it is raining. But with all the rainy days at this time of year, we often ride after a day with heavy rain. At this time of year, there are places with wet leaves on the ground that are SLIPPERY! Late in the fall, we had a club member break her hip after taking a fall caused by sliding out while running over a clump of wet leaves. So, after a rainy day, or while riding through a damp canyon, be especially careful around wet leaves on the road.