Editor's note: this is part two of a five-part series from Coast Reporter and Transportation Choices (TraC0 concerning commuter cycling on the Sunshine Coast during the annual Bike To Work Week May 27 to 31.
Many of us will remember our first bicycle, those first few carefree rides, or our first trip across town. But unlike those school swimming lessons, or that series of tense driving lessons, how many of us can remember being taught how to ride a bike safely?
Cycling is a fun, practical and convenient mode for many urban and rural trips. But sadly, many adults have never learned how to ride on the road, how to communicate with cars, what to wear to be safe and seen, or how to maintain their bicycle. But help is out there. HUB, formerly the Vancouver Area Cycling Coalition (www.bikehub.ca), offers its StreetWise course, a practical and hands-on course for anyone who'd like to be more comfortable riding in traffic. Through classroom and on-road training new riders can learn about the safest place on the road to ride, how to maneuver a bike effectively, to communicate with other road users, to handle riding at night and in the rain, and more.
Of course, gaining traffic safety skills is only one part of it. Bicycle Infrastructure, route planning, road surface conditions, equipment selection, changeable weather, secure parking, and many other factors make a difference to the safety of your bike commute and should be made a part of planning for every trip.
Bicycle Infrastructure on the Coast is improving too, with bike lanes getting extended each year, bike boxes now located at several transit stops, ferries equipped with bike racks, and secure bike hoops at many municipal and private buildings. Transit buses now all carry two bikes, for free, allowing cyclists to practice multi-modal travel.
Organizations like TraC now monitor bike path conditions, and work closely with MoTi and Capilano Highways to ensure that repairs are kept up to date and debris cleared wherever possible. Check out https://www.facebook.com/TraCSunshineCoastBC for the latest up to date information on what potholes to avoid!
Weather can play a big part in the comfort and safety of your ride. Having your bike properly equipped for 'Juneuary' rains with fenders, puncture resistant tires, lights and reflectors will add to your hassle-free ride and general safety.
Clothes too make a difference. 'Cotton is rotten' so the saying goes, wear multiple layers of light self-wicking clothing, the outer layer always being bright, reflective or both. And don't expect that just because it was sunny on your ride into work, it won't be pouring down on the way home.
There's no such thing as bad weatherjust inappropriate clothing!
For free registration to Bike To Work Week, go to www.biketowork.ca and click on the tab "Register Team."
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