Are You Thinking about Buying a Bike and Riding?

by Bruce Rosar
Triangle Roadway Bicycling

Benefits of bicycling

Fun! Cycling can be peaceful while you breathe fresh air and enjoy being much closer to nature than you can with a motor vehicle.

Improving your health through regular cycling;

Increased Fitness: You can use cycling to improve your strength, stamina and aerobic fitness, with a lower risk of overexertion or strain when compared to many other forms of exercise.

Lower Risk of Heart Disease: On average, people who exercise regularly suffer less from heart trouble than those who do not. Cardiovascular workouts strengthen the heart muscles and lower your resting pulse.

Shedding Excess Fat: Raising your metabolic rate while cycling burns body fat, helping to reduce the percentage of your body tissue that is fat. Cycling is an especially comfortable form of exercise for the occasional athlete.

Reducing Stress: The exercise and the enjoyment of riding a bike usually helps with anxiety, stress and depression. Cycling is accessible, convenient for short journeys, and sometimes faster (in traffic) than any other form of transport. You control the level of exercise, anywhere from very easy (by cycling slowly on the flats) to the ultimate (by pushing as hard as you can against the wind).


Get on your bike

Do you have a bicycle that has been sitting out in the garage for a long time? That bike needs to be checked out for safety’s sake before being used again. If you don't feel up to doing this yourself, take the bicycle down to the local bike shop for service.

Don’t have a bike? Think about the type of riding you might do before you buy a bicycle. For short commuting journeys round
town, just about any bike that fits will be adequate. Recreational riders might prefer a mountain bike for off-road riding, a touring or racing style for pavement riding, or a 'hybrid' for riding either one.

Are You Comfortable? How well your bike fits you makes a world of difference to your level of enjoyment. Ask several experienced cyclists and your local dealer to advise you. Purpose-designed cycling clothing that fits can also help you feel more comfortable on your bike.

Essential Accessories: Don't travel further from home than you’re willing to walk unless you have a pump and a small tool kit. Stock your tool kit with a spare inner tube, a tube patch kit, tire levers, and assorted tools that fit your bike's components. Most cyclists carry these in a small pack under the saddle.


Selecting a Bicycle

Almost any bicycle in good working order can be fun and safe if you use it within its limitations. Available types include;

I road bike (dropped handlebars, higher gearing, light weight)
I mountain bike (upright bars, lower gearing, more durable)
I city or hybrid bike (“cross” between road & mountain types)
I recumbent (comfortable “slouch” position, but eccentric)
I beach cruiser (good for relaxed riding in flat terrain)

A typical Hybrid /City /Cross bike is equipped with a sturdy frame, moderately wide tires, upright handlebars and a wide range of gears. This “middle of the road” type is the best bet for your first bike.

A good bike for you should have the following characteristics:

1. Comfort. Bicycles are available in many sizes. Buy one with a frame that fits your body so that you can find a comfortable position while riding.

2. Reliability and low maintenance. A good bike should be equipped with high quality components that do not require frequent adjustments and replacement.

3. Efficient gearing. Your bicycle's gears should be suited to the local terrain. A one-speed or three-speed bike may be sufficient for easy, flat terrain. A multi-speed bike can make climbing steep hills almost fun!

4. Luggage capacity and fenders. You may want to equip your bike with fenders for rainy weather and luggage racks to carry extra clothing, a briefcase, or groceries. If so, try to get a frame with brazed-on bosses and eyelets for attaching these accessories.
Buying a new bike

Here are some tips for buying a new bike:

I Shop for the best value from a professional bike shop close to
your home or workplace. Look for a bike dealer who has the training, experience, and knowledge to help you:
; select a suitable bike and accessories
; adjust the bike for you
; provide quality service and maintenance

I The size of the frame can’t be altered, so double (or triple) check that the size is right before you buy.


Your cycling wardrobe

I You can minimize the effects of pressure and vibration with padded gloves and padded shorts.

I A cycling wardrobe should provide protection from the weather, maximize your visibility, and help protect you from “road rash”. Wear bright colors; yellow, orange, and neon colors are best.

I Top off your wardrobe with a bicycle helmet. Falls can occur at any time, even close to home on a quiet street or trail. A landmark study on helmet effectiveness states that wearing one reduces the risk of head injury by 85%. Modern bicycle helmets are good looking, lightweight, and comfortable. Look for a helmet that fits comfortably, but not loosely.




Where to ride

I Public roads, except for limited access roads, are open to bicycles.

I Private roads should be assumed to be closed unless you have permission from the owner

I Public trails (such as those in Lake Crabtree County Park)

I Greenways (bicycle access varies)

I Gym (exercise bikes)

I Park roads (William B. Umstead State Park in Raleigh)

I Rail-trails (Eagles Spur, Stagecoach Road to Jordan Lake)

I Bikeways


Safety tips

I Don’t cycle when visibility gets so bad that motor vehicles start turning their lights on.
I Consider installing a bell so you can easily warn others of your approach (or just to say hello!)

Before riding in traffic:

I Practice riding straight along a painted stripe while turning your head to scan for traffic
I Learn which lane to use when riding through intersections
I Learn when to claim a lane by riding in its center
I Learn which traffic accident types are most typical for cyclists, and how to best avoid them

Bicycling Injury Topology

Cause Percentage
Falls 50%
Bicycle-Automobile collisions 17%
Bicycle-bicycle collisions 17%
Bicycle-dog collisions 8%
All other 8%

While falls constitute the bulk of bicycle injuries, the bicycle - automobile collision presents a special concern because up to 90% of bicycle-related fatalities involve a motor-vehicle.

Basic Bicycle - Automobile Collision Types

Collision Type Percentage
Turning, Merging or Crossing Paths 77%
Parallel Paths 16%

8/11/01 Copyright 1999 by Bruce Rosar Page #