Tips for Adult Bicyclists

Before each ride, make sure your bike is in good working order. Perform an ABC Quick Check to avoid common mechanical issues.

• Air: squeeze each tire. If it’s soft, inflate to the recommended pressure listed on the side of the tire

• Brakes: squeeze the brake levers and roll the bike forward. If the bike moves without resistance, the brakes need to be adjusted.

• Chain: look for rust or gunk on the chain. Clean and/or lube the chain so it moves freely.

• Quick Release: confirm that all quick release levers – especially the levers for the wheels – are tight and closed .

• Check: pedal around for a bit to ensure the bike is working properly before departing.

Check out this video from League of American Bicyclists to learn more about the ABC Quick Check

Bicycle helmets are available in a variety of sizes. It’s important that a helmet is the appropriate size for your head. The following tips will ensure a helmet is properly fitted:

• Eyes: place the helmet loosely on your head. One should be able to look up and see the front edge of the helmet. If not, the helmet is not level and should be adjusted.

• Ears: the side straps should join just below the ears and form a “Y” shape. If not, adjust the straps to ensure a snug fit.

• Chin: fasten the chin strap. There should only be space for two fingers between the strap and your chin.

Some helmets have a dial in back that allows for better fit. Turn the dial until the helmet is snug (but not too tight) on your head.

Check the label on your helmet for the manufacture date. Helmets should be replaced about every five years.

It’s important to communicate with the pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorists you encounter while biking. Hand signals are an easy way to safely share your intention with others.

Signal a turn about 100 feet before an intersection. Return both hands to the handlebars before initiating a turn.

• Left turn: extend your left arm outward and point. Hold the signal for 2-3 seconds.

• Right turn: extend your right arm outward and point. Hold the signal for 2-3 seconds.

  • Another option for indicating a right turn is to extend your left arm, bent at the elbow so your forearm is pointing up.

• Straight: extend your left arm in front of you and point forward.

• Stopping: extend your left arm, bent at the elbow so your forearm is pointing down and your palm is facing back.

To avoid debris and deter motorists from passing too closely, ride as close as practicable (feasible) to the right-hand curb. On a typical road, bike 2-3 feet from the curb.

On a road with narrow lanes, or to avoid hazards, a bicyclist can “take the lane” temporarily, which means biking in the center of the lane.

About 40% of crashes occur at intersections. Before reaching an intersection (and when it is safe to do so), move from the right-hand side of the lane to the center. Proceed in the center of the lane until the intersection has been cleared. Then, move back to the right-hand side of the lane.

When biking on multi-use trails, it’s important to be responsible and predictable. To ensure safety for all trail users::

• Bike on the right side or in the right lane

• Yield to slower trail users, such as walkers, runners, other bicyclists, and equestrians

• Announce intent to pass by ringing a bell or by clearly stating, “passing”

• Pass other trail users on the left when it’s safe to do so

• Obey the trail speed limit

• Obey other rules and regulations

When biking at night, it’s important to be visible to others. Illinois law requires a white front light and a red rear light (or reflector) to ride a bicycle at night.

Wearing a reflective ankle strap and clothing with reflective material increases visibility.

For the most part, the road network is also the bike network. Except where expressly prohibited, people can and do ride bicycles everywhere – from calm rural roads, to busy state routes, to congested downtown streets.

The ideal route for getting somewhere by bike depends on the situation and the ability of the person riding the bike. A confident, experienced bicyclist chooses a route differently than a family biking to a local restaurant.  Sometimes route choices are limited by barriers such as multi-lane arterials, narrow bridges and lack of safe infrastructure. The following tips will help choose a safe route to get from point A to point B by bike. We want you to arrive safely!

Preferred Conditions

• Low traffic volume

• Lower speed limits

• Presence of other bicyclists

• Separate bike-ped infrastructure

• Direct and convenient route

• Stoplights at busy intersections

• Ample lane and/or shoulder width

• Safe crossings over rivers and railroad tracks

When a sidewalk is the only viable option, reduce speed and yield to pedestrians. Pay extra attention at intersections, alleys, driveways and other locations where a motorist might not see you.

Available Resources

With bit of time and effort, one can plan a safe, enjoyable route to their destination. Below are some resources to consult when choosing a route:

• Other bicyclists are often a reliable source for safe routes to various destinations. Or stop by your local bike shop for suggestions.

• The Strava Global Heat Map collects GPS trip data from users and provides hints about roads that are preferred either because they are pleasant or the least worst in the area.

• Apps such as Pointz, Ride with GPS and Komoot offer routing options and use available data to suggest one or more routes.

• Google Maps offers directions for trips by bike. Be sure to click on the bike icon to view suggested routes for going by bike.

• Paper bike maps highlight a network of roads and trails that are relatively comfortable and convenient for most bicyclists.

When locking your bike, choose a secure, well-lit location. Lock your bike to a bike rack or a fixed, immovable object.

Use a high-quality, heavy-duty U-lock or chain lock. Lock the frame and rear wheel to the rack. Consider using two locks to also lock the front wheel to the rack.

Below are a few additional recommendations for safe, enjoyable trips by bike.

• Do

  • Carry an ID and cell phone

  • Be predictable and avoid sudden turns or movements

  • Wave “thank you” to patient, courteous motorists

• Don’t

  • Wear earbuds

  • Weave between vehicles

  • Bike against traffic (except in a contra-flow bike lane)