Share the Road with a Cyclist

April is usually the beginning of the biking season around here and often goes to the end of Fall, depending on the weather. This past winter, which was an unusual one, some guys kept riding right through winter. I know…my husband was one of them! But for most of us, and myself included, we prefer the fair-weather days.

Many cyclists are getting their two-wheeled vehicles ready to ride on the road and thinking about favorite bike routes through the countryside. Central New York has some scenic and enjoyable rides to offer. You just have to know where to go. I, personally, don’t care for eighteen-wheeler trucks whizzing by me, so staying off roads where they travel a lot is a good idea. And roads with a wide shoulder are user-friendly. Back country roads that parallel main roads are my preference. With road riders, it’s common to form a loop, starting at one location, pedal up and down hills and across flats, maybe pass an ice-cream stand or two and then end where the ride began. It can be enjoyable, scenic and great exercise. But riding a bicycle on the road does have it’s risks. If you stay sharp, know the rules of the road and choose less risky routes, you can better enjoy many seasons of cycling, as many cyclists have.

When sharing the road with automobiles, cyclists need to know and obey the rules of the road. Cyclists are suppose to follow the same rules as motor vehicles. This means riding on the right-hand side of the road, stopping at lights and even stop signs and signaling of your intent. Be as obvious and clear as possible, especially since cars are traveling as a different and faster speed than bicycles. Carrying on a conversation at a busy intersection when on your bike is not wise. You want to be alert, careful and able to flow with the traffic. Bikes aren’t supposed to be ridden on sidewalks. The pedestrians and police will thank you. And so will I, when I’m walking along. If you ride your bike on the sidewalk, you’re making us other cyclists look bad!

Another thing to consider when sharing the road is going in a group. Automobiles can see a group of cyclists better than one cyclist. If many in the group are wearing bright yellow or something reflective, all the more visible! Cyclists can use their numbers to draw attention to themselves, thereby alerting motor vehicles of their presence. If you go alone, be as visible as possible. And time of day is another thing to consider. I feel less safe on my bike at dawn and dusk, when the sun could be shinning in the eyes of the truck driver behind me.

We at Action Sports, located at 85 Main Street in Cortland, want to remind you that cyclists and motor vehicles share the same road. When riding or driving, be safe, courteous, obedient to the law and alert. Then, all users of the road will have a better chance of enjoying more time on the road.

For your cycling needs, come check us out here at Action Sports, Cortland’s only bike and ski shop. We sell Specialized and Jamis bicycles and accessories, including bright and reflective jerseys and jackets. We also offer tune-ups on most makes and models of bikes, so if your bike hasn’t had any attention in a while, bring it in. We are located across the street from the Cortland Post Office. Our hours are: Mon, Wed, Thur, Fri 10:00-5:30; Sat 10:00-3:00. Closed Sundays and Tuesdays. 607.753.9612.

Happy Safe Cycling! Enjoy fitness and scenic views of our county and neighboring counties!

By Lisa Belknap @ Action Sports

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