CALIFORNIA BICYCLE NEWS AND CYCLING SAFETY TIPS BLOG

Activists Express Concerns about San Diego Bicycle Programs

Bicycling has many benefits: health, traffic reduction and it’s better for the environment than most cars. San Diego is a great city for cycling, but that doesn’t mean we don’t have our shortcomings. Activists are pushing for quicker implementation of the city’s Bicycle Master Plan. The Bicycle Master Plan provides a framework for making cycling more practical and convenient for residents of San Diego. The plan was approved in 2013 and is intended to create an interconnected network of bike lanes throughout the city. It is a big part of the city’s plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Since the passage of the plan, 15 percent of proposed bike lane miles have been implemented and 22 percent of the existing network has been improved. The Bike Advisory Committee will soon start working with transportation engineers and the city to implement the plan faster. One of the reasons the plan is…
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Be a “Roll Model” – Encourage Cycling Safety in California

The California Office of Traffic Safety is encouraging cyclists in the state to become “roll models.” The effort comes during May, which is National Bicycle Safety Month. Roll models are cyclists who are actively decreasing the risks of traffic crashes, preventable injuries and deaths. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 818 cyclists died and over 45,000 were injured in 2015. Cycling deaths increased 12 percent from 2014, highlighting the need for comprehensive education and awareness efforts. How to Be a Roll Model Ride and Drive Focused. Avoid distractions while cycling, such as listening to music. Ride and Drive Prepared. Cycling accidents can happen in the blink of an eye and can lead to catastrophic accidents and injuries. Prepare and expect the unexpected. Safety First. Make sure you never get on a bicycle without a helmet. Ensure night safety by making sure you have all of the needed reflectors…
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Best Practices for Washing Your Bicycle

It’s inevitable – even if you just leave it in storage, your bike is going to get dirty. And while wiping it down with a wet rag can solve a minor dirt problem, it’s wise to do a deep cleaning of your bike every once in a while. Here’s a short how-to on bike cleaning. Cleaning That Bike What you need: bucket, rags, a cleaning agent (diluted dish soap works well if you don’t have a dedicated bike wash product), clean water, degreaser or solvent and a soft, bristled brush. Remove the bike’s chain. Spray it with degreaser or solvent and scrub away any gunk you see. While there are devices available that allow you to clean the chain while it’s still attached to the bike, those aren’t necessary – some good old elbow grease will do the job just fine. Allow the chain to dry while you continue to…
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