CALIFORNIA BICYCLE NEWS AND CYCLING SAFETY TIPS BLOG

Can New Types of Bicycle Helmets Prevent Traumatic Brain Injuries?

Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) are one of the greatest risks cyclists face if they are unfortunate enough to be involved in a cycling accident. Inattentive drivers, poor weather, road debris and parked cars injure or kill cyclists every year. New technology developed to make bicycle helmets more effective may change the gruesome statistics and give cyclists a better chance to walk away unscathed. The Hövding airbag helmet can inflate within a tenth of a second to protect cyclists from suffering lifelong injuries. It is worn like a collar and remains deflated until the moment a cyclist is involved in an accident. By detecting abnormal movement associated with cycling accidents, the device can accurately predict when it needs to work to offer protection. To help cyclists figure out what happened leading up to their accident, the tech-savvy helmet also comes with a black box recorder embedded into the airbag. According to…
Read More »

How Does Cycling Contribute to Good Health?

Cycling is not only an effective mode of transportation, but also one of many ways to improve your physical and mental wellbeing. Biking is a form of aerobic and anaerobic exercise, which can have a significantly positive impact on cardiovascular health, weight control and mental health. San Diego has become an extremely bicycle friendly city and the benefits could serve as a preventative form of health care. Daily exercise can reduce the risks of certain illnesses and help improve the overall health of San Diego. According to the Mayo Clinic, aerobic exercise is beneficial to health, because it keeps excess weight off, increases stamina, helps the immune system fight off illness, fights high blood pressure, strengthens the heart and keeps arteries clear. It is certain there are many benefits to cycling, some of which can prevent illnesses and conditions that kill millions of Americans every year. Heart disease and obesity…
Read More »

Are California Cities Warming Up to the Idea of Cycling?

A San Francisco bike lane has been awarded the honor of being in America’s Ten Best Bike Lanes of 2014. PeopleForBikes, a national bike advocacy group consisting of representatives from the cycling industry, retailers and cycling advocates, awarded the bike lane the prestigious honor, because it is a protected contra-flow lane on a very busy street. A contra-lane means that bike traffic is going the opposite direction of vehicle traffic. San Francisco’s Regional Transportation Agency has applauded the award-winning lane, saying that it honors a strong commitment to keep cyclists safe. The award winning bike lane also allows easy access for an alternative mode of transportation in one of San Francisco’s most cluttered roadways. After 15 years of planning, the Polk Street bike lane was built as one of many projects funded through a $248 million bond. Polk Street, where the lane is located, has numerous bus routes and loading…
Read More »