Tag Archives: CyclingSanDiego

Five Tips for Increasing Cycling Visibility in Southern California

Some bicycle accidents occur when motorists fail to spot cyclists in time to avoid collisions. Motorists may not be scanning the road for cyclists, so it is important to adopt methods that can help you stand out. Visibility is paramount to your safety as a cyclist. Our five tips could help you decrease the odds of being involved in a collision with a vehicle. Wear bright clothing. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, fluorescent clothing can make you visible to motorists from further away during the daytime. Fluorescent clothing is even more useful when used on moving parts of the body, such as the legs. Bright retroreflective clothing could improve your visibility at night. Use reflective tape. You could attach reflective tape to your clothing, helmet or bicycle. Reflective tape can bounce light off oncoming vehicles. This is a good tip if your clothing does not already…
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Proper Braking Techniques for San Diego Cyclists

Braking is one of the most essential skills for a cyclist to master, but even if you have been riding since you were a kid, you may not know everything there is to know about safe, effective and proper braking. When you apply the brake, push your body weight backwards. When you brake, your body naturally shifts forward toward the front wheel, meaning that the majority of your braking power goes to the front brake. By leaning back, you even out your braking power, making it easier to control your bike and brake effectively. This is especially useful if you must brake from high speed; it helps prevent flying over your handlebars. To practice this technique, you can do emergency stops in a parking lot or a grass field. Avoid braking while turning. Ideally, you want to slow down, get low and take your turns smoothly, but if you absolutely…
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San Diego Bicycle Master Plan Vote Delayed

San Diego’s Bicycle Master Plan, an initiative to expand the city’s network of bike lanes to make cycling safer, faster and more efficient, was passed in 2013, but has recently come across a snag in its implementation. The San Diego City Council was scheduled to vote to speed up the plan’s implementation, but that vote has since been delayed. According to bicycle advocates, the plan may not be strong enough to accomplish the City Council’s goals. The Bicycle Master Plan The Bicycle Master Plan is a part of the city’s Climate Action Plan, which seeks to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in San Diego, the majority of which are produced from cars and trucks. To accomplish this reduction in emissions, the city must heavily focus on changing commuting habits. It is hoped, under the plan, that by 2020, 6 percent of San Diegans living near major public transit stops will be…
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