Wisconsin Aluminum Foundry Bike Sense User's Manual
Contents
1. 2004 04 27 43 4 21 2004 8 46 PM NE L Ld 3 m 4 LEM A GUIDE TO THE RULES OF THE ROAD BICYCLE HANDLING TRAFFIC SKILLS AND THE ENJOYMENT OF BICYCLING LIFE a se 4 27 2004 8 46 2 ALWAYS Wear a properly fitted helmet Do a safety check on your bike before riding Obey all traffic laws Be visible Be predictable Be alert of Wisconsin Pus hing pedaling This manual condenses and paraphrases language in the Wisconsin State Statutes It also provides safe ty advice not included in the law This manual is not a proper legal authority to cite and should not be relied upon in a court of law In the event of a difference between material included in Bike Sense and the Wisconsin State Statutue the state law shall apply Bicycle Federation of Wisconsin is not responsible for and accepts no liability or responsibility of any kind for the information provided herein BIKE SENSE THE WISCONSIN BICYCLE OPERATOR S MANUAL 4 27 2004 8 46 3 Why bicycle Equipment 6 Visibility 13 Bicycling amp traffic skills 15 Who can you contact 27 Public Transit 20 Crashes Avoiding Crashes 32 Wisconsin Bicycle Laws 33 Bicycle security 35 Trail Ettiquette 37 Two Minute Bike Check 38 Bicycling Resources amp Ad2. Mastercard Q Visa CC ____ 2522 Exp Date Signature Please make check payable to and return this page to Bicycle Federation of Wisconsin P O Box 1224 Madison WI 53701 1224 36 BIKE SENSE THE WISCONSIN BICYCLE OPERATOR S MANUAL 4 27 2004 8 48 PM Page 39 Bicycling Resources and Advocacy Ever wonder what advocacy really is You may be interested in advocacy and not even know it If you are concerned about the rights and privileges of bicyclists whether for access to trails or safer road rid ing conditions then you are interested in bicycling advocacy There are many ways to become involved in advocacy and help ensure that bicyclists as a community of people are heard and understood There are clubs and coalitions as well as concerned individuals throughout the area that work to improve bicycling conditions rights and privileges Don t wait for oth ers to solve problems for you Become familiar with the decision makers and bicycling advocacy groups in your area to work toward improved conditions for bicyclists If you are concerned about the safety rights and privileges of bicyclists whether on trails paths or the road then you are interested in bicycling advocacy Bicycle Federation of Wisconsin welcomes all comments suggestions and additional bicycling information for Bike Sense from across the state To reach us or to order copies of the manual contact B
3. Treat every driveway like an intersection and watch for traffic emerg ing from the driveway Do not assume that a driver backing out of a driveway has seen you Going straight through an intersection To go straight through an intersection use the rightmost lane that 20 BIKE SENSE THE WISCONSIN BICYCLE OPERATOR S MANUAL 4 27 2004 8 48 21 goes straight ahead Do not ride in a right turn only lane if you going straight Right turn only lanes when going straight If the curb lane becomes a right turn only lane you will need to change lanes to go straight Look over your shoulder for traffic sig nal and then go to the right side of the closest straight through lane when an opening appears Making a left turn There are two main ways of making a left turn on a bicycle a As a vehicle As you approach the intersection look over your left shoulder for traffic signal your turn and when clear move over to the left side of the lane on a two lane road or into the left lane or the center turn lane You should be positioned so cars going straight through cannot pass you on your left Yield to oncoming traffic before turning If you are riding in a bike lane or on a road with sev eral lanes you need to look and signal each time you change lanes Never make a left turn from the right side of the road even if you are in a bike lane a b b Pedestrian style Procee
4. After dark all bicyclists are required by Wisconsin State law to have a front white headlight visible to others from a minimum of 500 feet and a rear red reflector visible to others from 50 500 feet when directly illuminated by a car headlight A red rear flashing light may be used in addition to a reflector and will make the rider more visi ble Lights and reflective devices come in a wide range of shapes sizes colors and costs and can be mounted directly on the bicycle or clipped to the rider or accessories Check with your local bike shop for advice on the most appropriate set up for your needs and to ensure that the lights you intend to purchase meet or exceed these requirements This is discussed further in the chapter on visibility Tires Narrow tires inflated to higher pressure provide less rolling resist ance and therefore easier pedaling on hard surfaces Fat tires pro vide more comfort and better traction especially if riding off road or in snow Ask your bike shop what type of tire would be best suit ed to your riding needs Keep tires inflated to their recommended pressure which is marked on the sidewall of the tire Under inflat ed tires reduce your efficiency and increase your chances of flat tires For off road use or in snow tire pressure can be reduced to absorb greater impact and provide better traction X NM Fenders Fenders keep you dry and clean They also prevent lights reflectors Loo
5. or the sum total cost of is required to give the bicyclist at least 3 feet of replacing such property clearance and to maintain that clearance until safely past 346 075 This section does not apply to accidents involv i ly vehicl lled by h A bicyclist passing a stopped or moving vehicle is also required to give at least 3 feet of clear Use of Sidewalks h ing 346 8 ance when passing 346 60 2 c e State Statutes allow local units of government Bicycling at Night to permit vehicles on sidewalks through local di 346 e Bicycling at night requires at least a white front headlight and red rear reflector The white When bicycles are allowed to be operated on BIKE SENSE THE WISCONSIN BICYCLE OPERATOR S MANUAL 34 4 27 2004 8 48 35 sidewalks bicyclists must yield to pedestrians and give an audible warning when passing pedestrians traveling in the same direction 346 804 At intersections and other sidewalk crossings alleys driveways a bicyclist on the sidewalk has the same rights and duties as pedestrians 346 23 24 25 37 38 Bicycle Security Talk to your local bicycle store about the right lock for you and your bicycle Ask for secure cov ered parking at your workplace For short term parking make sure to lock both your frame and Minutes Bicyclist Can t Afford to Miss Is bike insp
6. 27 Pantone543 qxd is Visi DN As a narrow vehicle bicyclists can be less visible to motorists It is therefore extremely important for bicyclists to use every means possible to make themselves conspicuous Position yourself where motorists are looking The Wisconsin State law requires bicyclists to keep to the right but that does not mean hugging the curb You should be at least three feet away from the curb or parked cars This will reduce the risk of hitting the curb or debris and also will place you within the motorist s field of vision This allows you to move away from traffic to avoid an obstacle or crowding by another vehicle Avoid riding in a motorist s blind spot Do not pass on the right Do not pass moving traffic on the motorists right side since car driv ers do not expect anything to interfere with a right turn from the right lane and as such often neglect to look right before turning Drivers may also drift close to the right edge of the road If using a bike lane slow down and be sure to watch for inattentive drivers who may be turning across your path Passing on the left is recommended BIKE SENSE THE WISCONSIN BICYCLE OPERATOR S MANUAL 13 BikeSenseDaneCo 2004 04 27 Pantone543 qxd 4 27 2004 8 47 PM Page 14 sda Wear brightly colored clothing Wear brightly colored clothing such as neon green yellow and orange and or wear a safety vest day or nig
7. MANUAL IO 4 27 2004 8 48 20 your destination right third if you are turning right center if you going straight and left third if you are turning left If you cannot make lt gt itacross traffic to position yourself in the correct lane you have the choice to use the crosswalk as a pedestrian instead If there is a straight through bike lane use it only if you are going straight ahead gt Watch for vehicles turning across your path either coming towards you or from behind Be prepared to avoid them Always enter intersections either ahead of or behind the vehicle in your lane You may not see the turn signals of a vehicle directly beside you AL and the driver may not see you Make eye contact with other road users when necessary to be sure that they have seen you Ensure that you are away from the curb to increase your visibility Avoid entering an intersection on a yellow light since it is likely to turn red when you are still in the middle of it Most lights are timed for motor vehicles that can cross the intersection more quickly When there are four way stop signs the first vehicle to come to a com plete stop has the right of way If two vehicles stop simultaneously or so close as to constitute a hazard the vehicle on the right has right of way However legally you must not proceed until it is safe to do so
8. Wisconsin DOT www dot state wi us modes bicycles htm State Bicycle Coordinator Wisconsin Department of Transportation 4802 Sheboygan Ave PO Box 7913 Madison WI 53707 7913 608 267 7757 UW Madison www fpm wisc edu trans TDM Bicycling htm Pedestrian Bicycle Coordinator 610 Walnut St Rm 142 For regional bicycle issues and planning contact Madison Area Metropolitan Planning Organization 121 S Pinckney 400 Madison WI 53703 608 266 4336 You can also find the Bicycle Transportation Plan for the Madison Urban Area and Dane County on the City of Madison s web site WWW ci madison wi us transp bicycle sept2000 Madison WI 53705 bicycletranplan html 608 263 2969 28 BIKE SENSE THE WISCONSIN BICYCLE OPERATOR S MANUAL BikeSenseDaneCo 2004 04 27 Pantone543 qxqd a i 4 27 2004 8 48 PM Page 29 P Public Transit Bus Bike Racks Madison Metro has bike racks on its buses The racks each hold two bicycles and are easy to use Instructions on how to use the racks can be found on the rack or the Madison Metro website www mymetrobus com There is no charge for taking your bike on the bus One way to learn to use the racks is to practice while a bus is waiting at a transfer point or time point such as the Capitol Square Lift your bike onto the bike rack fitting wheels into proper wheel slots Each wheel slot is clearly labeled for the front wheel NOTE The rack operates properly even if a bic
9. road well ahead of you to see if there are pot holes gravel glass drainage grates or other hazards coming up If you have to move over into traffic to avoid these look over your shoulder first and use a hand signal if necessary An abrupt swerve into traffic can easily lead to a collision To make riding safer for you and other bicyclists report unsafe road conditions to local authorities as soon as possible Parked cars Ride no closer than three feet from parked cars to avoid being hit by an opening door The doors of some vehicle types can swing far into your lane If you can see that the car is occupied be particularly care ful Where cars are parked intermittently ride in a straight line instead of swerving in and out between the parked cars This increas es your visibility and predictability for car drivers on the road Intersections and turning lanes Approximately 60 of motorist bicyclist collisions occur at intersec tions The majority of these happen when the bicyclist is moving straight ahead To minimize the dangers you must observe the fol lowing rules at intersections and turn lanes When you approach an intersection with several lanes choose the rightmost lane that takes you where you want to go You may get cut off by turning cars if you are not in the appropriate lane If there is a single lane of traffic position yourself in the third of the lane appropriate to BIKE SENSE THE WISCONSIN BICYCLE OPERATOR S
10. speed can be a danger on such a path Therefore bicyclists who want to travel quickly should opt to use roadways rather than heavily used paths Remember that you are sharing the path with others and need to respect their rights Reduce your speed where appropriate and give an audible warning before passing other path users BIKE SENSE THE WISCONSIN BICYCLE OPERATOR S MANUAL BikeSenseDaneCo 2004 04 27 Pantone543 qxqd a i 4 27 2004 8 48 PM Page 27 L4 Bicyclists are a legitimate and recognized part of traffic and they have a legal right to safe riding conditions on our roads There are individuals at the local state and national level who can help you Who can you contact While bicycle commuters may sometimes feel embattled and overlooked there are in fact a number of resources available to help improve life for those who use their bikes as a primary means of transportation Bicyclists are a legiti mate and recognized part of traffic and they have a legal right to safe riding conditions on Wisconsin s roads Listed below are some people and groups that you can contact if you have bicy cle related concerns and issues to be addressed Madison has a Bicycle Pedestrian Coordinator in its Department of Transportation office The coordinator can deal with many of the questions of bicyclists in Madison such as road conditions construction safety bicycling hazards and appro priate facilities
11. unless you re sure you won t injure yourself more If the crash is not reported at the time it happens you can also file a report after the fact Call the law enforcement agency in the jurisdiction where the crash occurred and ask how to report a crash Most homeowner s insurance will cover your lia bility if you cause a crash while on your bike Check with your insurance provider if you have questions driver s license number license plate number make of car insurance company name and policy number Copy driver name and address informa tion directly from the driver s license if possible Don t accept a business card without verifying that the name is the same as on the driver s license 4 Getthe names and phone numbers of wit nesses 5 Write down how the crash happened while it s fresh in your memory Include details of the inci dent including a diagram Describe the circum stances of the collision in as much detail as possi ble weather conditions lighting speeds etc 6 Keep or photograph any damaged clothes or equipment Save any receipts from repairs or medical bills You will need these for an insur ance claim Dangerous Traffic Violations Many bicyclists and motorists are unaware of the rights and responsibilities of bicyclists In the event that you are on the receiving end of danger ous driving behavior and are able to obtain a vehi cle license plate number report the matter to police as s
12. your inside pedal up to avoid catching the pedal on the road Think and plan your next 30 seconds Anticipate behavior and movements of other road users and hazards S 27 Shift your weight back during that might appear Make eye contact and observe the traffic on the fy emergency stop road ahead behind and around you Practice this so that it becomes da automatic behavior Be assertive Be assertive but remember that a conflict between a bicyclist and a motor vehicle usually results in injury to the bicyclist It is best to remember that when in doubt do not bicycle beyond your confidence level By Wisconsin State law bicycles are vehicles and riders have the same rights and duties as operators of motor vehicles The same rules of right of way traffic signs and signals apply to bicyclists as apply to motorists If you are in doubt about the rules of the road obtain a copy of the Wisconsin Motorists Handbook A bicycle law sheet and wallet card are available from the Department of Transportation or the Bicycle Federation of Wisconsin Ride on the right in the same direction as other traffic Some people still believe that bicyclists are like pedestrians and should ride facing traffic This is not only illegal but has also been shown to dramatically increase the risk of a collision Drivers won t expect a road BIKE SENSE THE WISCONSIN BICYCLE OPERATOR S MANUAL 17 4 27 2004
13. your weight on the handlebars when twisting up and down to make certain they will not slip in a panic stop 9 Check other attachments nuts and bolts to make sure nothing is loose or might rub against your tires 6 Grab the crankarms and try to push them in and out to check the crank arms and bearings for looseness There should be no lateral play in the crank axle Also check that the pedals are screwed in all the way flat against the crankarms note there is a left and a right pedal the left pedal is reverse threaded The pedals should be marked with an L or an R either on the back of the spindle or on the flats 7 With the rear wheel off the ground turn the pedals and shift through the gears Make sure the derailleurs can reach all your cog chainring com binations and do not throw the chain off the front or back sprockets If there are problems you may need to make a cable adjustment or adjust the derailleur limit screws Watch the chain pass through the rear derailleur jockey wheels looking Check your tire pressure with a gauge Keep your tires pumped up to the recommended pres sure marked on the tire 36 BIKE SENSE THE WISCONSIN BICYCLE OPERATOR S MANUAL BikeSenseDaneCo 2004 04 27 Pantone543 qxd 4 27 2004 8 48 PM Page 37 adz Trail Etiquette Whether you are walking biking jogging or e Always look before changing positions on the roller blading stay on the right side of the pat
14. 8 48 18 user to be going the wrong way and won t be looking for you Riding the wrong way makes it difficult to avoid other road users and obsta cles it forces you out into traffic if you need to swerve You can t see road signs or make proper turns And finally the closing speed between you and another road user makes a collision more dangerous How far to the right should you ride The law requires bicyclists to ride as close as practicable to the right hand curb or edge of the roadway but that does not mean hugging the curb or edge of the road See the Wisconsin Bicycle Laws in the appendix for conditions where you are not required to ride as far to the right as practicable You always need some extra space to maneuver around road hazards without running the risk of hitting the curb or going off the edge of the road This allows you to move away from traffic instead of directly into traffic in the event of an emergency As a general rule ride at least 2 3 feet from the edge of the pavement If there is no shoulder or bike lane and the curb lane is narrow bicyclists may chose to use the Motorists field of view Y Right wa ay V NS field of view whole lane by riding in the center of it a This can be safer than riding far to the right which may encourage motorists to squeeze by where there isn t sufficient space Motorists are requ
15. absorbers Tracks can be slippery when wet so avoid turns while crossing BIKE SENSE THE WISCONSIN BICYCLE OPERATOR S MANUAL 23 4 27 2004 8 48 24 Weather hazards Rain makes roads slippery especially after a long dry period Watch out especially for painted markings on the road leaves oily spots and metal utility access covers these locations are likely to be slippery Avoid them if possible or cross them with great care You have less traction on the road so turn more slowly Visibility is poor in wet weather and when the sun is low winter sun rise or sun set and motorists may have more difficulty seeing you Ride defensively and see the visibility section on how to make yourself more visible Leave extra room and be prepared for sudden stops or swerves by traffic around you Brakes work less effectively when wet especially during the initial exposure to wet conditions If possible try them out on a quiet street to test their stopping power before heading into heavier and faster traffic Dry rims by feathering brakes applying them lightly before you need to stop or slow down Always give yourself extra room to stop when rims are wet Avoid puddles when possible since they might hide potholes broken glass or other exciting surprises Cold weather leads to frost black ice and snow all reducing traction dramatically Remember that two wheels do not slide in the same man
16. and safety checks yourself or take your bicycle to a qualified bicycle mechanic regularly See the 2 Minute Bike Check in the appendix It is particularly important to frequently check the brakes and tires and to clean inspect and lubricate the dri vetrain the gears chain and derailleur By doing this you will ensure the efficient performance of the bicycle ensure that your bicy cle will perform properly in an emergency situation and minimize the risk of a mechanical breakdown far from home or assistance Each time you ride you should do this minimum ABC Quick Check A Air Be sure your tires are inflated to the recommended pressure on the sidewall BIKE SENSE THE WISCONSIN BICYCLE OPERATOR S MANUAL II BikeSenseDaneCo 2004 04 27 Pantone543 qxd 4 27 2004 8 47 PM Page 12 adz B Brakes Squeeze your brake levers hard to be sure the brakes are working and the levers don t reach all the way to the handlebars C Chain Don t ride with a dry chain Lube your chain on a regular basis to reduce wear and rust and make pedaling easier Quick Quick releases Take a look to be certain the quick releases on your wheels and brakes are closed and tight Helmets Studies have shown that in the event of a crash a helmet will greatly reduce your chances of a serious brain injury Your helmet should have CPSC standards approval clearly designated on it Hockey or other types of sports helmets are not appropriate f
17. ass Rough trails On what kind of terrain will I be riding How hilly is it If you plan to ride mostly flat areas then gearing will be less critical If you want to be able to ride in hilly areas you will need a wide range of gears 6 BIKE SENSE THE WISCONSIN BICYCLE OPERATOR S MANUAL 4 27 2004 8 46 7 Will I be carrying things Commuters and bicyclists carrying gear while traveling should buy a bike that can accommodate a rack and added weight How devoted a cyclist do I want to be Is this bike going to be used every day or only a few times a year How important is quality dura bility and speed Is riding position important Consider back shoulder neck or knee problems when deciding riding position How far do I want to ride Almost any bike is appropriate for short weekend rides but consider a better lighter bike if you plan to go on long rides or a tour Size and fit Make sure your bike is the right size and adjusted to fit you properly The right size bicycle is easier to control and more comfortable caus ing less fatigue Your local bike shop can help you choose adjust and equip the right bicycle for your needs Does Your Bike Fit Your bike s most important safety feature is you If you re not com fortable you re more likely to ride poorly Getting exactly the right fit depends on many things including your height weight and riding style You shou
18. d in an approved carrier or when riding a tan dem or trailer bicycle Several studies have proven that bicyclists on side walks face a far greater collision risk than bicy clists on the roadway The main danger points are driveways and street crossings where sidewalk bicyclists surprise motorists and pedestrians by appearing from unexpected directions Bicyclists on sidewalks traveling in the opposite direction from traffic are especially at risk Riding on multi use paths Except for street crossings and driveways paths are safe from car bicycle collisions and you don t have to endure the noise and pollution However bicyclists must yield to pedestrians and slower path users in general Other users such as jog gers skaters children pets and pedestrians may Headphones Because headphones can obstruct your hearing they are not recommended while riding a bicycle and are illegal in some jurisdictions Check your local ordinances Bicycling restrictions Bicycles may not be ridden on roads where signs indicate bicycling is prohibited Bicycling is per mitted on all other roadways Riding on sidewalks Local jurisdictions may or may not permit bicycles on sidewalks but bicyclists must yield to pedestri ans and give an audible warning when passing At intersections and other sidewalk crossings bicy clists have the same rights and duties as pedestri ans 26 act unpredictably and a bicyclist maintaining a high
19. d straight through the intersection on the right Then stop make degree left turn and either walk your bicycle in the crosswalk or proceed as if you were coming from the right If there is a signal wait for the green or WALK signal before crossing Yield to pedestrians in the crosswalk On rural or high speed roads you should time your left turn so that you can complete the whole turn at once without affecting motorists You don t want to get caught in the middle of high speed traffic If necessary slow down or stop on the right edge of the road and wait until you get a large enough gap in traffic to make your turn safely If the traffic is too heavy without a sufficient gap continue on to the nearest intersection and do a pedestrian style turn BIKE SENSE THE WISCONSIN BICYCLE OPERATOR S MANUAL 21 4 27 2004 8 48 22 al i Passing on the left When overtaking slower moving traffic you may pass on their left and should allow at least three feet of clearance When passing other bicyclists warn them in advance by voice or bell Passing on the right You may pass on the right if it is safe to do so It is safe only if you can maintain at least three feet clearance from both stopped and moving vehicles When passing be sure to check for drivers posi tioning themselves to make a right turn Motorists may not signal their turns and often do not expect you to be to their right Thi
20. e handlebars or moving your Regular maintenance and inspection are important for bicycle safety ES seat forward or backward You can also change to a shorter or longer handlebar stem Don t raise your handlebars so high that less than two inches of your handlebar stem extends into the frame If you have to raise your handlebars higher than the safe limit get a taller stem Rotate your handlebars so that they put even pressure across the palms of your hands without bending your wrists in a strange way Brakes Your brakes must be powerful enough so you can easily bring your bike to a quick stop You should be able to quickly and easily reach the brake levers from where you 2 A 4 normally position your hands Replace your brake pads before they wear close to the metal holders Since the pads wear down you may have to adjust them regularly For small adjustments you can use the threaded adjustment screws on the brakes or brake levers BIKE SENSE THE WISCONSIN BICYCLE OPERATOR S MANUAL 4 27 2004 8 47 10 All traditional bicycle brakes work less effectively when they wet Aluminum rims have much better braking performance than steel rims in wet conditions It is dangerous to have only one brake in working order Make sure both front and rear brakes work properly and have regular maintenance performed by a bicycle mechanic Lights and reflectors
21. e reported to protect the legal rights of victims and aid in correcting and tracking crash causes Bicyclists are required to remain at the scene of a crash the same as the driver of a motor vehicle You are also required to provide your name and address to the other parties involved or to a police officer upon request It is best to carry identification emer gency contact information and medical insurance information especially when you bicycle alone 30 BIKE SENSE THE WISCONSIN BICYCLE OPERATOR S MANUAL 4 27 2004 8 48 31 If you are in crash with a motor vehicle bicycle or pedestrian don t ride away or shake off what seems like a minor injury You might find later that it is worse than you thought Bicycling injuries often don t manifest themselves until much later It is better to be sure you have all the details of a crash in case you need medical atten tion or to file a report If you re a victim of or a witness to a crash here are the steps to take 1 Call the police 2 If needed get medical help immediately 3 Getthe following information from others involved in the crash if relevant to vehicle involved driver name address phone number 7 Ifyou file a police report get the report num ber from police on the scene Also if you re a vic tim Don t get mad at the scene Keep a level head so you can ask questions and take notes If you re injured don t move
22. ection something you have been reserving for a rainy day activity It shouldn t be Make this two minute check each time you are preparing to ride Correct any problems and make adjustments on the spot When you ride your attention should be on the road at all times If you hear a rattle or suspect a problem get off the road to check it Do not start looking your bike over while you are moving Taking attention away from the road ahead to glance down at the bike has caused many a bicycle crash front wheel to a bike rack or other object that can not be moved Best locations are in busy pedestri an areas visible from many vantage points At home keep your bicycle out of sight and dry Never leave your bike unlocked for even a short time Keep a description of your bike and its seri al number at home they will help you retrieve your bike if it is stolen Madison has mandatory bicycle registration Even if you live in another community you can register your bicycle with the city of Madison Your local police may also keep records of serial numbers Check with an insur ance agent about protecting your bike it s an investment you ll want to keep Madison Bicycle Registration www ci madison wi us transp Bicycle bikereg html 608 266 4474 The Two Minute Check 1 Check that your front wheel quick release is tight or axle nuts 2 Squeeze the front brake lever and check that the brake pads align squarely on the rim Also check
23. els of fitness Bicycling is practical and cost effective It is often just as fast as a car or a bus in city traffic and bicycling makes it easy to avoid traffic jams There are no gas tanks to fill and parking is usually free and available next to your destination Once you have the basic equipment bicycling is an extremely economical form of transportation Bicycling is good for the environment Bicycling produces no air pollu tion greenhouse gases or noise It also reduces traffic congestion deterioration of road surfaces and land requirements for roads and parking lots BIKE SENSE THE WISCONSIN BICYCLE OPERATOR S MANUAL 5 BikeSenseDaneCo 2004 04 27 Pantone543 qxd 4 27 2004 8 46 PM Page 6 adz TO amp U C E 5 z EE Nc 77 55 of YOR 4 To ride your bicycle safely and efficiently it is important to have all equipment operating ua smoothly and properly B Your Bike What to consider when buying a bike What type of bike to buy depends on a number of factors The best advice is Talk to your local bike shop staff They will help you pick out a bike that suits your riding style budget and bicycling goals Just as there is no perfect pair of shoes or coat for every circum stance bikes have advantages and disadvantages for different types of riding Here are some questions to consider Where will I ride Paved streets and road Unpaved but smooth trails Gr
24. f ctan bike pdf Several studies in North America have found that the primary fault in bicycle motor vehicle colli sions is approximately equally shared between bicyclists and drivers However these studies often do not separate adult from child bicyclists when reporting data BIKE SENSE THE WISCONSIN BICYCLE OPERATOR S MANUAL 4 27 2004 8 48 33 bicyclists should be aware that the three most rights and subject to the same duties as the common motorist caused bicycle motor vehicle driver of any other vehicle 346 02 4 a ME MM Lane Positioning oncoming driver turns left in front of the bicyclist e Always ride on the right in the same direction A driver on a cross street stops and then pulls as other traffic 346 80 2 a in front of the bicyclist out directly in front of the bicyclis Ride as far to the right as is practicable not as A driver barely passes the bicyclist and then iac Soe turns right e Practicable generally means safe and reason able 346 80 2 a lists a few situations when it Wi Scons e is not practicable to ride far to the right Laws When overtaking and passing another vehicle traveling in the same direction Bicyclists have the same rights and responsibili When preparing for a left turn at an inter sec ties as drivers of a motor vehicles The laws that tion or driveway govern bicyclist
25. for bicycling It is the coordina tor s job to ensure that bicyclists needs and con cerns are being taken into account when munici pal decisions are being made In other communities call the planning depart ment or traffic committee chair to ask who is in charge of bicycle planning Your voice is important You can also ask if your community has a Bicycle Advisory Committee Some communities have committees which are composed of city staff members police planners engineers and mem bers of the public Many public officials are happy to have members of the public become involved BIKE SENSE THE WISCONSIN BICYCLE OPERATOR S MANUAL 27 4 27 2004 8 48 28 in local issues Find out which committee best addresses bicycling issues In Madison this would be the Pedestrian Bicycle Motor Vehicle Commission The UW and Dane County also each have a Pedestrian Bicycle Sub committee Below are helpful resources for bicycle information in the area City of Madison www ci madison wi us transp bicycle html Pedestrian Bicycle Coordinator Madison Traffic Engineering PO Box 2986 Madison WI 53701 2986 608 266 6225 Dane County Highway amp Transportation Department www co dane wi us highway hwyhome htm 2302 Fish Hatchery Rd Madison WI 53713 2495 608 266 4261 Parks Department www co dane wi us parks parkhome htm 4318 Robertson Rd Madison WI 53714 608 246 3896
26. h trail except to pass Do not block the trail If you need to stop Faster users must yield to slower users When move to the side or off the trail approaching another user slow down and give the person plenty of space e Control your speed Trails are not an appropri ate place for high speed riding Respect other e Pass on the left Clearly alert others before trail users If you feel frustrated slowing down passing State law requires an audible warning the road may be a better place for your ride when passing a pedestrian BIKE SENSE THE WISCONSIN BICYCLE OPERATOR S MANUAL 27 A 4 27 2004 8 48 38 Bicycle Federation of Wisconsin Help Us Make Wisconsin a Better Place to Bicycle Please join us today 15 Limited Income 25 Basic free map 35 Supporter free map f Federation of Wisconsin Pushing pedaling 50 Advocate free map and extra gift 100 Sustaining extra gifts 500 Legacy much more D O U U U UL 1000 Lifetime become a Golden Spoke All members get our quarterly newsletter our annual event booklet and discounts at select bike shops throughout the state and on BFW merchandise plus updates and representation on bike issues Name as it appears on credit card billing address Name Address City LLL Sstte Zip Hm Ph E mail LI Check enclosed for or amount to charge to credit card
27. her conditions such as rain fog snow dawn or dusk 14 BIKE SENSE THE WISCONSIN BICYCLE OPERATOR S MANUAL BikeSenseDaneCo 2004 04 27 Pantone543 qxd 4 27 2004 8 48 PM Page 15 mE P 4 we S x 4 ORA 5 im d xd WM 4 As A ZR S AL Traffic m S a 08 17 Always make hand signals well in advance of any turn to increase communication with other road users Practice stopping as quickly as possible to get a feel for how much distance is needed at different speeds and under different conditions Consider registration in an approved bicycling course taught by certi fied bicycling instructors such as those offered by Bicycle Federation of Wisconsin to improve skills knowledge and confidence on the road Here are some skills that you will learn and practice in these classes Bicycling in a straight line Ride in a straight line without weaving between parked cars or when going through an intersection Keep your head up and look 300 500 feet forward Being able to ride in a straight line under varying condi tions is the key to riding safely in traffic Practice following a painted line as closely as possible at different speeds With practice you can Yes minimize wobbles Riding in a straight line makes you predictable to other road users You should be able to look over your sho
28. ht Turn on your lights Turn on your lights front and rear whenever visibility is reduced Aim your rear light to the traffic behind you and aim your front light on an angle for vehicles to see you and for you to be able to see the road You need to BE SEEN and be able to see the road as well Consider increasing the strength of your lights Dual headlights will allow you to aim one toward oncoming traffic and one at the road ahead of you Make sure the batteries for your lights are fully charged and consider carrying a spare Put reflective materials on your bicycle and clothing Put reflective materials on your bicycle and clothing including front It is especially important to increase visibility to others after dark at dawn dusk in bad weather such as rain fog or snow EN forks and rear stays wheels pedals helmets wrists and ankles Reflective bands or lights on wrists make your hand signals more visi ble Reflective materials on your legs will also show motion helping dis tinguish you from a stationary object Be aware Be aware that lights and reflectors are primarily useful for traffic coming from behind or ahead Drivers coming from the side may have trouble seeing you regardless of your lights Reflective tape and devices on the frame of your bike will allow you to be seen by others from more angles It is particularly important to increase your visibil ity in the dark or in difficult weat
29. ht seat height for most riding Bicycle brakes work less efficiently when they are wet Aluminum rims have much better braking performance than steel rims Top tube Handlebar stem Shifters Rear derailleur Bottom bracket Front derailleur Brake Levers Cassette cogs Chain ring Cranks crank arms Handlebars Seat post Seat tube Pedals Head tube Seat saddle Chain Brakes BIKE SENSE THE WISCONSIN BICYCLE OPERATOR S MANUAL BikeSenseDaneCo 2004 04 27 Pantone543 qxd 4 27 2004 8 47 PM Page 9 Sl Sit on your bike and push one pedal all the way down With the heel of your foot on the pedal your knee should be slightly bent and your leg almost straight If your hips rock from side to side when you pedal your seat s too high Don t raise your seat so high that less than two inches of your seat post extends into the frame Handlebars After you ve set your seat height set your handlebars so you feel comfortable Some things to guide you Start by raising or lowering your handlebars so they block your view of the front axle when you re sitting on your bike with your hands on the handlebars In this position your elbows should be slightly bent not locked Lower back pain often means the handlebars are too far away while upper arm or shoulder fatigue often means the handlebars are too close to you Try raising or lowering th
30. ian Report the malfunctioning signal to your traffic engineering department Carrying children Special care should be taken when transporting a child by bicycle There are a number of options available for transporting children depending on their size and age For carrying younger children a bike trailer offers more protection for the child if you should fall Bike trailers are generally considered to be a safer alternative Trailer than a bicycle child seat When using a seat mounted on the back of a bicycle special care should be taken to ensure that the child s feet hands and clothing cannot be caught in the spokes or other moving parts of the bike Bike trailers and trailer bicycles should be equipped with a taillight and reflector if BIKE SENSE THE WISCONSIN BICYCLE OPERATOR S MANUAL 25 A 4 27 2004 8 48 26 being used at night Bike trailers should also have a bike flag attached to the trailer to improve visi bility since they are lower to the ground chil dren should wear an approved bicycle helmet and should be secured by a seat belt system when in a trailer or in a bicycle child seat Prior to taking your child out in any type of carrier you may wish to practice turning stopping hill climbing and other maneuvers with a sand bag or other weight to simulate the effect of the additional load Riding two on a bicycle Riding double is only permitted when carrying a chil
31. icycle Federation of Wisconsin 106 E Doty St Ste 400 1224 icycle Madison WI 53701 1224 Federation 608 251 4456 voice 608 251 4594 fax of Wisconsin info bfw org Pushing pedeling www bfw org Bike Sense was edited by Robbie Webber with considerable assistance from Arthur Ross Peter Flucke and Marjorie Ward Graphic design and layout by Eric Rank Additional original drawings by John Carr BIKE SENSE THE WISCONSIN BICYCLE OPERATOR S MANUAL 39 2004 04 27 Pantone543 qxds 4 21 2004 8 49 PM Page 40 RE
32. ired to pass with a minimum of three feet clear ance and must not return to the right of the roadway until they have fully passed you Bicyclists are also required to maintain three feet clearance when passing a stopped or moving vehicle including parked cars When to take a lane If there is no shoulder or bike lane and the curb lane is too narrow for a bicycle and motor vehicle to share the lane while maintaining 3 feet clearance bicyclists may chose to take the whole lane by riding farther left towards the center of the lane This can be safer than rid ing near the curb which may encourage motorists to squeeze by where there isn t sufficient room You should also consider taking the lane when you are traveling at the same speed as other traffic This will keep you out of motorists blind spots and reduce conflicts with right turning traffic Be prepared for the occasional frustrated driver who is not familiar with the safe and legal operation of a bicycle BIKE SENSE THE WISCONSIN BICYCLE OPERATOR S MANUAL 4 27 2004 8 48 19 If you are uncomfortable in the center of the lane consider taking an alternative route It is important to bicycle within your confidence limits and comfort when dealing with heavy or high speed traffic See the Wisconsin Bicycle Laws in the appendix 346 80 2 a lists conditions when it is not practicable to ride far right Road surface hazards Keep an eye on the
33. k for the recomended tire inflation on the sidewall of the tir and your bike from getting dirty in wet weather TO BIKE SENSE THE WISCONSIN BICYCLE OPERATOR S MANUAL 4 27 2004 8 47 11 Panniers saddle bags Panniers allow you to comfortably and safely carry a load while keep ing your hands on the handlebars and by keeping your center of gravity low they increase stability These bicycle mounted packs also keep the weight off your bottom reducing saddle sores and back pain DO NOT hang grocery bags or carry loose loads on your han dlebars as they can upset the control of your bicycle and prevent you from properly turning your front wheel to avoid an obstacle or to make an emergency maneuver Tool Kit Pump A tool kit and a pump are a necessity for longer road trips and useful around town to prevent a potentially long walk for minor repairs A basic tool kit includes tire levers spare tube patch kit pump screwdriver and multi purpose tools or wrenches suitable for adjusting a variety of nuts and bolts Be sure that the tube and tools fit your bike since there are many types and sizes If you are unsure consult your bike shop Bell A bell or horn is useful as a warning and as a courtesy to alert pedes trians and trail users of your approach Remember that a bell or horn will probably not be heard by motor vehicle operators Regular maintenance and inspection Perform maintenance
34. ld contact your neighborhood bicycle store to help you find the right fit Consider these points Frame Size If your bike s frame is too tall too short or too long it will be very hard to adjust other things to make you comfortable You might need a different bike To Check the Height If your bike has a men s frame with a tube across the top stand with the bike between your legs just in front of the seat Measure the space between the top tube and your crotch For BIKE SENSE THE WISCONSIN BICYCLE OPERATOR S MANUAL c BikeSenseDaneCo 2004 04 27 Pantone543 qxd 4 27 2004 8 47 PM Page B8 road or street riding one inch to three inch space is safest If your bike has no top tube or a slanted top tube ask your bicycle store s staff to size you Frame Length If when you ride you feel overly stretched or have pain in your neck shoulders or back your frame might be too long Try moving the seat and handlebars closer together Also some peo ple including many women have torsos shorter than what most bikes are made for If you re one of them look into a shorter handle bar stem extension a taller stem different handlebars or a custom bike made for people with smaller torsos Seat Height A seat that s too low will strain your knees and achilles tendons while a seat that s too high will make it hard for you to pedal and to put your foot onto the ground Here are some ways to get the rig
35. ly as you can to get a feel for how much distance is needed at different speeds and under different conditions You will need considerably greater stopping dis tances during wet conditions Also make sure you can stop in a straight line Gear shifting The closer your chain is to the frame of the bike the easier it is to pedal This is called being in a lower gear On the front chainring that will be a smaller ring on the back sprocket that will be a larger cog A high gear is the opposite large ring in the front small cog in the back Changes in the front will make a big change in your gear while changes in the back will make smaller adjustments The basic rule is that low gears are for slow speeds climbing hills or when you start from a dead stop High gears are for faster speeds or going downhill Always shift into a low easy gear before you stop BIKE SENSE THE WISCONSIN BICYCLE OPERATOR S MANUAL 4 27 2004 8 48 17 Check ahead and shift into lower gear well in advance of hills Use a gear that gives you a fast comfortable pedal rotation speed cadence of around 70 90 revolutions per minute Change gears often to maintain this average cadence Pedaling in a gear that is too high can damage your knees and tire you out on a long ride Turning Practice turning to give yourself a feel for how sharply and at what speeds you can turn comfortably and safely As you lean into cor ners keep
36. nd 500 feet away A red or highway unless prohibited by local authorities amber steady or flashing rear light may be 386 04 1m used in addition to the required reflector A Riding 2 Abreast light and reflector are required no matter where you ride street path or sidewalk 347 489 1 e Riding 2 abreast is permitted on any street as long as other traffic is not impeded When rid ing 2 abreast on a 2 or more lane roadway you Duty to report accident 346 70 bori have eno The operator of a vehicle involved in an acci 346 80 3 a dent resulting in injury to or death of any per son or total damage to property owned by any one person of 1 000 or more shall immediate Hand Signals ly give notice of such accident to the police e Bicyclists are required to use the same hand Injury means injury to a person of a physical signals as motorists 346 35 nature resulting in death or the need of first e Hand signals are required within 50 feet of aid or attention by a physician or surgeon your turn It is not required continuously if whether or not first aid or medical or surgical you need both hands to control the bicycle treatment was actually received 346 34 1 b Total damage to property owned by one per Passing son means the sum total cost of putting the property damaged in the condition it was A motorist passing a bicyclist in the same lane 5 y before the accident
37. ner as four wheels A bicycle is more likely to slide out from under you on ice Whenever traction is reduced you should bicycle more slowly and cautiously especially at intersections Using wider tires with lowered pressure can help Black ice is particularly dangerous since it is hard to see and can sud denly eliminate your grip on the road It is most common on bridges metal surfaces and shaded areas 24 BIKE SENSE THE WISCONSIN BICYCLE OPERATOR S MANUAL BikeSenseDaneCo 2004 04 27 Pantone543 qxd 4 27 2004 8 48 PM Page 25 Sl Traffic signals Many traffic signals are triggered by electrically charged wires buried under the pavement When a vehicle passes over or stops over the wires the metal disrupts the current which sends a signal to a traffic light control box Most bicycles contain enough metal to trigger the light but you 27 should know where the most sensitive spots are Look for cut lines in the pavement filled with tar Depending on the shape the most sen sitive spots are e Diamonds just inside one of the points e Rectangles on the edges If you cannot trigger the signal and you have waited an appropriate RECS amount of time treat the traffic signal as an uncontrolled intersec Trailer Bike Because headphones obstruct your hearing they should not be worn while bicycling B tion and proceed when it is safe to do so You may also dismount and cross as a pedestr
38. on the front wheel Board the bus and enjoy the ride Choose a seat near the front of the bus to keep an eye on your bike DON T FORGET you have a bike with you when you get off at your stop New riders often do Unloading Bikes Inform the bus driver that you will be unloading your bike as you approach your stop Use the front door to exit the bus Unload your bike from in front of the bus or from the curb not from the street Van Galder Bus 608 752 5407 800 747 0994 www vangladerbus com Metro Transit 608 266 4466 www mymetrobus com Badger Bus 608 255 1511 www badgerbus com Raise the Support Arm off the wheel The Support Arm automatically folds down to a secure position Lift your bike out of the bike rack Fold up the Bike Rack for Buses if there are no bikes on the rack and no one else is waiting to load their bike The bike rack locks in place Step away from the bus with your bike Bus companies such as Van Galder and Badger Buses will generally take bikes as luggage as long as there is space They may or may not require them to be boxed and may charge a fee Call ahead to ask about rules if you want to take your bike on an inter city bus trip Crashes In Wisconsin crashes involving a motor vehicle must be reported if they involve property damage of 1000 or more or if there are injuries requir ing first aid or medical treatment whether or not treatment is administered Other crashes should b
39. oon as possible It is unwise to confront motorists on the road with your opinion of their traffic etiquette Use common sense when traffic incidents occur and avoid entering into road rage behavior yourself As in the case of a colli sion write down all relevant information immedi ately Police can only act upon reports where there is detailed information vehicle license plate make and model of car driver description for a charge i e unsafe passing failure to yield BIKE SENSE THE WISCONSIN BICYCLE OPERATOR S MANUAL 31 4 27 2004 8 48 32 failure to drive with due care and attention etc Depending on the location of the incident and the caseload of the local police you may find the authorities reluctant to follow up on a report It is important to avoid making nuisance complaints However if your concern is of a serious nature obtain a police report number and follow up on the outcome Avoiding crashes In 2000 there were 690 bicycling fatalities and 51 000 bicycling injuries reported as a result of traffic crashes in the United States It is estimated that injuries are significantly under reported possibly by a factor of ten Pedestrian and Bicycle Although they are much less common crashes with motor vehicles tend to be much more seri ous and of greater concern to bicyclists In gener al crashes involving children up to age 14 tend to be caused by an erro
40. or bicycling since they are designed and tested for other types of impacts To be effective the bicycle helmet plastic casing must fit correctly and be worn proper ly When in doubt check with a bike shop for the proper adjustment of your approved bicycling helmet high impact protective foam Studies show that wearing properly fitted helmet will greatly reduce the chances of sustaining a head injury in the event of a crash Clothing Wear and carry layers of clothing including a lightweight wind proof outer layer By adding or subtracting layers you can keep your body temperature constant and adjust to changes in the weather As a general rule start your ride fairly cool You will warm up quickly once you get going If you dress so that you are warm before you even start riding you will get too hot Specialized clothing such as padded bicycling shorts and gloves can increase your comfort level on longer rides but are not absolutely necessary For winter riding a waterproof outer layer will keep you dry and therefore warm Remember that you will warm up as you ride so don t overdress Layers that can be easily removed will allow you to adjust to changing conditions If you live in Wisconsin you have the clothes to ride in winter I2 BIKE SENSE THE WISCONSIN BICYCLE OPERATOR S MANUAL 4 27 2004 8 47 13 suu 2 BikeSenseDaneCo 2004 04
41. r on the part of the bicy clist Children often do not yield to traffic in the roadway when riding out from a driveway or side walk A swerve into traffic from the side of the road is another common error among children In crashes involving adult bicyclists the crash is more likely to be caused by an error on the part of the motorist Failure to yield the right of way either when making a turn or at a traffic control device is the cause of most adult bicyclist motorist crashes Information Center Whatever the true number of bicycle crashes the number is dwarfed by the number of motor vehicle crashes injuries and fatalities each year In addition inactivity has been cited as a major contributing factor in many chronic diseases and deaths in the US Bicycling is one way to get exer cise and prevent these health problems To prevent injuries it helps to understand the most common types of bicycle crashes The majority of crashes are simply falls involving no other person or vehicle Examples of these are hit ting an object slipping on gravel sand or ice get ting your wheel caught in railroad tracks or hit ting a pothole 32 More information on crash types and causes can be found at the web page for the Pedestrian and Bicycling Information Center www bicyclinginfo org For a full analysis of crash types from the Federal Highway Administration this web page is very helpful safety fhwa dot gov fourthlevel pd
42. s are contained in the Wisconsin When reasonably necessary to avoid unsafe Vehicle Code A copy of the information below is conditions including fixed or moving objects available as a card that can be carried in your bike parked or moving vehicles pedestrians ani bag or jersey Contact the Wisconsin Department mals surface hazards or substandard width of Transportation or the Bicycle Federation of lanes defined as a lane that is too narrow for a Wisconsin to get a copy See the Who Can You bicycle and a motor vehicle to travel safely side Contact section for contact information by side within the lane One Way Streets Disclaimer Please refer to Wisconsin State Statutes for actual wording of the laws These are Bicycles a one way street with 2 or more on the internet at www legis state wi us rsb lanes of traffic may ride as near the left or stats html Numbers in brackets below denote right hand edge or curb of the roadway as relevant State Statutes practicable in the same direction as other traf fic 346 80 2 b Vehicular Status e The bicycle is defined as a vehicle 340 01 5 The operator of a vehicle is granted the same BIKE SENSE THE WISCONSIN BICYCLE OPERATOR S MANUAL 33 4 27 2004 8 48 PM Page 34 Use of Shoulders front light must be visible to others 500 feet away The red rear reflector must be visible to Des may be ridden oi ine shoulder oe others between 50 a
43. s is a common cause of crashes pis im When approaching an intersection with stopped traffic it is often best to look over your shoulder move into the middle of the lane and line up with the rest of traffic This will also prevent motorists from making a right turn into you as you enter an intersection When NOT to pass on the right e when traffic is moving e when there is a street driveway or parking spot a car can turn into e when motorists have moved left to go around you or will have to move over before the next intersection or e when you cannot maintain three feet clearance from another vehicle Riding side by side Riding two abreast is permitted in Wisconsin on any street as long as other traffic is not impeded Both riders must stay in the same lane It is never legal to ride more than two abreast Hazards Buses trucks and motor homes Drivers of large vehicles have large blind spots where they are unable to see bicyclists If you cannot see the driver in the vehicle mirrors the 22 BIKE SENSE THE WISCONSIN BICYCLE OPERATOR S MANUAL 4 27 2004 8 48 23 driver cannot see you Avoid riding in these blind spots and only pass slow moving large vehicles on the left In urban areas watch for right turning buses and semis since their length and rear overhang require more space than you might expect Large vehicles will often move toward the left lane in preparation for a righ
44. t turn Never pass on the right unless you have a lane to your self and are positive they are not preparing for a right turn The most dangerous point in a turn is when the cab has made the turn but the trailer has not When traveling at the same speed as a transit bus requiring frequent stops use common sense and courtesy to avoid conflict and a poten tially dangerous situation between yourself and the bus that can hap pen when you re pass each other Recognize that it is often difficult for the bus to pass you especially in heavy traffic Large vehicles traveling at high speeds create varying degrees of air tur bulence that can cause a bicyclist to be pulled into the path of passing vehicles Use extra caution to avoid being drafted pulled into the lane behind a truck Be especially cautious in windy conditions where the draft can be magnified by the wind blocking action of the trailer Railroad tracks Cross railroad tracks carefully Cross as close to 9o degrees as possible to avoid getting your wheel caught in the tracks If the tracks cross the road at less than 45 degrees change your road position well in advance so that you cross them at close to 9o degrees Ensure that you have indi cated your intention to other traffic Watch for uneven pavement and grooves along the rails Keep firm con trol of your bicycle When crossing rough pavement or railroad tracks rise up from the saddle and allow your legs to act as shock
45. the brake cable and housing for cuts or kinks make sure to check both at the brake and at the lever 3 Pick up the front of the bike and spin the front wheel Check for wheel trueness side to side wobble caused by improperly tensioned or broken spokes or a bent rim tire wear and brake pad clearance from the rim about 1 8 inch If you have fenders or a handlebar bag make sure these do not rub on the tire BIKE SENSE THE WISCONSIN BICYCLE OPERATOR S MANUAL 35 4 27 2004 8 48 PM Page 36 4 Grab the top of the front wheel and try to rock it side to side If you feel any play your hub bear ings need adjustment Repeat steps 1 through 4 for the rear Also check the vertical alignment of the rear derailleur s roller cage it should be in the same plane as the freewheel cogs 5 Grab the front brake and try to rock the front wheel back and forth If you feel any play your headset might be loose and need adjustment Pick the front wheel up off the ground and turn the handlebars side to side If you feel any bind ing or excessive resistance your headset may be too tight for bent or tight links Check the derailleur cables and housing for cuts and kinks again check both at the derailleurs and at the levers 8 Try hard to twist the saddle up and down and left and right If it does not move it s secure Do the same to your handlebars bracing the front wheel between your knees Put all
46. ts should consider taking a course taught by a certified bicycling instructor Contact Bicycle Federation of Wisconsin for a list of courses in your area or to arrange for new classes 4 BIKE SENSE THE WISCONSIN BICYCLE OPERATOR S MANUAL 4 27 2004 8 46 5 Why Bicycle Bicycling is fun People bicycle for many reasons Riding your bicycle allows you to feel active and energetic to improve your fitness and to enjoy the surroundings of the natural environment Bicycling provides the inde pendence of using only your own power free from the constraints of motor vehicles Wisconsin has an extensive system of both on and off road facilities for all abilities Paved rural roads multi use trails paved shoulders on county and state trunk highways bike lanes in urban areas and signed bike routes all make bicycling for transportation as well as recreation easier Bicycling is healthy Incorporating exercise into your lifestyle brings many health benefits It can strengthen your immune system lower blood cholesterol reduce stress strengthen your heart and increase energy levels Bicycling can improve personal health and a healthier pop ulation will ease pressure on health care costs Bicycling is low impact exercise It is easy on your joints because it is a non weight bearing form of exercise It can be done at any level of inten sity which makes it suitable for people of all ages and lev
47. ulder to both the left and the right while still riding in a straight line This is a critical skill when riding in traffic A mirror does not replace the need to look over your shoulder BIKE SENSE THE WISCONSIN BICYCLE OPERATOR S MANUAL left turn right turn alternate 2 right turn 16 Harder higher gear Easier lower gear Hand signals Wisconsin state law requires bicyclists to use the same hand signals as motorists Hand signals are required within 50 feet of a turn Continuous signaling is not required if you need both hands to con trol the bicycle Since signaling requires riding with one hand you should practice doing this while maintaining a straight line Remember you must still check over your shoulder for traffic before moving laterally or turning Stopping On a bicycle with hand brakes the front brake accounts for up to 80 percent of the stopping power during abrupt braking because forward momentum puts most weight over your front wheel For optimum stopping power shift your weight towards the rear and try to keep your center of gravity low and towards the rear wheel This in addition to using both brakes will reduce the tendency for the rear wheel to skid and will increase stability You are also less likely to flip your bike It is important to always keep both hands on the handlebars when applying the brakes Practice stopping as quick
48. vocacy 30 4 27 2004 8 46 4 Forward Bicycling for transportation recreation and fitness has seen enor mous growth in recent years People everywhere are rediscovering the joys of bicycling how much fun it is how practical it is and how good it is for their health and well being However with the increase in bicycling there has also been an increase in conflicts with other road users Many of these conflicts stem from confusion about how bicyclists are to behave in traffic The Wisconsin Vehicle Code says that bicyclists have the same rights and duties as drivers of motor vehicles Certified bicycling instructors teach their students that bicyclists fare best when they act and are treated as drivers of vehicles To do this bicyclists must understand how to operate their bicycles as vehicles and how they fit into the flow of traffic Bike Sense provides information on traffic laws and riding strategies to help bicyclists understand their rights responsibilities and how best to protect their own safety in traffic By following the rules of the road and bicycling in a predictable man ner bicyclists will find more courtesy and respect on the road For further information on the rules of the road you should consult the Wisconsin Vehicle Code or the Wisconsin Motorists Handbook avail able from the Division of Motor Vehicles and on the Department of Transportation website All bicyclis
49. ycle is loaded in the wrong direction The purpose of the directional placement is to make the bike nearest the bus easier to unload Raise the Support Arm over the front wheel The Support Arm s number one purpose is to add lat eral support for the the bicycle when the bus is in motion or at rest Many bikes will sit in the wheel well without the use of the Support Arm but the rack must not be used without the use of the Support Arm Bikes with especially thin rims and tires will sway back and forth without its use The integration of bicycles into existing and planned tra highly effective way to expand the range of travel possible on two wheels Loading Bikes Prepare your bike for loading Remove water bot tles pumps and other loose items that could fall off while the bus is in motion Inform the bus driver that you will be loading your bike You must load your bike from the curb or in front of the bus Do not step into oncoming traffic to load your bike Squeeze handle up to release latch then fold down the bike rack You only need to use one hand to unlatch and pull the bike rack down so you can hold your bike with your other hand It is not necessary to lean your bike against the bus BIKE SENSE THE WISCONSIN BICYCLE OPERATOR S MANUAL nsit systems is a 4 27 2004 8 48 30 The Support Arm needs to be raised so that the hook rests at the highest point
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