There are plenty of opportunities for some nice riding whether for recreation/exercise or errands/work. Here are a few riding tips to keep in mind during the fall season:
- Check your lights front and rear. Too many lights are just right in the low-light fall conditions. Your lights are to make you visible (both day and night), not necessarily to light the path ahead.
- Replace the batteries. Keep your chargeables charged.
- Have someone view your bicycle from behind in the dark with the lights “on” to ensure that their beams are not blocked by gear or clothing and that they aim toward following vehicles.
- Watch other people on bicycles and judge their visibility index as a guide to improving your own.
- Add a blinky light front and rear and use them both as nighttime supplements and as “daytime running lights.”
- You’ll probably ride safer and smarter if you are comfortable – so plan your riding gear accordingly. Think layers.
- As you bundle up, look at your outer layer. If it’s dark in color, either choose something that isn’t or pick up a cheepy reflective vest from your local big box home center.
- Wet leaves and snow are slippery so anticipate stops and turns.
- Pay special attention to puddles of water or clumps of leaves as they can mask potholes and craters in the paved surface.
- Recall that some pavement markings can also be slippery when wet or extra slippery when covered with wet leaves, snow, or ice.
- Keep your chain clean and lubricated.
- Plan your braking to avoid a spill.
- Be mindful of slippery metal surfaces (such as utility covers and grates).
- Fall and winter is a good time to
with a tune up from one of our local bicycle shops. This is a good time to support your local shop and to help them over the slower winter season. November through March is good time to get that special attention from your bicycle mechanic. Find out where at – https://albanybicyclecoalition.com/resources/
Other winter riding tips –
https://albanybicyclecoalition.com/2015/12/21/ears-cold-try-these-2/
https://albanybicyclecoalition.com/2012/01/12/what-is-spinning/
https://albanybicyclecoalition.com/2011/12/05/windchill-effect-while-riding-a-bicycle/
https://albanybicyclecoalition.com/2010/10/23/1064/
To plan for low stress, safe cycling, plan you route with the Albany Bicycle Coalition BikeAlbanyMap – https://albanybicyclecoalition.com/albany_bike_map/
To find out about bicycle-related events, go to – https://albanybicyclecoalition.com/resources/events/
Albany Bicycle Coalition 