DIY Cycling » Commuting

4 Ways to Enjoy Cycling Today

Frank — Sun, 18 Apr 2010 18:10:14 +0000

Because of our dependence on cars, cycling is not nearly as prevalent as it has been in the past. This is partially because of the inherent risks, but also because of our natural affinity to our cars. It doesn’t matter what reason you ride, there is a certain beauty to getting out to ride. If you are looking for an excuse, here are 4 ways to to enjoy riding your bike.

Commuting
Whether you are commuting to work, the store, school or wherever, bicycle commuting can be a great way (or excuse) to get out and ride. Because you have to commute to where you are going anyway, you don’t have to make any ’special time’ to ride your bike. Build in a few extra minutes and take your bike. You’ll find that you appreciate the extra scenery and experiences that you come across along the way.
Cross Country (Mountain Biking, Trail Riding, etc.)
If you’ve never been out on a trail, now is the time. Although “Mountain Biking” is often seen as hard or challenging, it is really just as difficult as you want it to be. With a little searching, you can find a trail of any difficulty near you. Riding amongst the trees is not only great exercise, but also a great escape.
Cyclocross
Cyclocross is perhaps one of the most vigorous, dynamic and challenging forms of cycling. It combines a short course with various obstacles, terrains and challenges that will require you to dismount, carry your bike, and remount on the other side. Be prepared to be exhausted, and covered in mud.
Riding the Road
When you think of cycling, you probably thing of the typical road rider: Helmet, Spandex Shorts and a Jersey. While this uniform can make your ride more productive and comfortable, it’s not for everyone. If you’re not comfortable in this type of garb, by all means wear what you’re most comfortable in. The important thing is to go out and ride. Go on a family bike ride, a midnight bike ride, or a leisurely ride through town.

How do you like to ride? Let us know in the comments!

How Can We Make Cycling Safer For Everyone?

Frank — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 15:15:53 +0000

I very often go cycling by myself, or with a small group. I also bike very frequently pulling my son in a trailer, and this always brings my most safety-conscious self to the forefront. I find myself thinking “what is this car going to do?” “are they going to see us?”

Bicycle Safety

That being said, the trailer actually makes me more visible, and I have had very few bad experiences. I have, however, had a few close calls that made me think twice.

I think that it’s safe to say that many more people would ride if they thought riding a bike was safer. How, then, can we make cycling safer for everyone? How can we do away with the machismo attitude that claims that cars own the road? Here are just a few thoughts:

Our streets would be more bicycle friendly if. . .

Everyone followed a few simple rules and common sense
This could go a long way. Simple traffic rules, safety conventions and common sense actions could help bridge the gap between driver and rider, which could enable them to finally “share the road”.

Everyone paid more attention
Distracted driving is definitely an issue. Some of the closest calls I’ve been in have been because of distracted drivers. Whether they’re on their cell phones, texting, or just flat out not paying attention, distracted driving endangers everyone.

Everyone was more visible
This is along the lines of simple rules and common sense, but it is an important one. Ride with traffic, not against it. Wear visible colors, switch your reflectors out for lights, USE lights (especially when it’s dark or dusky), and stay in the lane. Most bicycle accidents happen to cyclists who started out on the sidewalk. Why? Because people in cars don’t pay attention to the sidewalk. When you make the transfer to the road, or to cross a street, you’re much less visible on the sidewalk than if you were in the road to begin with.

Everyone was more aware
As is often the case, ignorance is a huge part of the problem. People don’t realize that cyclists have their place on the road. Cyclists aren’t aware of correct etiquette (signaling, positioning, etc), and drivers aren’t aware enough to look for the signals. Ignorance is the issue, and education is the solution.

Have you had some close calls? Share them with us in the comments.
Do you have more ideas to help create cycle friendly streets? Share those too.

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(photo by faster panda kill kill)

5 Cycling Books That Aren’t Just Training and Maintenance

Frank — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 03:29:13 +0000

It’s a fact: for all intensive purposes, books on cycling can be boring.

You’re constantly bombarded with fitness and training advice. The others are all about maintenance.

While these things are important, it’s sometimes good to step away from the technicalities and enjoy a book about cycling as much as we enjoy cycling itself.

(disclaimer: at least one of these books fits the fitness/maintenance category. . )

Here are 5 picks:

Bicycle Diaries by David Byrne

Bicycle Diaries chronicles the fascination of former Talking Heads frontman David Byrne as he cycles across the world. In the book he gives insight and thought about places such as Sydney, Australia; Manila, Philippines; San Francisco; and New York. He shares his thoughts on the good sides and bad sides of bicycle transportation as well as everything from urban planning to art. His love of cycling stems from the freedom you feel and have on two wheels, which has caused him to become very active in bicycle advocacy in recent years.

The Complete Book of Long-Distance Cycling: Build the Strength, Skills, and Confidence to Ride as Far as You Want by Edmund R. Burke

I warned that not all of these were as care free as I would have you think in the first paragraph. This is the only one, however, so don’t stop here.

As its name suggests, The Complete Book of Long-Distance Cycling: Build the Strength, Skills, and Confidence to Ride as Far as You Want by Edmund R. Burke is a comprehensive guide put together by two of the country’s top cycling experts. Learn how to achieve the strength, skill, and strategy you need to bike long distance. Discover how to cycle efficiently, choose the right gear, and train for a ride of any length.

The Rider by Tim Krabbe

The Rider delivers a single bicycle race, kilometer by kilometer. The book bares the sport to its essential, causing you to feel like you are actually a part of the race. As far as the book is concerned, it is the race.

Cycling’s Greatest Misadventures by Erich Schweikher

Twenty-seven true stories. In this book both pros and amateurs share freak accidents, animal attacks, sabotage, idiotic decisions, eerie or unexplained incidents, and other strange occurrences. Check out the wild, unpredictable side of cycling in this book. You won’t be disappointed.

The Art of Cycling: A Guide to Bicycling in 21st-Century America by Robert Hurst

Robert Hurst covers everything there is about riding a bike on America’s modern streets. His piece-by-piece account of cycling will make you want to ditch your car. His practical tips and insights share not only safety, but how-to and cultural interpretation. See the big picture of riding in America.

These are just 5 of the many books out there. What are some of your favorites?

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12 Bicycle Photos You Just Can’t Miss

Frank — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 02:00:53 +0000

Maybe you ride every day, or maybe you haven’t ridden years. Do you ride with your kids, competitively, for fun? Everybody rides for different reasons, which only lends beauty to cycling.

Take a moment and remember the times you’ve ridden; remember the people you’ve ridden with; motivate yourself to ride more or ride again. Let these photos remind and reinforce the beauty in cycling.

Enjoy.

Bicycle Punk

by Paul Keleher

There's a Fixie on the Wall

by wing_clipper

Enjoying the Sunset on the Beach. . . With Your Bike

by Kıvanç Niş

Bicycle Station

by pasotraspaso

Definitely Not In A Hurry

by laffy4k

Vintage Monark | Clean and Simple

by Petteri Sulonen

Fresh Produce. . Delivered by Bike

by Vince Alongi

Transportation, Plain and Simple

by BruceTurner

Getting Into Gear

by ragnar1984

Bicycle Graveyard

by Robert Thomson

Family Outing

by kamshots

Movin' Out

by xddorox

Well there you have it. What are some of your favorite cycling photos? Let us know in the comments!

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Collapsible Bikes: Fun or Folly?

Frank — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 01:40:25 +0000

The first thing that comes to mind when I think of a collapsible bicycle are those goofy looking travel bikes with tiny wheels. And then I saw this:

Folding Bicycle

Sure it’s only a concept, but wow! It looks good. Could it really be safe? Look at how the wheels fold:

Collapsing Wheel

If nothing else, it’s a definite good start. I’ve been waiting to see bicycle production go in new directions. Unfortunately, this one doesn’t look like it’d be too easy to take apart. .

Would you ride a collapsible bicycle? Let us know in the comments!

[Gizmodo via Treehugger]

5 Reasons You Should Ditch Your Car and Ride a Bike

Frank — Sat, 29 Aug 2009 17:04:22 +0000

Ditch Your Car - Ride a Bike!

Ask yourself the question: Why do I ride my bike? or Why do I not ride my bike? Do you know the answer? Maybe it’s a simple. Maybe it’s not. Must you ride your bike, due to lack of vehicle? Or is riding a bike a conscious choice? Maybe you don’t ride a bike. Why not?

In any event, I believe it’s important to know why exactly you do what you do. In this case, why do you ride a bike? Why don’t you ride a bike? If you don’t spend much time on a bike, I challenge you (yes you) to ditch your car and ride a bike! If you do spend time on a bike, i challenge you to spend more time on it. I’ll even give you 5 reasons why:

See Things in a Different Way.
Anyone who’s spent much time on a bike knows that the road takes on a different view while on two wheels. You’re going fast enough to get where you’re going, but slow enough to be able to actually take in what you’re seeing. See houses you hadn’t seen before, storefronts you never noticed, or nature you never took the time to look at.

Get in Shape.
This one speaks for itself. On an intense bicycle ride you can burn over 1000 calories per hour. During a leisurely ride, you’ll burn more than 300. Why not get your workout AND your commute out of the way all at once?

Save Money.
Gas prices are soaring, and car maintenance fees are nothing to scoff at either. Save yourself the time and money by riding a bike. After a small investment in gear, you won’t have to spend another paycheck on gas again.

Save the Environment.
This one’s simple: Use less gas! Using less gas, means more harmful fumes and less drilling, which means cleaner air and a healthier planet. More cyclists on the road leads to less crowded streets and cleaner city air.

Stand Out from the crowd.
Take the opportunity to be different. In a world full of people dependent on their automobiles, take two wheels, see the road you’re traveling and maybe meet a person or two.

There you have it: 5 of the multitude of reasons you should ditch your car and ride a bike. Let us know why you ride your bike in the comments!

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Resources to help get you out on the road
Riding the Road: Simple Rules and Common Sense
Riding the Road: What to Bring on Your Ride
The DIYCycling Gear Shop

Bicycle Couriers: Are They Making a Comeback?

Frank — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 15:16:04 +0000

Have you ever seen a bicycle courier? I’ve seen a few trolling around larger cities like NYC, but even then not too many.

Enter: Ecotrack Cycle Couriers. These guys have brought the cycling courier back to Oklahoma and at the moment, provide the only totally eco-friendly courier service in Oklahoma. They deliver with no emissions, and on sweet rides at that. Here’s why they say you should use a cycling courier:

Benefits of using bicycle messengers versus car couriers for deliveries include:

Reduced pollution

Reduced traffic congestion

Save on-street parking for more necessary activities and emergencies

Faster

Cheaper

Bicycle couriers provide solutions to the environmental problems related to many forms of pollution such as air, noise and smell. The more couriers on bikes there are, the fewer cars there are and therefore the less carbon dioxide emissions. More bikes mean less noise and stench. Bike messengers take up less space on the road and do less damage to the roads than cars. More bike couriers mean less gridlock and fewer road repairs.
As a result more bike couriers mean better conditions and streets for all road users including motorists.

And I couldn’t agree more. In cities clogged more and more with cumbersome, polluting automobiles, cyclists CAN be faster, and because of that be cheaper. Furthermore, if all couriers rode bikes, how much clearer would the roads be for you? I dig what these guys are doing and hope to see it spread.

Do your cities have bicycle couriers? Are you one? Let us know in the comments!

Need a bike? Check out RealCyclist: Free Shipping On Complete Bikes Only – RealCyclist.com. Ongoing Offer.

Would You Live in a Bicycle City?

Frank — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 18:08:10 +0000

While browsing the Bicycle League of America website earlier this week, I noticed ads for a project called “Bicycle City“. Naturally, this piqued my interest, so I took a closer look.

Bicycle City offers itself as “an Eco-Friendly place to live, work and play. Designed for people, animals, and the earth.” Though it’s not yet a reality, the planning seems solid, and you can even reserve your place in the first bicycle city. Here is the brief description from bicyclecity.com

Bicycle City is a planned car-free community where people live, work and visit. Its eco-friendly design is healthy, sustainable and could be applied to urban or non-urban areas. Residents who own a car can conveniently park it on the edge of the community nearest their home.

Check out the full project here: Bicycle City

Would you live in a Bicycle City? Let us know in the comments!

Riding the Road: Simple Rules and Common Sense

Frank — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 02:58:59 +0000

You may have never ridden a bike in the road, or you may have been doing it regularly for some time now. In either case, it is always a good idea know what you need to do to keep yourself and others safe. I see motorists and cyclists every day making simple (but sometimes deadly) mistakes. While you may ride (or drive) safe and smart, it only takes one to give the rest a bad reputation. This bad reputation unfortunately leads to far-too-common motorist aggression, and resentment toward cyclists. Here are a few guidelines to follow to help remedy this:

Safety Guidelines For Cyclists

Stop at Signs and Lights
Yes, you have to stop at traffic lights and wait your turn at stop signs too. The general rule of thumb here is this: pay attention, be considerate, and think! As a vehicle, you are responsible for following all the rules of the road.
Signal
Let other drivers (and hopefully riders) know where you’re going! It is generally accepted to signal with your left arm. To make a left turn, point to the left. To make a right turn, it is in many states acceptable to do the same with your right arm (and often more understandable to less observant drivers), but legal in all states to raise your left hand with your elbow at a right angle. After you’re done signaling, make sure you look to make sure your signal has been seen, especially when turning across another lane of traffic.

Cycling Hand Signals
Stay in the Road (And Off the Sidewalk)
For many, this is counter intuitive. However, you reduce your chances of being in an accident greatly by riding in the street. Why? Visibility. One of the keys to staying safe on the road is to be visible and predictable. Think about it: cyclists move much faster than pedestrians, which means that you can enter a driver’s field of vision faster. This makes it much harder for them to see you if you are on the sidewalk. In the road, you’re right in their face.
Avoid Riding into the Sun
Riding into the sunset or sunrise reduces your visibility greatly, increasing your chances of getting hit.
Use Lights at Night
Reflectors are just not enough! If you are riding at night, use a light for both front AND rear. They’ll be worth every penny. Also wear bright clothing, as anything to help your visibility is a plus.
Be Prepared
Tires can go flat with no notice of all. Be prepared for emergency maintenance. Carry a basic toolkit, spare tires or patches. And know how to use them!

Safety Guidelines For Drivers

Pay Attention and Be Considerate!
I can’t think of much else I can put in this category. Watch what cyclists are doing, and give them enough room. Most states require that you give cyclists at least 3 feet of clearance when passing. Please observe this and make sure not to pass when a cyclist is turning.

By following these rules, paying attention, and maximizing your visibility, you can increase your safety greatly. Remember, a dead cyclist rides no bicycle.

What safety rules do you follow? Let us know in the comments!

About DIY Cycling

Frank — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 01:25:55 +0000

DIY Cycling is a blog dedicated to cycling and the cycling lifestyle. Its goal is to give you the information you need to get on your bike and ride whether you’re an experienced cyclist or totally new to two wheels.

Find tips, tricks, hacks and other information about cycling
Do your own bicycle maintenance
Start your bicycle commute
Ride smart
Ride safe
Find the cycling gear you need
And most of all: RIDE

We’ll be coming soon with more content, let us know what you want to read!