This past year, The Villages earned the Silver designation as a “Bicycle Friendly Community” from the League of American Bicyclists. As bicyclists, it is necessary to safely share the roads and multi-modal paths with other drivers and pedestrians. Having equipment in good working order is essential to your enjoyment of cycling.
Here is a checklist to review before you ride:
Air – Inflate Tires often (recommended pressure is usually on the tire wall)
Brakes – Squeeze brake levers to insure good contact
Check – Chain, cranks and cassette for wear and smooth operation
Check – Wheel axel nuts or quick release skewers to insure they are tight Mirror – Adjust for riding
Be Visible – Wear a certified helmet and bright clothing. Cyclists SHOULD always operate a rear light. Florida mandates front and rear lights at night.
Hydration – water and a snack in your tool pack
Tools to carry – Tire inflator, bike multi-tool, spare tube and tire levers
On your Ride:
ALWAYS ride WITH traffic whether on the road or multi-modal paths. Riding against traffic puts the cyclist at greater risk since you cannot read the traffic signs, oncoming drivers are not expecting you to ride there and… it’s against the law.
Call out to other cyclists when passing, slowing, stopping or turning.
Never ride without your helmet. Accidents happen quickly and unexpectedly and protecting your head from concussion or brain trauma could save your life.
DO NOT RIDE IN THE GUTTER OR ON THE PAINTED EDGE LINE. Florida Law says “ride as far right as practicable to the right hand edge or curb.” Operating your bike too close to the outside edge of the road can be dangerous because it invites other vehicles to squeeze by. There are exceptions this language pertaining to road hazards and road width. (See the link below for details)
If there is a designated bike lane you must use it when there are no hazards present (shoulders are NOT bike lanes).
Ride safely and follow the rules of the road.
Florida Bicycle Laws and many safety tips and videos can be found on: www.slbikeclub.org under Bicycle Safety and Health.
Have Fun, Be Safe, Be Courteous and Share the Road with Motor Vehicles.
Villager Dave Lawrence is director of safety for the Sumter Landing Bicycle Club.
