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Why Bicycle accidents occur and how to protect yourself

From SoCalCycling.com

Embarking on a journey astride a bicycle not only connects us to the world around us but also unveils the vulnerability we face on the open road. The sense of liberation can, unfortunately, be accompanied by the lurking danger of accidents. Recognizing the intricacies behind bicycle accidents is pivotal for any cyclist, and the art of self-preservation becomes paramount. This comprehensive exploration delves into the multifaceted reasons contributing to bicycle accidents, coupled with practical strategies for safeguarding oneself against these perils.

LACK OF VISIBILITY: A LEADING CULPRIT

The pervasive lack of visibility stands as a formidable adversary for cyclists, often propelling them into situations where their presence is easily overshadowed by larger vehicles. Intersections and lane changes become treacherous grounds, where cyclists risk collision due to their diminutive profile. Combatting this hazard involves a multifaceted approach. Equipping oneself with high-visibility clothing and accessories, such as reflective vests and blinking lights, becomes a visual assertion demanding attention. Moreover, strategic route planning that favors well-lit pathways and a conscientious awareness of blind spots are essential practices in minimizing the risks posed by inadequate visibility.

RECKLESS DRIVING BEHAVIORS: A SHARED RESPONSIBILITY

Reckless driving behaviors, such as disregarding traffic signals or exceeding speed limits, are catalysts for accidents involving bicycles. To ensure personal safety, cyclists must adhere rigorously to traffic rules, offering predictability to their motorized counterparts. In California, the “Three Feet for Safety Act” dictates that vehicles must maintain a minimum distance of three feet when overtaking cyclists, exemplifying how legislation aims to safeguard cyclists from reckless driving behaviors. In case of an unfortunate accident, working with reliable can help cyclists navigate the legal complexities and secure their rights. However, preventing such accidents requires a shared responsibility, where all road users must uphold their civic duty in promoting road safety.

Photo by Ian Valerio on Unsplash

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How to increase the resale value of your bike

From CyclingNews.com

By Joseph Delves

Tips, tricks, and tools to increase the resale value of your bike and ensure you get what it’s really worth when you sell it

For most of us, getting a new bike also means getting rid of the old one, and it’s common sense that if you can maximise the money you receive for flogging your old one, and you’ll have more to spend on the next.

But how do you ensure it’s selling for what it’s really worth? We’ve already gone through the basic explanation of how to sell a used bike, but below we’ve collected tips, tricks and general advice on increasing the resale value of your bike, so that you have more to spend on the next one.

Get the simple things right

Having worked as a bike mechanic, I can tell you that the odds of someone noticing you’ve spent hours rebuilding the internals of some obscure component are minimal. However, everyone notices if you’ve popped some air in the tyres and wiped the frame down.

f you can’t be bothered to do anything else, at least do this. It’ll make any test ride more enjoyable too, and first impressions are key when it comes to the inevitable haggle over price later on.

Invest in tackling key mechanicals

You’ll feel better if you send your bike on in good order, but there’s a balance to be struck. You’re trying to maximise the amount of cash you have available for your next bike, so unless your bike is particularly posh, investing in a full service is unlikely to be economically efficient.

Instead, tackle jobs you can manage yourself. If you’re a competent mechanic, a complete overhaul would be brilliant. Otherwise, make sure everything is safe and works correctly. Our bike maintenance tips will help you cover off what’s needed, but at the very least, ensure there’s life in the brake pads, the chain has been lubricated, and there’s air in the tyres at least.

Photo by Jan Kopřiva on Unsplash

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Shining a Light on the Bicycling Community

From Bicycling.com

By Riley Missel

As the summer evening sky turns from orange to purple to navy, traffic in the Los Angeles bike lanes dwindles until just a few riders remain toodling by, their path unaffected by the surrounding darkness thanks to a single bulb mounted to their forks—a Dynamo light.

This bicycle-mounted beacon is powered by its passenger’s energy to illuminate the road ahead—for the rider and everyone following them. Bike mechanic Jimmy Lizama custom-fits these lights for cyclists out of his Koreatown shop called Relámpago Wheelery, where he builds wheels by hand as well. But according to him, those services just help pay the rent for what he’s really doing there.

“Ultimately, Relámpago is social engagement within the bicycle community,” he said. A Dynamo light of a shop, if you will. Fueled by Lizama’s passion and his surrounding community’s enthusiastic response, Relámpago is illuminating the future of energy use, mobility, and human connection in downtown Los Angeles.

One such way the shop fosters human connection is by hosting mobile karaoke nights. Oh yes, mobile—they hook up a bike trailer to two tandems to serve as the stage, complete with speakers and a microphone. As they tow their singer through the streets of Los Angeles, the audience pedals along behind on their own bikes laughing and singing along. Usually, Relámpago teams up to host these events with other community programs raising awareness for a cause like women’s rights, immigration rights, or water rights. People meet each other, make friends, and find ways they can help each other live better in their community.

Lizama’s goal is to energize his community in the most accessible, sustainable way possible—after a bike. “It amplifies its human’s energy,” he said. His favorite way he sees this concept in motion is on a cargo bike: With simply the power of your legs, you can transport yourself as well as another person, or a bikeload of things.

Photo by Wayne Bishop on Unsplash

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