I could use some advice!!!
10-20-08, 02:46 PM
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I could use some advice!!!
Hey everyone! I am new to the whole riding a bike on the streets! Can anyone give me some tips on being safe out there and maybe some safe routes to and from CSUN from Woodly and Nordhoff (northridge area). Maybe streets that aren't so busy at least till i feel comfortable riding out there! Thanks everyone!!!
10-20-08, 03:29 PM
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Sure no problem. You can also check out San Fernando Valley Bicycle Clubs webpage (https://www.sfvbc.org/). They have good routes around the valley that start from CSUN if your interested.
10-20-08, 03:55 PM
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+1 for the SFVBC. Their routes are designed to avoid unfavorable streets. Feel free to peruse their routes listed HERE for ideas on streets to take.
As for othe safety advice, it's a matter of being constantly aware and not doing stupid things.
Be prepared for any car to pull out in front of you even if you think the driver sees you.
Use hand signals whenever you think a driver behind you might want to know your intentions.
Don't ride on the wrong side of the road (sounds obvious, but you'd be surprised).
Don't swerve in and out of the parking lane. Motorists can't see you until it's too late.
Check over your shoulder before changing lanes or entering a traffic lane.
As for othe safety advice, it's a matter of being constantly aware and not doing stupid things.
Be prepared for any car to pull out in front of you even if you think the driver sees you.
Use hand signals whenever you think a driver behind you might want to know your intentions.
Don't ride on the wrong side of the road (sounds obvious, but you'd be surprised).
Don't swerve in and out of the parking lane. Motorists can't see you until it's too late.
Check over your shoulder before changing lanes or entering a traffic lane.
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It's like riding a bicycle
10-20-08, 09:34 PM
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+1 for the SFVBC. Their routes are designed to avoid unfavorable streets. Feel free to peruse their routes listed HERE for ideas on streets to take.
As for othe safety advice, it's a matter of being constantly aware and not doing stupid things.
Be prepared for any car to pull out in front of you even if you think the driver sees you.
Use hand signals whenever you think a driver behind you might want to know your intentions.
Don't ride on the wrong side of the road (sounds obvious, but you'd be surprised).
Don't swerve in and out of the parking lane. Motorists can't see you until it's too late.
Check over your shoulder before changing lanes or entering a traffic lane.
As for othe safety advice, it's a matter of being constantly aware and not doing stupid things.
Be prepared for any car to pull out in front of you even if you think the driver sees you.
Use hand signals whenever you think a driver behind you might want to know your intentions.
Don't ride on the wrong side of the road (sounds obvious, but you'd be surprised).
Don't swerve in and out of the parking lane. Motorists can't see you until it's too late.
Check over your shoulder before changing lanes or entering a traffic lane.
Basically it involves common sense. You're on perhaps a 15 lb. bike completely vulnerable while 2000+ lb. cars where the drivers are safely inside safety cages. Be predictable, sensible, smart, and always vigilant. We all know how people drive in SoCal so just keep that in mind.
10-21-08, 04:06 AM
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+1
Ride Smart, be passive aggressive. Make sure that cars understand your intentions always remembering that you'll loose in a confrontation.
If you look back by turning your head only there is a good chance you will go in the direction you are looking thus causing you to veer into traffic. Try dropping you left arm when you look over your left shoulder or take a peak under you arm, These methods should keep you going straight.
If you ride in the morning or evening watch the sun direction. If the sun is in your eyes it is also in the drivers eyes.
Watch for drainage grates, these will eat your tubes and could take you down.
As was mentioned earlier don't swerve in and out of park cars, hold your line. This will prevent you from getting squeezed when you try to merge back into traffic.
Learn to look into park cars as you come up to them. If there is a person inside expect that they will not see you and open their door as you pass. If there are brake lights on or exhaust coming out of the tail pipe expect that they may pull out in front of you.
Have fun, you're out on the road saving gas and getting exercise, what more can you ask for!
Ride Smart, be passive aggressive. Make sure that cars understand your intentions always remembering that you'll loose in a confrontation.
If you look back by turning your head only there is a good chance you will go in the direction you are looking thus causing you to veer into traffic. Try dropping you left arm when you look over your left shoulder or take a peak under you arm, These methods should keep you going straight.
If you ride in the morning or evening watch the sun direction. If the sun is in your eyes it is also in the drivers eyes.
Watch for drainage grates, these will eat your tubes and could take you down.
As was mentioned earlier don't swerve in and out of park cars, hold your line. This will prevent you from getting squeezed when you try to merge back into traffic.
Learn to look into park cars as you come up to them. If there is a person inside expect that they will not see you and open their door as you pass. If there are brake lights on or exhaust coming out of the tail pipe expect that they may pull out in front of you.
Have fun, you're out on the road saving gas and getting exercise, what more can you ask for!
10-23-08, 05:45 PM
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Woodley to Plummer is probably best however, there are a number of low rolling hills on Plummer which can make it a bit strenuous.
When you gain some experience and confidence riding in traffic I would suggest riding on Nordoff.
I like riding on Nordoff as its fast, flat and has 3 lanes in each direction with a center turn lane. However, for your safety you'll need to take the right lane (please don't be like far to many CSUN students I see riding on the sidewalk or riding against traffic).
Bright clothing and a rear blinky are also highly recommended.
BTW, I live near Lindley and Nordoff.
When you gain some experience and confidence riding in traffic I would suggest riding on Nordoff.
I like riding on Nordoff as its fast, flat and has 3 lanes in each direction with a center turn lane. However, for your safety you'll need to take the right lane (please don't be like far to many CSUN students I see riding on the sidewalk or riding against traffic).
Bright clothing and a rear blinky are also highly recommended.
BTW, I live near Lindley and Nordoff.
