Do you think riding a bike should not be allowed where there is no bike lane?

Cycling started, from the beginning of invention, the world over, without bicycle lanes.

While there is concern that lack of lanes make cycling unsafe on roads, there are also issues with safety even when they are in place because there is no protection for cyclists if behaviour of car drivers and other road users do not change.

No Surprise: Study Finds Sharrows Don't Make Streets Safer

Based on this Infographic, posted on Forbes, it is obvious that there are less road fatalities reported for cyclists in a country when there are more people are involved in cycling.


So, the best way to initiate cycling in your own country is to start a movement, whereby, a group of cyclists make a commitment to make cycling safe with the support of their government so that cycling-specific infrastructure should be part of the development and proper guidelines for all road users are reinforced by the relevant government agencies.

If you would like to work on that, I have shared many useful links in the following write up on, "How can public transportation be integrated for urban cycling?”

Following are links to bike movements that you can emulate to increase participation:
About CicLAvia
Midnight Ridazz Bicycle Ride
List of rides from The Critical Mass - Cycling as a Political Statement

What are cyclists’ concern about mountain biking?

Here are some of the concerns cyclists faced when they are out mountain biking:

1. When cycling in a group, do I have the stamina to catch up with fellow cyclists?
2. Is my MTB good enough compared with the ones ridden by the others?
3. Will I be left to ride alone if I have to stop to make repairs?
4. Do I have the right tools with me for repairs?
5. Am I dressed appropriately?
6. What kind of support will I receive if there is an accident? Are the rest of the team experienced cyclists?
7. Will it be awkward if I have to get off the bike to push it uphill?
8. What if I lost my way?
9. Is the trails we are cycling to safe? Will I get mugged?
10. Will I be back too late?
11. Will I be invited to join them on the next expedition?

Is that how you felt the first time you went out mountain biking?

What should an elderly person be cycling on?

When a customer comes into my shop looking for a suitable bicycle to buy, the first question I will ask is if he will be cycling with a group of friends. If you are joining a group, you should actually consider what they are cycling on.

The reason is, if they are cycling on MTB, you will have a problem joining them when they ride off road if you have picked a road bike or a hybrid. If they are cycling on 29ers, you will have problem catching up with them if you have decided on cycling on a recumbent bike for comfort.

You should select the kind of bicycle the group members are cycling on with similar wheel size and tyre thread. It should be one with gears if you will also be cycling over hilly terrains.

Following are things you should note when checking out bicycles at a shop:

1. Are you still as limber? Try getting on the bicycle. Is it easy for you to get on and off it? Choose a bicycle with lower toptube if that is an issue. Most cruiser and leisure bikes are designed with lower toptube.
2. Do you find the saddle on the bicycle comfortable? Most bicycles are supplied with small narrow saddles. Ask the shop attendant to recommend a more comfortable saddle if you have a wider girth.
3. Straddle over the toptube. Does your leg touches the floor? As you age, your bones become more brittle and may break more easily. So, it is best to choose a lighter weight bike which is not too large for you to handle.
4. Feel the reach of the handlebar as you sit on the bike. Is it too far for your reach? You can request the shop to change a stem with shorter length or one that is adjustable so that the handlebar can be raised up closer towards you.

But before you start with any group, make sure that you have the stamina to join them. However, here is a quote to remember from a cyclist who had only learned to ride in his 50’s, “I’ve yet to discover the hill you can’t quite happily walk up. Why kill yourself doing it? I like biking, but I’ve no intention dying from a heart attack dressed in Lycra.”

So, if you find the exertion too much and have to get down to push your bike don’t be embarrassed to do so.

For my customers who are in their 60s, I usually ask if they will be cycling with their grandchildren. If they are, I will recommend them to get a 20” folding bike. That way they could ride along with the grandchildren who are usually cycling on 12” to 20” bicycles.

Moreover, a folding bike with high handlebar means that you do not have to lean forward as much to ride which is good for the back. In fact, one of my customers was advised by her doctor to get a folding bike as she has issues with her back.

Once you have reached a 100 years old, you may want to consider getting a tricycle.

Public Bicycle Parking Facility? Let's copy!

The Mauá bicycle station located near the train station is Latin America’s largest 24-hour bicycle parking facility. It was started by Companhia Paulista de Trens Metropolitanos (São Paulo Metropolitan Train Company) in collaboration with ASCOBIKE, a bicycle riders association.

For R$10.00 (approximately US$5.00) a month members can park their bicycles without fear of them getting stolen and where they can leave their bikes for repair or buy parts and accessories at discounted rates. It is also a place where they can take a break as they have access to showers and restrooms or have refreshment, like cold water or hot coffee before they continue on their journey by train.

It is also a place for their social well being as there are social workers there to provide legal services, insurance plans or provide loans for members to have their bicycles repaired or serviced if their safety riding their bicycles becomes a concern.

 

Can we see this happening in Malaysia?  It is very possible as I read that The Institute for Transportation and Development Policy (ITDP) has helped to develop the bike parking station.

ITDP is a US-based non-governmental non-profit organization that provides technical assistance to cities and local advocacy groups on sustainable transportation development throughout Asia, Africa, and the Americas. 

Why should we consider working towards developing bike parking station like this in our country?  Take a look at this chart created by ITDP and you will see the picture.

Let's share this information and hope that the relevant authorities will pick this idea up.