Tips For Cycling Around The City

To those that commute on two wheels, we salute you: Friday is National Bike To Work Day. To those who have an interest in biking around the city, why not take advantage of the fact that May is National Bike Month and start a new hobby—or perhaps lifestyle—this weekend.

There are a handful of shops and local businesses in the neighborhood ready and waiting to answer all of your biking needs.  on Court Street offers bike rentals for adults and children, storage, new and used sales as well as repairs. 

For fashionable types, at 269 Baltic Street at Court Street sells swish models such as the Onderwater Kids Tandem XL—which seats one adult and up to four children at a time!—or the De Fietsfabriek Bakfiets Classic, a gorgeous brown and Tiffany blue bicycle with an oversized basket in front large enough for groceries and pets. 

And beginning in June, public house will offer free bike tours to various destinations around the city for eating, exploring and learning. 

Like any other form of transportation, taking certain cautionary measures is advised when cycling. The following safety tips are provided by the New York City Department of Transportation. For more information on biking laws in the city, visit www.nyc.gov. 

• Ride in a straight line, obey traffic signs and signals, and do not weave in and out of traffic. Riding predictably reduces your chances of a crash with a motor vehicle.
• Look, signal and look again before changing lanes or making a turn. Establish eye contact with drivers. Seeing a driver is often not enough. Make sure drivers see you before executing a turn or riding in front of a turning car.
• Watch out for car doors. Be prepared for the possibility that a car door may be opened in your path. When possible, leave room between yourself and parked cars (3 feet is generally recommended) so that you can avoid a door that opens unexpectedly.
• Stay visible. Wear brightly colored clothing for daytime riding. At night, use reflective materials and lights.
• Use Your bell. Your bell alerts drivers, pedestrians and other cyclists to your presence, it is required by law.
• Don't wear earphones. By law you may wear one earbud, but keeping your ears clear is a much safer choice.
• Wear a helmet. Helmets are required by law for children age 13 or younger and working cyclists, helmets are a good idea for cyclists of all ages.

Do you ride a bike? Tell us your best cycling tip in the comments section below.