Welcome to the second installment of Cycling in Vancouver. Lynne Mutrie, director of CycleSmart, will share her expertise and experience as a National Cycling Instructor, Bicycle Courier Examiner, bike racer, triathlete and commuter, to make cycling enjoyable and safe in and around Vancouver.

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To contact Lynne regarding any questions you may have or for information about educational clinics and programmes put on by CycleSmart please feel free to email her at lmutrie@istar.ca

 

"CYCLING IN VANCOUVER"

Let's Go: basic bike care cycling etiquette and rules of the road &
Traffic Central: road hazards, traffic hazards.

Visit our previous Installment:

The Basics: basic rules, hand signals, helmet fitting
Starting Out: bike size and optional equipment bike safety checklist

 

Let's Go!

Basic Maintenance

Your bike will perform a lot better if you keep it in good condition. It doesn't take a lot of time to keep clean, oiled and running smoothly if you keep on top of the process. Don't wait until it's to late! Vancouver is famous for it's rain, which can make cycling not as appealing. It can be just as much fun as riding in the sun if you dress for it... and dress your bike for it.

After a ride in the rain, rinse it. It is important that you don't spray water on any section of the bike where water may get into "sealed" areas. You can also wait until the bike dries a wipe the dirt off with a dry rag. Purists say that this the is only way to properly clean a bike. This can take a lot of time and is very messy. Either way, be sure to re-oil your chain, and dry as much of the bike as possible.

If riding in winter it's important to clean frequently because the salt from the streets adheres to your bike and causes rust and a very unhappy machine. Does anyone remember when the city of Vancouver started using salt on the roads?

Cycling Etiquette

Being courteous to all other road and path users can make everyone's day a lot better. Bicycle riders are subject to the Motor Vehicle Act and applicable City by-laws... cyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as motor vehicle drivers. BUT, remember that when there is a crash between a bike and a car, the biker looses! It doesn't matter who is at fault. The cyclists are one of the most vulnerable of road users, so being extra cautious will keep everyone smiling.

Cyclists must learn to take their rights but at the same time keep your eyes and ears alert to those who don't understand the rights of the cyclist. If you are in a crash and end up in spinal traction in Vancouver Hospital, it doesn't matter who was at fault!

In addition to the rules in THE BASICS section here are more (yup, more rules, but these are actually more common sense than rules)

Yield to pedestrians and be careful in school zones.

Obey all traffic regulations including speed limits.

Do not ride on the sidewalk unless indicated by signs.

Always shoulder check and signal before turning or changing lanes.

Do not wear headphones that cover both ears.

Bicycles in Vancouver are required to have a warning bell or horn.

All bicycles ridden at night are required to have a white front light, red rear light and at least one rear reflector mounted to the bike. In addition, wear as much reflective, or easy to see clothing as possible. Safety Vests may look "un-cool" but a driver can see them from a great distance.

Helmets are required on all streets and paths.

 

There is also a courtesy code that experienced cyclists ride by. There will be many readers who would like certain additions... I welcome these and will share them with the readers in future articles.

When on bikeways which often are routed through residential areas. Please respect private property and the local residents by riding in a responsible manner.

In addition, please consider the following:

Minimize noise, especially at night and early in the morning.

Watch and anticipate children and pets running into your path at all times.

Don't block the path on a pedestrian/cyclist route. Position yourself so others can safely pass.

If you want to pass another cyclist or pedestrian sound your bell or say "excuse me, passing on your left". Don't startle anyone, they could cause you more grief!

If you wish to go fast choose a bypass route or the road, not a bike path like the seawall. It will annoy yourself and others!

Slow down and form a single file in congested areas or where visibility is limited. In front of all Lifeguard Stations cyclists must get off their bikes and walk through the area.

 

Favourite Rides #3

 

Circle Pacific Spirit Park and UBC: lots of scenery, variety of terrain and relatively calm traffic.

New Westminster via SW Marine Drive and Marine Way: long ride, easy traffic mid day.

Visit Favourite rides 1 & 2

 

Traffic Central

 

Out on the roads adds all sorts of obstacles of which the average road user is unaware. There are both road hazards and traffic hazards. Both can be equally as devastating. The key is to anticipate and predict obstacles and maneuvers in advance, this will put you one step ahead of the game.

Road Hazards

pot holes

road snakes (parallel cracks in the road)

railway tracks

sand/gravel

puddles

 

The above list can easily be expanded. What are your thoughts? According to the Canadian Cycling Association, Road Snakes are the most devastating. They can be cracks in the pavement or differing levels of pavement and are difficult to move your wheel over if you don't see them. One actually has to turn the wheel to ensure that at least the front wheel goes over it at right angles. To do this maneuver make sure traffic is clear.

Traffic Hazards

the door prize (most cyclists' biggest fear)

the motorists' right hand squish

intersections

the Demon Driveway

laneways

pedestrians

other cyclists

 

Again the list can go on and on. To the surprise of many cyclists, the cyclist is at fault in 83% of the collisions between cyclists and motorists. This statistic is from the Canadian Cycling Association and the US Cycling Federation from the early 1980's. As an observer, I think both cyclists and motorists have become far more conscious of each other; however, it is a proven fact that in all cyclist/ motorist collisions, the cyclist can prevent the majority from happening by being alert and knowledgeable about the traffic patterns and laws.

In a collision between a bicycle and a motor vehicle the bike looses. It does not matter who is at fault. It pays to on the defensive at all times!

 

Favourite Rides #4

 

Horseshoe Bay: Lower Levels Road,Taylor Way/ Upper Levels

Deep Cove: Lower Level/ Mt. Seymour Parkway, Marine Drive/ Dollarton Highway

Mountain Biking: Cypress- intense road ride up, awesome trail network.
Grouse- very intense road ride up, restricted but wicked trail descents.
Seymour- long and relatively intense road ride up, fabulous trail network.

The above information remains the personal opinion of our guest writer(s) and do not necessarily reflect the
opinions of englishbay.com.