09.11.07 - Cycling for all – CAN-BIKE cycling tip #10

September 11, 2007 (Ottawa, ON) – Cycling for all – The Canadian Cycling Association is pleased to communicate its tenth CAN-BIKE cycling tip of the season.

TRACKS

Think fast and plan ahead! Ribbons of railroad and/or streetcar tracks are part and parcel of many cyclists’ daily commute. Rails on roads can divert wheels causing the cyclist to spill, raised rails can cause pinch flats if they are hit too hard. Walk bikes across tracks or use the following techniques.

Cyclists: Ride over all railroad and/or streetcar tracks at a 90 degree angle to avoid catching or skidding your wheels. Shoulder check, signal, and shoulder check again before you adjust your position in the lane and then slow down, stop pedalling, lift off the seat and keep both hands on the handle bars while you ride over the tracks. Relax your arms to absorb the vibration. Enjoy.

Drivers: Leave extra room for cyclists negotiating tracks. If possible, wait until the cyclist clears the tracks before passing in the same lane.

ABOUT CAN-BIKE
The CAN-BIKE safe cycling skills program is the standard for bicycle education across Canada. CAN-BIKE Courses teach riding skills, traffic analysis skills, and collision avoidance techniques. They also provide the basics on safe equipment, and a basic bike inspection. Regardless of your experience, CAN-BIKE will make your cycling more effective, and give you a greater sense of confidence and control in traffic. Visit http://www.canbike.net/cca_pages/

With generous support of Transport Canada’s Moving on Sustainable Transportation program.