06.07.07 - Cycling for all – CAN-BIKE cycling tip #6

June 7, 2007 (Ottawa, ON) – Cycling for all – The Canadian Cycling Association is pleased to communicate its sixth CAN-BIKE cycling tip of the season.

CAN-BIKE TIP #6
ROAD SNAKES AND OTHER URBAN CHALLENGES

Tar filled cracks on the road can make cycling snaky! For cyclists, ‘road snakes’ are similar to riding through sand; it slows the bike and can divert the wheels.

Ride over all road snakes at a 90 degree angle to avoid catching or skidding your wheels. This also applies to curbs, potholes and rail tracks.

Road snakes and other urban challenges are less predictable than tracks. If you spot one in time reduce your speed and check the scene around you. Change lanes if possible, or else reduce speed, stop pedalling and grip handle bars tightly, relax your arms and rise from your seat a little to increase control over the bike while you ride over the obstacle.

Drivers: Be alert to road conditions and considerate of two-wheeled road users. Stay a safe distance behind cyclists and pass with at least one-meter of space.

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.