Bike Friendly Manchester

The League of American Bicyclists helping keep all road users safe by offering Bicycle Friendly Driver training online! The training program offers an accessible and comprehensive curriculum designed to educate drivers on safe and respectful behavior around cyclists. The program consists of ten short videos and a 20-question test covering topics such as traffic laws, common crashes, and specific actions drivers can take to ensure cyclist safety, including the Dutch Reach technique. The course, which can be completed in 45 minutes or less, provides flexibility for users to complete it at their own pace. Upon successful completion, users receive a Bicycle Friendly Driver certificate. Available in both English and Spanish, the training aims to promote safer interactions between drivers and cyclists, ultimately contributing to a more secure road environment for all users. To access the training or share it with others, visit https://learn.bikeleague.org/

Cycling is not only a mode of transportation but also a joyful and exhilarating activity that offers numerous health benefits while promoting environmental sustainability. Whether you're a beginner taking your first pedal strokes or a seasoned rider looking to enhance your skills, learning the fundamentals of bicycling is key to enjoying a safe and rewarding experience on two wheels. Learn the basics to safe habits and more below!

Learn to Ride

Learning to ride a bicycle is a milestone moment for many, symbolizing newfound freedom and independence. If you're new to cycling, don't be discouraged—riding a bike is a skill that can be learned at any age. Here are some tips to get started:

1. Choose the Right Bike: Select a bicycle that fits your size and riding needs. Consider factors such as frame size, handlebar type, and riding style (road, mountain, hybrid, etc.). A properly fitted bike will enhance comfort and control while riding.

2. Find a Safe Learning Environment: Seek out a spacious and flat area, such as an empty parking lot or a quiet neighborhood street, where you can practice without traffic or obstacles. A grassy field can also provide a forgiving surface for beginners.

3. Adjust the Bike: Ensure that the seat height is adjusted to a comfortable level, allowing you to touch the ground with your feet while seated. Check that the tires are properly inflated and the brakes are in working order.

4. Master Balance and Coordination: Start by straddling the bike with both feet on the ground. Push off with your dominant foot and glide while balancing on the bike frame. Practice steering and maintaining balance by gently turning the handlebars.

5. Practice Pedaling: Once you feel comfortable balancing on the bike, practice pedaling in a straight line. Use one foot to push off the ground and the other to pedal smoothly in a circular motion. Focus on keeping a steady rhythm and applying even pressure on the pedals.

6. Build Confidence: Gradually increase your speed and practice turning, stopping, and maneuvering around obstacles. Remember to remain relaxed and confident while riding, and don't be afraid to make mistakes—it's all part of the learning process.

7. Seek Instruction: Consider enrolling in a learn-to-ride class or seeking guidance from experienced cyclists. Professional instruction can provide valuable tips and techniques to accelerate your learning curve and build confidence on the bike.

Once you've mastered the art of riding, it's important to develop good bike handling skills to navigate safely and efficiently on various terrain. Here are some essential bike handling basics to enhance your riding proficiency:

1. Body Position: Maintain a relaxed and balanced posture while riding, with your weight evenly distributed between the saddle, handlebars, and pedals. Keep your arms slightly bent and your eyes focused ahead on the path.

2. Braking: Learn to use both front and rear brakes effectively for controlled stopping. Apply gradual pressure to the brakes, avoiding sudden or excessive braking that may cause skidding or loss of control. Remember that the front brake provides more stopping power but requires gentle modulation to prevent flipping over the handlebars.

3. Cornering: Approach turns with caution and anticipate your line of travel. Lean your bike gently into the turn while keeping your body upright and your inside pedal up. Look through the turn and steer smoothly, avoiding sudden movements or overcorrection.

4. Shifting Gears: Understand how to use your bike's gears to maintain an appropriate cadence and optimize efficiency. Shift to a lower gear when climbing hills to reduce resistance, and shift to a higher gear when descending or riding on flat terrain to increase speed.

5. Obstacle Avoidance: Learn to navigate around obstacles such as potholes, debris, and pedestrians. Scan the road ahead for potential hazards and adjust your speed and position accordingly. Use quick, decisive movements to steer around obstacles while maintaining control of your bike.

6. Riding in Traffic: Familiarize yourself with traffic laws and safety guidelines for cycling on roads and bike lanes. Signal your intentions to motorists and other cyclists using hand signals and verbal cues. Stay alert and be prepared to react to changing road conditions and traffic patterns.

By mastering these fundamental skills, you'll become a more confident and capable cyclist, ready to explore new routes and adventures on two wheels. Whether you're commuting to work, enjoying a leisurely ride through the countryside, or embarking on a long-distance cycling journey, the joy of bicycling awaits you. So grab your helmet, hop on your bike, and let the journey begin!

Family biking is a fantastic way to spend quality time together, explore the outdoors, and instill a love for cycling in children. Here are some ideas and tips for biking with children:

1. Start Slowly: Begin with short, easy rides to build confidence and familiarity with biking as a family activity. Choose flat, smooth trails or quiet neighborhood streets for your first outings.

2. Choose Family-Friendly Routes: Look for bike paths, greenways, or parks with designated bike lanes that are safe and suitable for riders of all ages and skill levels. Consider factors such as traffic volume, terrain, and distance when planning your routes.

3. Use Appropriate Gear:

• Invest in quality bikes and helmets that are properly sized and fitted for each family member, including children.

• Consider bike trailers, bike seats, or trail-a-bikes for younger children who may not be able to ride independently yet.

• Ensure all bikes are equipped with lights, reflectors, and bells or horns for safety and visibility.

4. Establish Safety Rules:

• Teach children basic bike safety rules, such as wearing helmets, obeying traffic signals, signaling turns, and staying alert to their surroundings.

• Set clear boundaries and guidelines for riding together, such as staying together as a group, riding single file, and yielding to pedestrians and other trail users.

5. Make It Fun:

• Plan family bike rides around fun destinations or activities, such as picnics in the park, visits to playgrounds, or ice cream outings.

• Incorporate games or challenges into your rides, such as scavenger hunts, obstacle courses, or "follow the leader" games.

6. Pack Essentials:

• Bring along plenty of water, snacks, sunscreen, and first aid supplies for longer rides. Consider packing a small picnic or snacks to enjoy during rest breaks.

• Carry a basic bike repair kit with tools, spare tubes, and a pump in case of mechanical issues or flat tires.

7. Encourage Independence:

• Allow older children to take on responsibilities such as planning routes, navigating, and leading the group. Encourage them to practice riding skills and make decisions independently.

8. Celebrate Milestones:

• Celebrate achievements and milestones reached during family bike rides, such as mastering a new skill, completing a longer distance, or exploring a new trail.

• Take photos or keep a journal to document your family biking adventures and create lasting memories together.

9. Be Flexible and Patient:

• Be prepared for unexpected challenges or setbacks, such as tired or cranky children, changing weather conditions, or mechanical issues with bikes.

• Stay positive, patient, and flexible, and be willing to adapt your plans or make changes as needed to ensure a positive and enjoyable experience for everyone.

By following these ideas and tips, you can create memorable and rewarding family biking experiences that promote bonding, fitness, and outdoor exploration for the whole family.

Bicycling is not only a fun and efficient mode of transportation but also a rewarding way to stay active and explore the outdoors. However, ensuring your safety while riding is paramount. By practicing safe bicycle riding skills and adopting good habits, you can enjoy the ride with confidence and peace of mind.

1. Wear a Helmet: Always wear a properly fitted bicycle helmet whenever you ride. A helmet is your first line of defense against head injuries in the event of a crash or fall. Make sure the helmet sits level on your head, covering the top of your forehead, and fasten the chin strap snugly.

2. Follow Traffic Laws: Bicycles are considered vehicles and must follow the same traffic laws as motor vehicles. Obey traffic signals, stop signs, and lane markings. Ride in the same direction as traffic, on the right side of the road, and use hand signals to indicate turns and stops.

3. Be Visible: Increase your visibility to motorists and other road users by wearing bright or reflective clothing, especially during low-light conditions or inclement weather. Equip your bike with front and rear lights, reflectors, and reflective tape to enhance visibility from all angles.

4. Stay Alert: Pay attention to your surroundings and anticipate potential hazards on the road. Scan ahead for obstacles, pedestrians, parked cars, and turning vehicles. Avoid distractions such as using electronic devices or wearing headphones while riding.

5. Maintain Control: Maintain a firm grip on the handlebars and keep both hands ready to brake at all times. Ride with a relaxed but attentive posture, keeping your elbows slightly bent and your weight centered over the bike. Practice smooth and precise steering, braking, and shifting to maintain control in various riding conditions.

6. Watch for Doors: Be cautious when riding near parked cars, especially in urban areas. Watch for occupants exiting vehicles and be prepared to react to opening doors. Leave a safe distance (at least three feet) between yourself and parked cars to avoid potential collisions.

7. Share the Road: Respect the rights of other road users, including motorists, pedestrians, and fellow cyclists. Give pedestrians the right of way at crosswalks and intersections. Yield to faster-moving traffic when appropriate and maintain a predictable riding pattern.

8. Be Predictable: Signal your intentions to motorists and other cyclists using hand signals and verbal cues. Use your left arm to signal turns and stops, and communicate your intentions clearly with eye contact and gestures when necessary. Avoid sudden movements or erratic behavior that may confuse or surprise others.

9. Ride Defensively: Assume that other road users may not see you or may not act predictably. Stay vigilant and be prepared to react to unexpected situations. Leave yourself an escape route in case you need to maneuver quickly to avoid a collision.

10. Practice Courtesy: Be courteous and respectful to others on the road. Acknowledge drivers who give you the right of way or provide extra space when passing. Thank pedestrians for yielding to you at crosswalks. By fostering positive interactions, you contribute to a safer and more enjoyable cycling environment for everyone.

By incorporating these safe bicycle riding skills and habits into your routine, you can minimize risks and maximize enjoyment every time you ride. Remember that safety is a shared responsibility, and each cyclist plays a vital role in creating a culture of respect and awareness on the road. So pedal safely, ride responsibly, and enjoy the journey to its fullest!

Sharing the road with vehicles requires cyclists to adhere to traffic laws and exercise caution to ensure their safety and the safety of others. Here are some basic traffic skills and rules of the road for bicycles:

1. Obey Traffic Signals and Signs: Cyclists must follow the same traffic signals, signs, and lane markings as motor vehicles. Stop at red lights and stop signs, yield to pedestrians in crosswalks, and use designated bike lanes where available.

2. Ride in the Same Direction as Traffic: Always ride on the right side of the road, in the same direction as traffic flow. Keep to the rightmost lane that serves your destination, and avoid riding against the flow of traffic, which is both dangerous and illegal.

3. Use Hand Signals: Signal your intentions to motorists and other cyclists using hand signals. Extend your left arm straight out to signal a left turn, bend your left arm downward at a right angle to signal a right turn, and extend your left arm downward to signal a stop.

4. Be Predictable: Maintain a straight and steady course while riding, and avoid sudden movements or weaving in and out of traffic. Signal your turns and lane changes well in advance to give motorists and pedestrians ample time to react.

5. Stay Visible: Increase your visibility to motorists by wearing bright or reflective clothing, especially during low-light conditions. Equip your bike with front and rear lights, reflectors, and reflective tape to enhance visibility from all angles.

6. Be Alert and Defensive: Stay alert to your surroundings and anticipate potential hazards on the road. Watch for vehicles turning or merging into your path, and be prepared to yield or take evasive action if necessary. Assume that other road users may not see you and ride defensively to minimize risks.

7. Maintain a Safe Distance: Leave plenty of space between yourself and other vehicles, especially large trucks and buses. Avoid riding in the "blind spots" of vehicles, and give them extra space when passing or being passed.

8. Avoid Distractions: Focus on the road ahead and avoid distractions such as using electronic devices or wearing headphones while riding. Keep both hands on the handlebars and stay attentive to traffic conditions at all times.

Watch some fun videos from the League of American Cyclists on Smart Cycling.

Bike Friendly Videos

Combining bikes and transit, also known as multi-modal transportation, offers a convenient and sustainable way to travel longer distances or navigate urban areas with ease. Here are some ideas for incorporating bikes and transit:

1. Bike to Transit Stations:

• Ride your bike to the nearest transit station, such as a bus stop, train station, or subway station, and securely lock your bike at a designated bike rack or bike parking facility.

• Many transit stations offer bike-friendly amenities, such as bike lockers, bike racks, or bike-sharing services, to make it easy to combine biking and transit.

2. Bring Your Bike on Transit:

• Check the transit agency's policies regarding bringing bikes on board buses, trains, or ferries. Many transit systems allow bikes on board during off-peak hours or in designated bike compartments.

• Foldable bikes or bikes with collapsible handlebars and pedals are ideal for bringing on transit and can be easily stored in designated bike areas or onboard racks.

3. Use Bike Sharing Programs:

• Utilize bike-sharing programs available in many cities as a convenient option for short-distance trips or last-mile connections to transit stations.

• Look for bike-sharing stations near transit hubs or popular destinations, and use the bikes to cover the first or last leg of your journey before transferring to transit.

4. Plan Multi-Modal Routes:

• Use online trip planning tools or mobile apps that integrate both bike and transit options to plan multi-modal routes that combine biking and public transportation.

• Look for routes that minimize transfer times and maximize efficiency, taking into account factors such as bike-friendly roads, bike lanes, and transit schedules.

5. Explore Bike-Friendly Transit Options:

• Seek out transit systems that offer bike-friendly amenities and services, such as bike racks on buses, bike storage lockers at transit stations, or dedicated bike lanes near transit routes.

• Choose transit routes that accommodate bikes and provide convenient connections to bike-friendly destinations, such as parks, trails, or bike paths.

6. Participate in Bike Commuter Programs:

• Explore bike commuter programs offered by employers, universities, or community organizations that promote cycling as a sustainable commuting option and provide incentives such as bike subsidies, showers, or bike-friendly facilities.

• Connect with local advocacy groups or cycling organizations that advocate for bike-friendly policies and infrastructure improvements to support multi-modal transportation options.

7. Share Your Experience:

• Share your experiences and tips for combining bikes and transit with friends, family, and fellow commuters to encourage others to consider multi-modal transportation.

• Provide feedback to transit agencies and local officials about ways to improve bike-transit integration, such as expanding bike parking facilities, improving bike lane connectivity, or increasing bike-sharing availability.

By incorporating these ideas and strategies, you can enjoy the convenience, flexibility, and sustainability benefits of multi-modal transportation by combining bikes and transit for your daily commute or recreational outings.

When purchasing a bicycle, it's essential to consider factors such as bike type, size, fit, and features to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable riding experience. Here's some guidance to help you make an informed decision:

1. Determine Your Riding Needs:

• Consider the type of cycling you'll be doing most frequently, whether it's commuting, leisurely rides, road cycling, mountain biking, or touring.

• Choose a bike that matches your intended riding style and terrain, such as a road bike, hybrid bike, mountain bike, or commuter bike.

2. Choose the Right Size:

• Proper bike fit is crucial for comfort, efficiency, and injury prevention.

• Refer to the manufacturer's sizing charts or consult with a bike shop professional to determine the appropriate frame size based on your height, inseam length, and riding preferences.

• Test ride different sizes and models to find the best fit for your body proportions and riding style.

3. Consider Bike Features:

• Look for features that align with your riding needs and preferences, such as:

  • Frame material: Aluminum, steel, carbon fiber, or titanium.

  • Suspension: Front suspension (for mountain bikes) or rigid frame (for road bikes and hybrids).

  • Components: Brakes, gears, wheels, tires, and drivetrain components.

  • Accessories: Fenders, racks, lights, locks, and other accessories for convenience and safety.

4. Test Ride Several Bikes:

• Visit local bike shops to test ride different models and brands to get a feel for how each bike handles and fits your body.

• Pay attention to comfort, handling, stability, and overall ride quality during the test ride.

• Ask questions and seek advice from knowledgeable staff to help you narrow down your options and make an informed decision.

5. Consider Fit Adjustments:

• Once you've selected a bike, ask the bike shop staff to assist with fit adjustments to ensure optimal comfort and performance.

• Adjust saddle height, saddle position, handlebar height, and reach to achieve a comfortable riding position.

• Fine-tune fit adjustments over time as you become more accustomed to the bike and your riding preferences evolve.

6. Budget Wisely:

• Set a budget based on your financial constraints and prioritize features that are essential for your riding needs.

• Consider additional expenses such as accessories, maintenance, and bike fitting services when budgeting for your purchase.

7. Research and Compare:

• Research different brands, models, and customer reviews to compare features, performance, and value for money.

• Consider factors such as warranty, customer support, and resale value when evaluating your options.

8. Purchase from a Reputable Retailer:

• Buy from a reputable bike shop or authorized dealer that offers quality products, expert advice, and reliable customer service.

• Ask about warranty coverage, maintenance services, and post-purchase support to ensure a positive buying experience.

By following these guidelines and taking the time to find the right bike and fit for your needs, you can enjoy many miles of comfortable, enjoyable, and safe cycling adventures.

Using your bike while doing things such as carrying groceries or running errands is not only convenient, but also environmentally friendly and promotes an active lifestyle. Here are some tips and guidance for making the most of your utilitarian bike trips:

1. Choose the Right Bike: Opt for a bicycle that is well-suited for carrying cargo, such as a commuter bike, hybrid bike, or cargo bike. Consider features like a sturdy frame, racks or baskets for carrying loads, and a comfortable riding position for everyday use.

2. Invest in Cargo Accessories: Equip your bike with cargo-carrying accessories such as rear racks, front baskets, panniers, or bike trailers. These accessories provide ample space for groceries, packages, or other items you need to transport.

3. Plan Your Route: Choose bike-friendly routes that are safe and convenient for cycling, taking into account factors such as bike lanes, dedicated paths, and traffic conditions. Plan your trip in advance to minimize detours and optimize efficiency.

4. Secure Your Cargo: Use bungee cords, cargo nets, or straps to secure your cargo and prevent it from shifting or falling while riding. Distribute the weight evenly and keep heavier items low and centered on your bike for better stability.

5. Be Visible: Increase your visibility to motorists and pedestrians by wearing bright or reflective clothing, especially if you're carrying bulky or oversized cargo. Use front and rear lights, reflectors, and reflective tape on your bike to enhance visibility, particularly in low-light conditions.

6. Ride Smoothly: Maintain a steady and controlled pace while riding, especially when carrying heavy loads. Start and stop gradually to avoid sudden jerks or shifts in your cargo. Use caution when turning or maneuvering to ensure stability and balance.

7. Practice Safe Handling: Be mindful of your bike's handling characteristics when carrying cargo, particularly during cornering, braking, or riding on uneven terrain. Allow for extra stopping distance and exercise caution when navigating obstacles or hazards on the road.

8. Know Your Limits: Be realistic about the amount of cargo you can comfortably carry on your bike. Avoid overloading your bike beyond its capacity, as this can affect your ability to control the bike and increase the risk of accidents.

9. Stay Prepared: Carry essential tools and supplies with you, such as a tire pump, patch kit, multitool, and spare tubes, in case of emergencies or maintenance issues while on the road. Consider installing fenders or mudguards to protect yourself and your cargo from road debris and weather conditions.

10. Enjoy the Ride: Embrace the freedom and flexibility of biking for everyday errands and enjoy the sense of accomplishment that comes from reducing your carbon footprint and staying active while running errands.

By following these tips and guidance, you can make your utilitarian bike trips safer, more efficient, and more enjoyable, while also contributing to a greener and healthier community. Happy cycling!