Overcoming the fear of cycling

Riding a bike for the first time, or the first time in a long time, can be a scary experience. There are so many things to look out for, avoid, and pay attention to while pedaling. Riding in traffic, riding too close to someone else, making sharp turns, trying to avoid things in the roads, there is a lot you need to get used to.

Find the right bike for you- in order to feel steady, it has to fit and feel comfortable, so make sure it’s not too big.

Get a helmet and other accessories that make you feel safe. If mirrors or a bell make you feel more comfortable on the road, then go for it!

Build your confidence. If you are not ready to ride on the road, then don’t! Find paved trails, empty parking lots, do whatever you need to feel comfortable first. Once you start riding on the road, try riding your route in low traffic times first to ease into it.

It can be intimidating to ride alone, so bike with friends! Go with a more experienced rider, or a beginner that wants to start together. Finding group rides are a great way to meet new people and ensure you always have someone to ride with. Your local bike shops should have listings of group rides and trails, and your local My City Bike app has them listed too!

Lastly, don’t let one fall hold you back. It’s bound to happen, you hit a rock and your bike slides, you have to stop suddenly, whatever it is, understand that it’s normal and keep riding!

3 tips for new bike owners

When it comes to owning a bike there are some basics that everyone should know.

1.     Own the essentials.

Protect your head by wearing a helmet that fits properly. It should fit snug and fall slightly above your eyebrows. In some cases it’s the law so be sure to check the Governors Highway Safety Association.

Lights are not only common sense so you can see and be seen, they are also required. Don’t forget your front white light, and your rear flashing red light.

2.     Ride smart.

Following all traffic laws is important, but it’s also about being aware of your surroundings and taking precaution. A few things that can keep you safer are; using hand signals, staying out of blind spots, and using caution in intersections. If you ever need a reminder, hand signals are in each My City Bike app under "sending the right signals" under the road and recreational section. 

Don’t forget to size your bike. If you are riding a bike that’s too big or small for you, it can be uncomfortable, but also unsafe. If you are unsure how to size it properly, visit your local bike shop.

3.     Take care of it.

Storing your bike indoors if possible and taking it for routine maintenance is key to keeping it in tip-top shape.

No one is expected to be an experienced bike mechanic right away…or ever, so make sure you find a local shop to help. My City Bikes can help you find beginner friendly bike shops in your state that really give you top-of-the-line service and understand what it means to be a new rider.  

Bike maintenance made easy

So you’ve got the bike, but now what? Basic bike maintenance isn’t tough, it’s just something you have to learn. Here are a few tips to help you keep your bike looking shiny and new.   

First off, keep it inside or in a garage. You want to keep it away from rain, snow and dust.

Keep your bike clean. This is not just something clean freaks do, it is something you should do if you want to keep your bike in good shape and preserve your chains. Frequency depends on how much you use your bike and under what conditions you are riding it. If you have very dirty or muddy rides, you will want to clean it after each ride, otherwise you can probably get away with once a month. To

keep it clean you will just need a simple cleaner, a degreaser, a rag and an old toothbrush.

Things to do before each ride:

·         Check tire pressure-  if you ride with soft tires, there’s a risk of rim and tube damage.

·         Check your brakes- squeeze your rear and front brake just to be sure they are working properly.

·         Check your chains- keep your chain clean and oiled.

Continuous bike care will result in cheaper maintenance in the long run. Doing these simple checks can keep you from having to make constant repairs, and you can stick to bi-annual overhauls at the mechanic. You will want to use your local bike shop for other resources, not just because your bike is in need of repair.

Grocery shopping on 2 wheels

For some, the thought of commuting with groceries sounds inconvenient and you immediately pass on the idea, but going to the grocery store on your bike can be a great experience. It’s a way to do an

ordinary errand in a fun and different way, plus you don’t have to deal with traffic! There are other pro’s too, it can; cause you to eat healthier and save money by buying just the necessities and, force you to plan meals ahead of time to shop wisely.

If you’re thinking of switching to 2 wheels, here are some things to consider:

Small- For small items (probably about a bags worth), you can get away with a basket, backpack, or even (though not recommended) your handle bars. This works for quick trips to the store multiples times a week. When you’re shopping, you have to be very mindful of the items you are buying, you don’t want to get to your bike and realize you’ve over purchased.

Medium-  If you plan to buy a few bags worth of food to last you a bit longer, you will have to getlocal bike shop and see what equipment they have.

attachments for your bike. You can look at rear racks or panniers (saddlebags) which will keep your bike even and stable. You’ll definitely want some straps and bungee cords! This is a great time to head to your

Large- This is where it gets trickier. You can’t do a big shopping trip unless you have the right equipment. If you are carrying large loads you might consider a bike trailer.

For more help, check this video out on urban biking.

5 things to know before buying your first bike

Every cyclist has been there, that awkward state of knowing you want a bike, but not knowing anything else. Buying your first bike can be an intimidating process, but if you are prepared before you go, it can make the process a lot smoother.

1.       Finding a good bike shop is worth the search- When you buy a bike you are also starting a new relationship. This will not be the only time you interact with them, so browse a few before you make a decision. Find your community on My City Bikes and see specific beginner-friendly bike shops.

2.       What type you want- Do your research and figure out what fits your body and lifestyle. Read about the differences of a road, mountain, comfort, or cruiser before you make a decision.

3.       What your budget is- Be sure to calculate what you can afford to spend on a bike before you go into a shop, don’t forget the extras you will need too (lock, helmet, lights, etc.)!

4.       It’s okay to test them out- Buying a new bike is an investment, and you should be happy with your choice. Take it for a spin around the block, and test out as many as you want!

5.       Have fun- Buying a new bike should be like opening presents on your birthday, a fun and exciting experience! Don’t let the fact that you are a beginner get you down, anyone can be a cyclist; all you need is a bike. 

How to not get lost in a bike shop

Going into a bike shop for the first time is hard, you have no idea how the aisles are sorted or what most of the products even are. So how do you keep from drowning and find the stuff you need? Easy, ask!

Too often people think they can easily find where everything is, but there is no need to when you have the support of beginner-friendly bike shops. If you are unsure who those shops are, check out My City Bikes.

Bike shops are typically sorted in different sections; bikes, parts, tools, accessories, clothing, and the repair station. For a beginner, you will probably stay out of the parts and tools sections for now. If you are not comfortable with repairing your own bike, most of those parts will look like something off a spaceship.

Focus on just a few sections to start:

·         Bikes- These are typically sorted by type of bike and then by brand. This makes it easy for you to head straight to the area you should choose from based on the bike you want.

·         Accessories- This is where you will find anything in addition to the bike; water bottles, helmets, locks, clothes, lights, electronics, bike racks, etc. For the most part, those can all be chosen just by what appeals to you, but you may want to ask on recommendations for a good lock.

·         Repair station- Their work stations are where you will get your bike repaired or just bring for routine maintenance. Take advantage of this section.

If only all roads were bike friendly...

If you are new to biking, you probably don’t know the bike friendly routes just yet, but the good thing is, My City Bikes (MYB) is here to help. Finding mountain bike or urban trails is easy to navigate on your city app.

But what happens if those trails don’t take you where you need to go? You’ll have to get comfortable with what makes a bike friendly road and start finding the best routes for yourself. Whenever you are walking or driving you’ll want to start keeping an eye out to your surroundings. When you take note of streets as you pass by, a few things to look out for are:

-     Bike lanes- a dedicated space on the road for bicyclists marked by stripes and signs, keep an eye out for solid and dotted lines.

-     Sidewalks- might seem like a good idea but can sometimes be more dangerous.

-     Street parked cars

-     Construction- try to avoid all together.

-     The quality of the road (pot holes, rocky pavement, etc.)

-     Intersection visibility

-     Narrow roads

-     Shoulder space- this is extra important if there are no bike lanes or sidewalks.

-     Heavy traffic- if is not safe for any bicyclist, but beginners should take extra precaution.

-     Heavy pedestrian crossings

While you will want to do your own assessment, Google Maps also has a feature that will give you bike routes, and if you need extra help, your local bike shops are full of people who are familiar with the roads. Bike smart.

Creative & Lovely Bike Storage Solutions

For some people riding their bike is the easy part of a healthy lifestyle. The challenge comes from where to keep their bike when they’re not pushing pedals. Luckily, today there are more bike storage solutions than ever before that not only stow a bicycle away, but turn it into a charming part of indoor decor. Creative bike storage ideas make any bicycle look so irresistible, you’ll be inspired to go for a ride again! Get inspiration from the bike storage ideas in the gallery below. Download your local My City Bikes app to find local bike shops where you can get storage solutions for your home, and find great places to ride a bike in your community.