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Riding at Night

Cycling at Night

 

Cycling at Night

By Trevon Munroe

Riding at night can be very different from day time riding in many ways. There are adjustments you will need to make in order to ensure your safety and that you are following the rules of the road in the country where you are living. I have experienced this first hand a few years ago whilst I was biking home from classes. It was about 7pm in the evening and I was riding my mountain bike without any sort of lights, and as I was about to ride past a police station there was an officer on the road and he signaled me to stop. This was my first encounter with the law while using the road. The officer was lenient with me since I told him I was going home from classes and he suggested that I always ride with lights and that I should be careful where to ride at nights.

To prevent you from having to experience such a similar encounter (which could turn out worse) and for your safety, here are some basic tips for biking at night, whether you are just running some errands, leaving work or going home from classes:

Lights, lights, lights – Ensure your bike is equipped with a pair of lights. Keeping your cycle well lit will help other road users on the road to see you during the night and this will help to prevent accidents or collisions. In addition, your lights will help you to see obstacles along your path on the road ways (for example, potholes).

Reflectors – The bare minimum I recommend is having reflectors between your bicycle spokes on the wheel with front and rear reflectors (one on the handle bar and one below the seat pole). Like your lights, reflectors help other road users to see you coming. When a motor vehicle’s light hits your reflector, it reflects or lights up in a way that they cannot miss you, thus further ensuring your safety at night.

Clothing – Whilst riding at night, it is a good idea to not be wearing black clothes or dark colored clothing. Wear something bright, preferably white at all times as this will also help other road users to see you in the dark. This is a general rule that not only applies to cyclists but also is advised to pedestrians on the roadways at night.

Be alert and vigilant – The most important thing you can do, in my opinion, is to be vigilant and on the lookout whilst riding at night. Be on the lookout for pedestrians who may wander on the roadways and also for motor vehicles. I would further advise that you choose safe routes for biking after dark because you may be taking all the necessary precautions but there will always be reckless drivers on the road. Also, do not ride in places that are known to be dangerous at night or places that are too lonely. If possible, find a friend to go biking with at night.

That is my list of things you should do to prepare when riding at night. Follow these tips and have a much safer biking experience when riding at night.

Read here for more information on essential bike accessories.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Trevon_Munroe
http://EzineArticles.com/?Cycling-at-Night&id=9020845

 

 

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Bike Racks

A Bike Wall Mount Is A Great Solution For Cyclists That Lack Space
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Andrew_Stratton]Andrew Stratton

Gas can cost a small fortune these days, so many people are purchasing new bicycles instead of cars. Not only do they cost so much less than owning a car, they help to keep you in shape and help reduce your carbon footprint all at the same time. But now that you purchased the model of your dreams, where do you plan to store it?

If you have a home with large yard, you have many options. You can purchase a locker or shed made especially for the job, or you can leave it outside chained up. But depending on your circumstances, these may not be options for you. You may want to consider the use of bike wall mount instead.

Apartment Dwellers

If you live in an apartment and have no outside storage at all, a bike wall mount should work well for you. If you choose to simply lean your bike against an apartment wall, it can be easily knocked over due to its protruding handlebars. Using the bike wall mount keeps it out of the way and prevents it from falling down and getting damaged.

These racks also come in many different styles and colors, so you are bound to find one that matches your home’s decor. Your hanging two-wheeler actually adds a quirky piece of artwork to your home, too.

Organize Your Garage

Maybe you own your own home with a garage, but your yard is too small for a shed or storage locker. Many people with kids choose to keep their bikes in the garage, however, if you use your garage for storage, it can get quite crowded. A hanging rack can be a great solution for saving space.

Simply look around the garage and find an open wall without any shelving for the best placement. Search for a low traffic area and place the rack at approximately waist height, just so the wheels no longer touch the ground.

You can also use the holder as a maintenance stand if it is strong enough. This will prevent you from straining your back the next time you need to perform routine repair work, such as replacing a broken chain.

Different Types

The bike wall mount comes in many variations. There is one where the whole unit is hung from the front wheel, and another that has long arms on which you balance the top tube of the frame, which is the most common. Another type is installed at ground level and it simply captures the front wheel.

All of these models have their advantages and disadvantages, so you should do some research prior to purchasing to determine which one best meets your needs.

Installation

Regardless of which stand you choose, each can be easily installed. All you need are a few screws or bolts, which usually come with the rack as a kit. Using a drill, you should have the rack up in no time flat. It is very important, however, to use a stud finder to ensure that the rack is hung securely. Otherwise, your two-wheeler could fall and destroy property or injure someone.

A bike wall mount is inexpensive and convenient. Installing one will give you the peace of mind just knowing that your property is safe and secure, and you won’t have to worry about it being in the midst of foot traffic.

Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?A-Bike-Wall-Mount-Is-A-Great-Solution-For-Cyclists-That-Lack-Space&id=9092542] A Bike Wall Mount Is A Great Solution For Cyclists That Lack Space