1st time biker in Milwaukee. Any tips? Is it safe?

Question

I'm a teacher that just realized that I haven't saved enough for the summer. I'm going ot try riding my bike instead of paying for gas. Problem is: I haven't ridden a bike since I was 11 in a village of 500 people. The bike maps highlight all of the busy roads as bike routes, but I was going to try starting on the less traveled residential roads. I'm pretty nervous about it and have heard about 4 recent accidents killing cyclists.

Is it safe to bike in the city even if I have NO experience?

(Obviously, I'm going to be wearing a helmet.)

Thanks for your advice?

Answer 1

Yeah, just never assume that the drivers of motor-vehicles see you unless you make eye-contact or they wave you through an intersection. Often I ride by the entrance/exit of busy grocery store, and instead of riding next to the curb, I get right in the middle of the lane to people turning left can see me better.  I learned this one after having a guy come within six inches of hitting me!

One other thing - it may look dorky but get big loud bell or horn that mounts on the handle bar so you can let people that are on foot know you are coming . Often saying "on your left" does no good as people don't understand you or aren't listening.

One more tip, some commuter style bike helmets can have a small rear-view mirror attached them so you don't have to turn around to see who is behind or next to you.  Dorky, but a great safety feature.  

Ok, this is the last one, really. Lights. If you are ever gonna be caught after dark or even at dawn/dusk, invest in lights for the front and back.  It can save your butt, and are much better than just a safety vest.

Answer 2

It is safe to bike in any city's bike routes as long as you ride predictably. Be where the motorists expect you to be, riding in the same direction as traffic, in the bike lane when separately marked or on the right side of the road. Obey traffic signs and lights. Signal your intentions. When stopped at a stop sign or traffic light, make sure everyone knows which way to plan to go, even if it is straight ahead. When you cross in front of a car stopped at an intersection, put a big smile on your face and wave at the driver. You want him to notice you.

HTH

Answer 3

As "Intredid..." said cycling is safe in any city ... if you are visible, act like a motorist expects a car to react (basically follow the rules of the road / act like a car), and ride defensively (after all in any "argument" with a car the cyclist loses).

The primary hints about riding in traffic -- other than being predictable -- is to ride about 2-3 feet out from the sidewalk, don't weave in and out as you go past parked cars (stay out), and give parked cars a wide bearth unless you can see there is no driver (being hit by an opening door is a prime cause of accidents). One more .. don't assume the driver sees you ... all too often the driver of that car pulling out just ahead doesn't. Assume not until proven otherwise.

Your biggest handicap is nervousness. And there is no help for that but experience. In the meantime, try to stick to less busy roads, those with bike lanes, or cycle paths.

BUT, don't make the error of thinking bike paths are safe -- they aren't because many are congested with skaters, walkers with dogs, joggers and undisciplined cyclists who may not kill you but can cause painful accidents.

As you ride you may be shocked at the number of poor cyclists .. ones who cause motorists to get upset and/or cause/have accidents (i.e. Riding wrong way on one way streets or against the traffic, not signalling before turns, not stopping at lights/stop signs, riding on sidewalks, etc.).  I'm willing to bet at least 3 of the four deaths you mention were the cyclists fault.

So, wear a helmet (with a mirror on it), stay alert, ride predictably, signal, get off and walk if you are nervous at intersections, wear visible clothing (it's amazing the number of cyclists I see in black at/after dusk!) ... and try to enjoy the experience. Within a month or so you will feel at home in traffic ... you will even learn to be appropriately assertice ... drivers are used to it if done predictably (and after all no driver WANTS to hit a cyclist -- they would have to answer embarrasing questions and might get a scratch on their car or have to wash the blood off ... who wants that?).

Answer 4

intrepid has good advice! I'd just add, get some friends to ride with. there is added safety in greater numbers (more visible), and you can make the ride more social. of course if you turn it in to a workout, you'll be huffing and puffing through any conversations!