This is an article from Interaksyon.com. I'm re-posting this here for reasons that will be obvious when you read the article.
PARA SA MGA SIKLISTA | 8 ways to keep safe when biking
By: Tricia Aquino, InterAksyon.com
January 27, 2014 11:48 AM
“A lot of the time, road accidents happen when the cyclist or motorist is unpredictable, say he or she suddenly makes a turn,” said J. Paul Marasigan, an aficionado who used to bike to and from work every day.
Visibility is also important to keep safe on the streets, he said. At night, cyclists must have prominent blinkers and/or reflectors on their bike, body, helmet, or anywhere else that can be seen.
Before making a turn, overtaking, or changing lanes, cyclists must also look at their surroundings to make sure they are clear to go, especially when crossing.
It is also important to use hand signals to make one’s moves predictable. But a problem is that some motorists do not understand these gestures because they are not educated about this, said Marasigan.
Omi Castañar, another cyclist who uses the bike as his primary mode of transportation, has more advice for his peers.
1. Wear light-colored clothes.
2. Make sure there are both front and rear lights on the bike.
3. Stick to familiar routes. Avoid national roads and highways if possible.
4. Do not listen to music. It is important to hear vehicles coming from the rear, especially motorcycles
5. Avoid weaving. Ride in a straight line.
6. Do not assume that drivers can see you.
7. Do not beat traffic lights.
8. Always be ready with the brakes because some vehicles do not follow road rules.
But bicycle safety is not just the biker’s responsibility. Marasigan said that motorists must also be aware that there may be a bike in their vicinity. A common problem, he said, was how car doors would suddenly open just as a bike approached.
He advised that cyclists go a door’s length apart from vehicles they pass to avoid this.
Tuesday, January 28, 2014
Friday, January 24, 2014
FAQs: Riding a Bicycle to Work
Here are some of the frequently asked questions when people find out that I ride a bike to the office.
1. How long have you been riding a bike to work?
I started biking to the office in 2012. Back then, because of my erratic work schedule (i.e. I don't know when and where my work day ends) I'd ride once or twice a week. This wasn't as regular as I'd want to. But in August 2013, the nature of my work changed and I was able to ride my bicycle to work everyday. Since the first work day of August 2013, I have never failed to ride a bicycle to the office.
2. What bicycle do you use?
I used to ride a Brompton-clone folding bike to the office. I preferred it over my road bike because I can attach a a bag in front of it. Mid-2013, I sold my folding bike to finish the assembly of my touring bicycle. Since then, I've been using my Surly Long Haul Trucker to go to the office, and basically everywhere else. I prefer this bike because of several factors: (1) the racks allow me to place my bag on a basket / crate at the rear of the of bike, (2) the thicker tires and the steel frame absorbs more vibration than my racer's thin 700cc tires and carbon fiber frame, and (3) the geometry is more relaxed than my racer, making long rides easier on the back and the nape.
3. How long is your ride to the office?
The distance from my place and the office is about 7.2 kilometers. It takes me between 18-22 minutes to get to the office in the morning. If I commute (i.e. riding the LRT2 and the subsequent jeepney) the travel time is about 35 minutes. The ride home, because of the traffic conditions, takes longer - I get home after about 25 minutes of cycling.
4. What do you wear when riding? Don't you get very sweaty and dirty?
Before, when I'd still bring my folding bicycle, I'd wear my office slacks and office shoes together with a dry-fit shirt to the office. I was going for a "wear-for-the-destination-not-the-ride" look. I always pedaled at a leisurely pace so I won't get sweaty. But when I switched to full-time biking, I opted to wear running singlets (in addition to the dry-fit shirts), nylon shorts, and sandals. Because I ride everyday to work, I can't avoid the occasional morning rush (usually because of overextended sleep). Making it in time for work entailed pedaling faster than normal, so perspiration is unavoidable.
When I arrive at the office, I just changed into my office clothes. I bring my clothes with me and I usually leave my shoes under my desk. Before dressing up, I'd wash my face and use anti-bacterial wet wipes my arms, legs, and torso with. Usually, this ritual is enough for me to feel fresh for the day.
Bringing clothes to work has its trade-offs - my bag is bulkier than usual and my clothes don't look as neatly pressed as I want them too. But these are small inconveniences that I'd gladly accept so I can ride my bicycle to work.
Ideally, I wish I could shower at the office every time I arrive. In addition, I wish I could bring all my clothes at the same time and just store them in a cabinet complete with hangers. If these options are available to prospective bike commuters, then it would be even better.
5. What's your route?
I brave the busy streets of Aurora Boulevard during my commute. I know of some biker friends who opt to go through side streets on their commute and I recommend that cyclists do that. I just haven't discovered a convenient route that would allow me to avoid Aurora Boulevard. Going through side streets is beneficial because the streets are usually less busy and congested, and seeing the neighborhood is always a good bonus.
The key really is to plan ahead. I recommend scoping the route ahead of time, if possible. Look for potholes or road repairs that might need to be avoided. Scoping either first-hand or via Google Maps might also lead to discovering safer and more pleasant routes, so it really pays to do some research.
After doing research, I suggest going through the route on a weekend, when the traffic is lighter. Riding the planned route on a bicycle for the first time on a weekday morning is not advisable, especially for newbie bike commuters. It's always better to be familiar with the route first before worrying about heavy traffic and the morning rush. Also, try the route at night just to be familiar with the lighting conditions of the road.
6. Isn't going through national roads dangerous?
The key to being safe on the road is to be visible and predictable. Cyclists should ensure that other motorists see them, both in daytime and (most especially) during night time. This includes being careful when crossing intersections and avoiding swerving in and out of lanes.
2. What bicycle do you use?
I used to ride a Brompton-clone folding bike to the office. I preferred it over my road bike because I can attach a a bag in front of it. Mid-2013, I sold my folding bike to finish the assembly of my touring bicycle. Since then, I've been using my Surly Long Haul Trucker to go to the office, and basically everywhere else. I prefer this bike because of several factors: (1) the racks allow me to place my bag on a basket / crate at the rear of the of bike, (2) the thicker tires and the steel frame absorbs more vibration than my racer's thin 700cc tires and carbon fiber frame, and (3) the geometry is more relaxed than my racer, making long rides easier on the back and the nape.
This doesn't mean people need to buy a commuter-specific bicycle to ride one to work. When asked for bicycle recommendations, I always tell my friends to get one that they'd like to ride. Any bicycle can be used for bike commuting. Of course I'd recommend to get one that has either a rack or a basket but they're more for convenience than an absolute requirement. It's perfectly alright to get an affordable Japanese surplus bicycle as a commuter.
The distance from my place and the office is about 7.2 kilometers. It takes me between 18-22 minutes to get to the office in the morning. If I commute (i.e. riding the LRT2 and the subsequent jeepney) the travel time is about 35 minutes. The ride home, because of the traffic conditions, takes longer - I get home after about 25 minutes of cycling.
4. What do you wear when riding? Don't you get very sweaty and dirty?
Before, when I'd still bring my folding bicycle, I'd wear my office slacks and office shoes together with a dry-fit shirt to the office. I was going for a "wear-for-the-destination-not-the-ride" look. I always pedaled at a leisurely pace so I won't get sweaty. But when I switched to full-time biking, I opted to wear running singlets (in addition to the dry-fit shirts), nylon shorts, and sandals. Because I ride everyday to work, I can't avoid the occasional morning rush (usually because of overextended sleep). Making it in time for work entailed pedaling faster than normal, so perspiration is unavoidable.
When I arrive at the office, I just changed into my office clothes. I bring my clothes with me and I usually leave my shoes under my desk. Before dressing up, I'd wash my face and use anti-bacterial wet wipes my arms, legs, and torso with. Usually, this ritual is enough for me to feel fresh for the day.
Bringing clothes to work has its trade-offs - my bag is bulkier than usual and my clothes don't look as neatly pressed as I want them too. But these are small inconveniences that I'd gladly accept so I can ride my bicycle to work.
Ideally, I wish I could shower at the office every time I arrive. In addition, I wish I could bring all my clothes at the same time and just store them in a cabinet complete with hangers. If these options are available to prospective bike commuters, then it would be even better.
5. What's your route?
I brave the busy streets of Aurora Boulevard during my commute. I know of some biker friends who opt to go through side streets on their commute and I recommend that cyclists do that. I just haven't discovered a convenient route that would allow me to avoid Aurora Boulevard. Going through side streets is beneficial because the streets are usually less busy and congested, and seeing the neighborhood is always a good bonus.
The key really is to plan ahead. I recommend scoping the route ahead of time, if possible. Look for potholes or road repairs that might need to be avoided. Scoping either first-hand or via Google Maps might also lead to discovering safer and more pleasant routes, so it really pays to do some research.
After doing research, I suggest going through the route on a weekend, when the traffic is lighter. Riding the planned route on a bicycle for the first time on a weekday morning is not advisable, especially for newbie bike commuters. It's always better to be familiar with the route first before worrying about heavy traffic and the morning rush. Also, try the route at night just to be familiar with the lighting conditions of the road.
6. Isn't going through national roads dangerous?
The key to being safe on the road is to be visible and predictable. Cyclists should ensure that other motorists see them, both in daytime and (most especially) during night time. This includes being careful when crossing intersections and avoiding swerving in and out of lanes.
Avoid the right side of cars in corners (left); Always use hand signals (right)
Normally, it's best for cyclists to stay on near the curb. But there are times when it's safer to claim the whole lane, particularly near corners so that drivers do not try to overtake. Unfortunately, some motorists do not take too kindly to cyclists who claim the whole lane, I am often blasted with loud horns for this. I tend to ignore them and just opt to pedal faster.
It goes without saying that riding at night time requires proper bicycle lighting - both for the front and the rear of the bicycle. Whenever possible, I also avoid wearing a black shirt when cycling at night. I recommend getting those wearable reflective strips that can be bought in the hardware stores or those Japanese surplus shops.
It goes without saying that riding at night time requires proper bicycle lighting - both for the front and the rear of the bicycle. Whenever possible, I also avoid wearing a black shirt when cycling at night. I recommend getting those wearable reflective strips that can be bought in the hardware stores or those Japanese surplus shops.
Predictability is also important. When cycling in public roads, try to use hand signals. This is as simple as stretching your arm towards the direction you want to go to. This applies to changing lanes and to cornering. Being predictable also means avoiding swerving and weaving through traffic. As much as possible, I try to stick to one lane (see above). I only weave through traffic to avoid obstacles like potholes, road cracks, and parked vehicles. And when I weave, I make sure that I use hand signals.
When riding in national roads like C5, I also try to maintain a good pace - around 25 - 25 kph. Riding with the traffic (in terms of speed) also helps in making things more convenient for the motorists. This doesn't mean that slower bikers should keep out of these busy streets. But I guess it's just safer to be faster in these roads, especially when going up flyovers.
Riding in traffic can be daunting at first. But being visible and predictable at all times greatly reduces the risks for both the cyclist and the motorist.
7. Do you still ride the bicycle when it rains?
I do not let rain (or even storms) stop me from doing my bike commute. Cycling in the rain can actually be very fun, especially considering that in Manila when it rains, it (traffic) jams. My bike has fenders that keep tire moisture from splashing. I also have a poncho-style rain coat that has just enough ventilation to keep me dry from both rain and perspiration. I also bring an XL trash bag to cover my bag and some rubber bands to make sure that the bag is enclosed.
8. What other things do you bring on your commute?
Aside from my helmet, change of clothes, my bike lights, and my rain stuff, I also bring the following:
When riding in national roads like C5, I also try to maintain a good pace - around 25 - 25 kph. Riding with the traffic (in terms of speed) also helps in making things more convenient for the motorists. This doesn't mean that slower bikers should keep out of these busy streets. But I guess it's just safer to be faster in these roads, especially when going up flyovers.
Riding in traffic can be daunting at first. But being visible and predictable at all times greatly reduces the risks for both the cyclist and the motorist.
7. Do you still ride the bicycle when it rains?
I do not let rain (or even storms) stop me from doing my bike commute. Cycling in the rain can actually be very fun, especially considering that in Manila when it rains, it (traffic) jams. My bike has fenders that keep tire moisture from splashing. I also have a poncho-style rain coat that has just enough ventilation to keep me dry from both rain and perspiration. I also bring an XL trash bag to cover my bag and some rubber bands to make sure that the bag is enclosed.
8. What other things do you bring on your commute?
Aside from my helmet, change of clothes, my bike lights, and my rain stuff, I also bring the following:
- Extra tire interior + patch kit
- Body spray + wet wipes
- Bike lock
- Totobobo mask
My Totobobo mask from Singapore
9. Where do you park your bicycle?
Securing the bicycle in a place where it won't be a bother to co-workers is important. I keep my bicycle in the staircase of our fire exit. I keep it locked to the window grills.
10. What other things should bicycle commuters remember?
Riding a bicycle to work may seem like a big commitment, well it kind of is. It needs a bit of planning and preparation. But it's not as difficult as people might think. I opted to bike to work because I wanted a less stressful way to go the office. I want the freedom that comes riding a bicycle - I no longer need to worry about whether the train lines are still open or not and I don't need to be afraid of Friday night traffics.
First-time bike commuters should take it easy and not rush into fully committing to a bike-to-work lifestyle. I suggest doing it once a week first and do it on days when ample preparation can be done the night before. Once familiarity with route conditions, proficiency in basic cycling skills, and ability to do basic bicycle maintenance are gained, then being a full-time bike commuter will be a simpler and more enjoyable experience.
This is a post in progress so if there suggestions, questions, and reactions, feel free to comment or contact me so I can add more information here.
First-time bike commuters should take it easy and not rush into fully committing to a bike-to-work lifestyle. I suggest doing it once a week first and do it on days when ample preparation can be done the night before. Once familiarity with route conditions, proficiency in basic cycling skills, and ability to do basic bicycle maintenance are gained, then being a full-time bike commuter will be a simpler and more enjoyable experience.
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