New to riding downtown. Any tips? - The Chainlink2024-03-28T19:28:51Zhttps://thechainlink.org/forum/topics/new-to-riding-downtown-any-tips?commentId=2211490%3AComment%3A752168&feed=yes&xn_auth=noMake sure you have a REALLY g…tag:thechainlink.org,2013-09-14:2211490:Comment:7545842013-09-14T22:31:14.471ZMarkhttps://thechainlink.org/profile/Mark175
<p>Make sure you have a REALLY good lock. A Ulock, like a kryptonite, or a Bulldog. No cable, no cheap Ulock. If you want to keep your bike, learn to lock it up correctly.</p>
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<p>Make sure you have a REALLY good lock. A Ulock, like a kryptonite, or a Bulldog. No cable, no cheap Ulock. If you want to keep your bike, learn to lock it up correctly.</p>
<p></p> All good advice. Also be on t…tag:thechainlink.org,2013-09-10:2211490:Comment:7525632013-09-10T14:26:08.234ZdaWillinChihttps://thechainlink.org/profile/JustWill
<p>All good advice. Also be on the lookout for pedestrians - even if you have a green light - especially on Jackson and Clark.</p>
<p>They only watch for cars and once they don't see cars coming, they start crossing the street, even if they are still red. </p>
<p>All good advice. Also be on the lookout for pedestrians - even if you have a green light - especially on Jackson and Clark.</p>
<p>They only watch for cars and once they don't see cars coming, they start crossing the street, even if they are still red. </p> Good advice from Tom. I'd sa…tag:thechainlink.org,2013-09-10:2211490:Comment:7524592013-09-10T04:59:05.708ZKayCeehttps://thechainlink.org/profile/KayCeeMilitante
<p>Good advice from Tom. I'd say, "act like a car." But WAY more careful! </p>
<p>If you get too nervous to act like a car- let's say, having to turn left by leaving the bike lane and crossing three lanes of traffic- then just be a pedestrian. No shame in hopping off and walking a block back down a one way or using the pedestrian crosswalk. I've done it many times. But the key is to walk it when you should. Don't ride against traffic or ride on the sidewalk. (I'm sorry, I'm sure you know…</p>
<p>Good advice from Tom. I'd say, "act like a car." But WAY more careful! </p>
<p>If you get too nervous to act like a car- let's say, having to turn left by leaving the bike lane and crossing three lanes of traffic- then just be a pedestrian. No shame in hopping off and walking a block back down a one way or using the pedestrian crosswalk. I've done it many times. But the key is to walk it when you should. Don't ride against traffic or ride on the sidewalk. (I'm sorry, I'm sure you know this, but I see so many people who don't, and I had to say it. Don't ride on the sidewalk. Even in the loop.)</p>
<p>Follow the traffic signals and don't hesitate to take a lane if you need to- there's nothing worse than thinking you'll just slip around a big old delivery truck or a guy talking on his phone in a blue convertible parked in your way and then having to stop or be crushed as cars squeeze past you. This is my most frequent issue, since I stick to decent bike lanes. And it is unfortunately pretty frequent.</p>
<p>Placing yourself between the right turn lane and the outside lane is a little intimidating at first, but it gets better. This is tricky. Cars get most worked up when they want to turn right, I'm going straight, and I'm not over enough. So find and commit to your place, and smile at them when they glower at you.</p>
<p>Like the others said, make your intentions deliberate and be seen. </p>
<p>I also think biking downtown is safe. Traffic moves slower and there are lots of pedestrians, so that works in your favor. Pedestrians don't always realize you're there either, or know that they should not walk 4 abreast down the bike lane or walk in front of you with earbuds in and stand there staring off in the distance... as you ring your bell- so be prepared to stop. </p>
<p>Enjoy your time in the loop. It's really best by bike, once you're comfortable.</p>
<p></p> I like turning my head/tail l…tag:thechainlink.org,2013-09-10:2211490:Comment:7524522013-09-10T02:46:14.240ZMegan Bhttps://thechainlink.org/profile/MeganBackes
I like turning my head/tail lights on when downtown, even during the day. Anything to make myself more visible to the pedestrians who will try to step put in front of you.
I like turning my head/tail lights on when downtown, even during the day. Anything to make myself more visible to the pedestrians who will try to step put in front of you. Go with the flow. Don't run a…tag:thechainlink.org,2013-09-10:2211490:Comment:7526192013-09-10T02:25:08.408ZWillhttps://thechainlink.org/profile/WillV
<p>Go with the flow. Don't run any lights, it's too dangerous and not worth it. And don't salmon.</p>
<p>Do try some different routes, as another person said, you'll find your way.</p>
<p>Go with the flow. Don't run any lights, it's too dangerous and not worth it. And don't salmon.</p>
<p>Do try some different routes, as another person said, you'll find your way.</p> Wear a helmet, watch out for…tag:thechainlink.org,2013-09-10:2211490:Comment:7527312013-09-10T01:56:11.022ZFran Kondorfhttps://thechainlink.org/profile/FranKondorf
<p>Wear a helmet, watch out for the cabs and texting zombie hordes, and always be prepared to stop.</p>
<p>Wear a helmet, watch out for the cabs and texting zombie hordes, and always be prepared to stop.</p> The two most important things…tag:thechainlink.org,2013-09-10:2211490:Comment:7525252013-09-10T01:18:59.836ZTom Dworzanskihttps://thechainlink.org/profile/Tom964
<p>The two most important things I have learned since becoming a "full-time" road cyclist at the beginning of the year:<br></br><br></br>1. If a lane is too narrow to fit you and a car, ride near the middle of it so cars don't feel invited to squeeze by.<br></br><br></br>2. NEVER get emotional no matter how much motorists intimidate you. Doing so will cause you to make poor decisions which can put you in serious danger.<br></br><br></br>Also, have a sense of pride in what you're doing and know your riding will help…</p>
<p>The two most important things I have learned since becoming a "full-time" road cyclist at the beginning of the year:<br/><br/>1. If a lane is too narrow to fit you and a car, ride near the middle of it so cars don't feel invited to squeeze by.<br/><br/>2. NEVER get emotional no matter how much motorists intimidate you. Doing so will cause you to make poor decisions which can put you in serious danger.<br/><br/>Also, have a sense of pride in what you're doing and know your riding will help influence others to ride like those who influenced you. You are doing a good thing :)</p> You'll find your way and what…tag:thechainlink.org,2013-09-09:2211490:Comment:7527042013-09-09T23:58:25.221Zpceasyhttps://thechainlink.org/profile/pceasy
<p>You'll find your way and what works for you. It can be a little overwhelming at first but you'll get used to it. </p>
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<p>Oh and don't mess around with Wacker. I always wait for the light to turn green before I cross it. </p>
<p>You'll find your way and what works for you. It can be a little overwhelming at first but you'll get used to it. </p>
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<p>Oh and don't mess around with Wacker. I always wait for the light to turn green before I cross it. </p> Oof, yes. Don't salmon aroun…tag:thechainlink.org,2013-09-09:2211490:Comment:7525982013-09-09T23:55:46.106ZTricolorhttps://thechainlink.org/profile/Tricolor
<p>Oof, yes. Don't salmon around, particularly under the el on Wabash.</p>
<p>Oof, yes. Don't salmon around, particularly under the el on Wabash.</p> I don't do a lot of riding do…tag:thechainlink.org,2013-09-09:2211490:Comment:7524252013-09-09T22:47:59.897ZJose Zayashttps://thechainlink.org/profile/JoseZayas
<p>I don't do a lot of riding downtown, but be very aware that there are a lot of one way streets. Try mapping your routes and knowing your way around.</p>
<p>I don't do a lot of riding downtown, but be very aware that there are a lot of one way streets. Try mapping your routes and knowing your way around.</p>