MyWHaT

An addition to the tips for biking in the winter –>

Use the whole lane if needed.

Go forth with confidence. It’s your road. You actually have a right to the road, perhaps even more so than an automobile. Driving a motor vehicle is a privilege that can be taking away. It’s not a right.

Also, walk in the road if you need to. A person has to get to work after all. Or the movies. It doesn’t matter. Just be well-lit. I use this Clip-on Light

The Web site titled The Million Car Challenge Campaign states it well in its mission:

Our Mission is simple. Deliver one consistent message using one million cars so that millions of drivers will get the message….. “Bicycles Allowed Use of Full Lane, Change To Pass”.

Have fun. Stay upright. Get there.

What prevents you from using your full rights to the road?

I’m not alone in this currently frozen tundra of Northwest Michigan. We have several strong pace-setters and traffic-dodgers who have been working for more sense-able  street & infrastructure design- a more balanced approach to spending taxpayer money.

As I move forward in this endeavor, I’ll be leaning on their experience, leadership and expertise.

And, I need more. Please, send me any on or offline organization or individual that I’m missing here. It will be greatly appreciated.

Here are the beginnings if what I know, admittedly, bike heavy. Anyone walking out there?:

• North West Bike Riot Forum dedicated to demanding safe roads for people!
• Share the Road Initiative created by Dennis, forgotten by the city. Time for revival? (More later)
• 2 Wheel Technique The art of balance on two wheels by Jonathan
• Cherry Capital Cycling Club The riders in the community
• Fixed-Gear Gallery International Acclaimed home for fixed gear riders
• Traverse Area Rec. & Transport. Trails (TART) Trails & advocacy
• Traverse Alive Community Bike Rides
• Broke Spoke Bike Coop It will be back, stay tuned

It’s not just Bike-centric:

• Michigan Land Use Institute: Covering transportation & development issues since 1995
• Bay Area Transport Authority: This under-loved transit is set to boom

As you can see, we are two-wheeled centric in the advocacy camp. There are more ways to get to work and the store than a car or a bike.

Any goat-cart advocates out there?

What organizations or individuals have I missed?

It’s Winter. Just slow down. Focus. You’re not as good as you think you are.

It’s the same rules whether  you’re driving, pedaling, walking or steering a goat-cart.

The big difference with driving a motor vehicle is that when accidents happen, it usually isn’t pretty.

My condolences to the friends and families involved in last night’s fatal accident on U.S. 31 in Interlochen, as well as to those involved in the December 4th accident that happened almost a mile away from yesterday’s.

In the Dec. 4th accident, a friend and community stalwart was severely injured. Marc Alderman is on the mend, spirits seem high. You connect with Marc via the Marc Alderman’s Healing Update page on Facebook. Gruesome crunch car image.

No question.

An attempt to plow the TART trail in Traverse City

Recently, I’ve been asked the annual question. What do I need for Winter Biking?

The truth is, I’ve never really thought it through. I’m no expert.  But, there are two basics: layer (it’s easy to over-heat) and don’t be dumb (winter is not the best time to challenge the worst designed roads in the city).

Here are some specifics:

For the bike:

1. Fender (s): Key for me. I hate that wet stripe up the backside.
2. Tires: I’ve gone my entire life without studded tires–most riders do. This year I’m going to give them a try. December has been slippery. There are lots of choices, so choose wisely.
3. Lights: Less to see by and more To BE SEEN in these shortened days. My new favorites are the Reelights–always there, charged by the rider.

For the Body:

1. Good food: (I always start & end with food & hot drink)
2. Base layer: Anything but cotton. Wool/Synthetic.
3. Wind/Water Proof Shell: Anything with vent zippers under the pits is very nice.
4. Head, Neck & Face: Key! Warm thin hat (under helmet),  scarf (not too long) or balaclava. My core and legs are usually fine, but if the head isn’t covered I freeze.
5. Gloves: Wind and water proof preferred.

Riding:

Or rather, not riding. Some days are just hell. Depending on conditions, I might just walk or take the bus, but sometimes I’ll take the BATA bus one way and throw my bike on its racks. Of course, if it’s that wintry outside, I’d probably just stay home.

But, on the days you do ride, keep it smooth and relaxed. I’ve never falling while riding forward, only when I’ve tried to stop or turn too quickly.

Bad balance + icy spot = rider fall down.

But its important not to be afraid to fall. It really doesn’t hurt all that much and typically results in me laughing in the street. Of course, don’t fall in traffic. That can’t be good. I also don’t adjust my brakes in the winter and just let them go loose. I’m going slow enough and don’t need to accidentally lock them up and skid out.

Oh, and regarding cars. Take up the lane if you have to. The edges are typically uncleared slushy messes. It’s a public road, meant for automobiles, bikers and walkers if need be. Use it.

What are some other tips of the trade for winter bike commuting?

Are we ready for a bike to work day/week in Northern Michigan?