Follow ‘rules of the road’ when biking area trails
- Tom Rife: Livin' the Team
- May 27, 2021
- 1363
When taking to the bike trails this summer, as many locals do, make sure you follow the "rules of the road" — and don't forget to tighten your seat.
So you think pedaling along on one of the many area bike trails is an “individual” sport? Think again.
Soaring in popularity, cycling definitely is a “team” sport, and here’s why: the trails are shared public space, where safety and courtesy make for a more positive experience for everyone. The whole idea is to venture into the great outdoors, get some much-needed exercise, maybe pack a sandwich or two, and make it back home with no broken bones or skinned-up knees.
A recent weekend visit to some of the local trails revealed parking areas packed with vehicles — most with bike racks strapped onto the back. Blame it on the long-awaited arrival of summer.
Before you hop on that single seater, recumbent or tandem in hopes of avoiding pedal pandemonium, let’s squeeze the brakes just a moment to rehash some of the do’s and don’ts. Even when you’re off the road, there are still some “rules of the road” you must consider.
For the most part, such safety tips require only a modicum of common sense. Though one can invest some fairly staggering sums of money in biking gear, it costs nothing to cash in on a bit of knowledge.
First off, you wouldn’t step into the batter’s box without a helmet. While there are no helmet laws for cyclists on the trails, one spill is all it takes for a serious head injury to occur. Helmets are cheap; brain surgeons are not.
Incidentally, an adult should not buy a kid-sized helmet, no matter how much he or she likes the neon green horns on top.
As in motoring, pass only on the left. Warn slower traffic you are near. Sound your bell, and well before you catch up to the slow-poke, announce your arrival with a simple, "On your left!” warning. The varying speeds of a bike may startle other trail users, so don't wait to give your warning until you are right next to the walker, runner, rollerblader, hiker, nature photographer/gawker or flower-picker.
Take a brief test ride. Check your brakes and steering. Trees hurt.
Why speed? Going slow isn’t a sign of weakness. It’s recreation. This is not the Tour de Towpath. You might encounter steep hills and/or sharp turns. Ask Tiger Woods how much fun those can be.
Ride single file. Cuddling can be awesome — just not on the trail. Leave the earbuds at home. Those sappy Barry White songs can wait.
Consider padded shorts when riding on limestone surfaces or in gravel. Biking gloves also can be good protective gear.
Pack some rain gear just in case of a sudden downpour. It may not be all that far from The Sweet Shop in Killbuck to the Millersburg Wallyworld. But believe me when I say a person’s underwear can get soaked even in a “brief” cloudburst.
By the way, bright clothing and flashing head/tail lights are very helpful. Don’t be like the numbskulls who insist on driving down Burbank Road at dawn or dusk — with no headlights. Don’t those feckless idiots know they’re invisible?
Word to the wise: be prepared to fix a flat tire — unless you somehow hid a spare in your backpack. And by all means, do not make needed repairs smack in the middle of the bike path. (Refer to “brain surgeons” above.)
Take water, snacks and sunscreen. Hand sanitizer might come in handy too.
If you absolutely must take a pet along for the ride, keep the beast under control at all times. Out of respect for other riders, don’t forget to clean up the lil’ critter’s mess. Road apples are far more annoying than crab apples.
One last thing before departing: always make sure your bike seat is tight — no ifs, ands or butts about it.