The Road to Safe Cycling

It's possible to ride safely among traffic. © Lloyd Lemons

Ride confidently in traffic every day

Riding a bicycle became very important to me after my first back surgery in 2000.

I used to be a runner, but my back could no longer take the pounding that running delivered. So, after a long recovery period, I pulled my old mountain bike out of storage, dusted it off, and started riding it. Cycling offered a way to exercise that was easy on my joints. In 2005, I went mountain biking in Moab, Utah, with my son and a friend. After that, I knew that riding a bicycle was my new sport. In 2006, I bought my first road bike, and I’ve never looked for or considered another sport since.

In 20 years, I’ve ridden in 15 states and covered tens of thousands of miles.

Today, when I’m out riding in urban and rural areas, I see people riding bikes on the road who have no idea of the rules of the road or safety precautions. They do incredibly dangerous things, break the law, disrupt traffic, and put themselves and others in peril.

There are, of course, very good organizations that teach safe cycling. I’ve attended two of them. But often the excuse for not taking a safety course is: Don’t worry about me, I KNOW how to ride a bike! But the truth is, often they don’t know a thing about how to ride on the road among the traffic of motor vehicles.

That’s why I wrote:

The 30-Minute Guide to Smart, Safe Road Cycling
A practical resource for casual riders, commuters, car-free citizens, and new ebike riders.

It’s important to remember: A bicycle is legally classified as a vehicle.

If you’re thinking of getting rid of your car and replacing it with a bicycle, this booklet is for you.

If you’re using a bicycle to commute to work, go shopping, take the kids to school, go to the bank, get some exercise, or any of the myriad things you do in a day, the information in this booklet can help you get started safely and confidently.

This booklet provides cyclists with the information, knowledge, and confidence they need to ride their bicycles on the road safely and within the law.

You can purchase the booklet on Gumroad, or Payhip.

Please consider reading it if you ride on the road, or give it to loved ones who ride their bikes on the road. It’s an easy read, and it could save a life.

Ten Things I'd Say Yes To

Photo by Jake Roxen on Unsplash. Thanks Jake!

1. Yes! I would move again. That is, I'd take up residence in a new place if I could find the right place. It's stressful, expensive, and a lot of work, and I've already moved many times. But I've lived in Jacksonville Florida for 22 years, and I'm ready for a new adventure. 
2. Yes! I'd buy an autonomous vehicle, once the bugs are worked out. I have come to dislike driving.  
3. Yes! I'd like to try skydiving.
4. Yes! I want to ride my bike across the country, solo or with a ride buddy.
5. Yes! I would take a drug that eliminates the need for sleep. Sleep is an onerous task. 
6. Yes! I would try microdosing psychedelics as an experiment to achieve healthy outcomes. 
7. Yes! I would find citizenship in another country if the United States Democracy fails. 
8. Yes! I'd take a trip on an alien spacecraft if the opportunity presented itself. 
9. Yes! I'd accept the opportunity to act in a movie. (I've been an extra.)
10. Yes! I would agree to experimental stem cell therapy to repair my vision.

Keep Moving: Fitness is Easier Than You Think

 

Walking is the best movement! Thanks, © Mark Timberlake!

Disclaimer: I am not a doctor or trained fitness practitioner. Before undertaking any fitness regimen, get your physician's approval and know your physical limitations.