Month: April 2021

Always wear a helmet when riding a bicycle. Eventually you will experience a fall and even the smallest thump to the head can bring devastating circumstances. Finding the right helmet is important and may take time. Don’t ride your bicycle until you purchase a helmet.

Purchasing a helmet doesn’t mean you go to just any old store and grab one off the shelf. There are many points that you need to consider in finding the right one for you to give you the best protection.

The best places to shop for a bicycle helmet is bicycle shops or a sporting goods store. They can help you with finding the helmet best for you. If the salesperson helping you seems unknowledgable about what they are doing, ask to speak to someone else. If they all seem unknowledgable move on to another store.

A good helmet may be more expensive but it …

As spring comes, so comes the bikes out of the garage and the shed. As always it's good to have a review of the state laws and rules regarding bicycles. Remember your checklist for safety.

This review information is provided by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources

Bicyclists are required to obey the same traffic laws as vehicle drivers. Here is a list of things to remember before hitting the cycling trails.

Laws and Rules:

As a cyclist it is your duty to obey traffic signals, markings on pavement and any directions given by construction workers, police officers and detour markers.

Bicycles must be equipped with a headlight and rear reflector if you wish to ride in the dark. The headlight beam must reach 500 feet.

Always ride with the traffic flow. Never against traffic.

Know your hand signals and use them. Let drivers know what your are intending to …

BICYCLE SAFETY: Some things to know.

Avoiding injuries is important in order for you to have a fun time biking. Now that the weather is getting warmer, it is time to get outside and ride.

THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND…

Avoid wearing loose clothing, or coats. These can get caught in the bicycles chains or wheels. If you wear something that dangles down near the area of your feet, you should tape the clothing around your ankles, or secure them with rubber bands, or straps.

When riding at nighttime, make sure that you are wearing reflective clothes or armbands, leg bands, or a vest. Make sure to wear them where they will be seen, especially when riding alone.

Always obey the street signs and road rules.

Remember to wear appropriate sized helmet. They must be according to the law.

Use proper hand signals. If you do not know them, …

I purchased a bicycle trunk when I was a bicycle commuter. I bought it from a magazine on sale. I got an unexpected bonus- it was insulated. Over the years, I wore it out. Due to price increases, I could not afford to replace it. I did have a room full of crafting gear, odds and ends, bits and pieces I could use to make another.

I based my plan on the existing trunk. I kept features I loved and incorporated a few others.

You are free to follow this pattern, change it or add to it to suit your needs.

Use waterproof fabric, heavy canvas, denim or whatever you have on hand. My old one would keep a quart of ice cream frozen until I got it home from two miles away. My new one works better.

This article assumes you have sewing skills. If not, perhaps you know …