How to Roll

A week ago I went to a bicycling instructor's training in Columbus, OH. It was delivered by a cool bike organization called Yay Bikes! (check out their website). Several people from around the state of Ohio participated in this 3-day training to get certified to teach everyday people how to ride their bikes confidently on the roadways. I am going to share some of the highlights from our training as best as possible - the remaining details can only be captured by participating on one of our bike rides. Read on...

• In the state of Ohio, bicycles are considered vehicles of the roadway. Conclusion, no you do not need to nor should you ride your bicycle on the sidewalk. 
• Ohio Revised Code 4511 states that bicycles should be ridden as near to the ride side of the road as practicable [replace that word with safe and reasonable]. That means that it is up to you to ride exactly in the travel lane where you deem, which may be different from another person or even your Uncle Steve. Plus, why would you ride in the gutter - there is debris, broken glass, and cracked pavement near or outside the white fog line. It is dangerous to ride here all of the time, for you and for your bike.
• With the above bullet in mind, I also learned that people on bicycles may use the full lane of the road no matter the traffic conditions. People may "drive their bikes" right down the middle of the travel lane as long as they are following all of the traffic laws. This may shock most people but think of it like this: if I was first in line using a public drinking fountain, and you came up behind me with a water bottle to fill, that doesn't mean that I have to get out of your way simply because you want me to, it is first come, first serve. It is the same way with riding your bike. If you are "first in line" going about your business down the road, and somebody in a car honks their horn and tells you move out of the way, that just isn't realistic. Our traffic laws let us move about safely in the transportation machine. If we let feelings get in the way, it gums up the system. 
• When bicycling in inclement weather as well as before dawn or after dusk, you need to have lights on your bike. A white light is required in the front and a red light and red reflector is required on the rear of the bike. You can inquire at your local bike shop for bike lights that can illuminate enough light to make you seen by others. 
• Lastly and most importantly, have confidence. It's easier said than done, believe me. I didn't start out riding down the middle of the travel lane, bopping to work, the store, and all over the city. But I did practice on quiet streets I was comfortable riding on, then gradually built up to other roads that I might have been intimidated to try just a few months earlier. Adopt a motto of "Fake it till you make it" and you can get pretty far.

If you are interested in taking part in a How We Roll ride or to learn more, contact me.