Ride a Bike! A message from a cyclist - Mayor Richard M. Daley Bicycling is a great way to get around campus and around town. It's healthy, eco- nomical, environmentally friendly and a wonderful way to discover Chicago. From locking your bike to fixing a flat tire, you'll find all sorts of useful information inside this Student Cycling in Chicago book- let. Riding a bike as a student can lead to a life-long transportation choice that's good for you, your community and the enviroment. I invite you to review this booklet and discover for yourself why Chicago is a great city for bicycling. Richard M. Daley Mayor

STUDENT CYCLING IN CHICAGO www.ChicagoBikes.org 1 Buying a Bike When buying a bike wear clothes like the ones you plan to bike in regularly and take a test ride If your bike budget is like the riding you’ll do around school and the small consider buying city. Also consider these things: ed a used bike. Us · What kind of riding you plan to do and what e found at bikes can b type of bike is best suited for you. hrift shops and yard t · The cost of the bike. s ale s for cheap. WorkingBikesCooperative · The cost of a lock, lights, helmet and other has a used bike sale accessories like a rack and fenders. on weekends. Go to · Whether you can exchange parts for www.workingbikes.org better fit or use. for more information. · Guarantees and warranties on the purchase. If you plan to buy a · Bike shop quality and service. used bike make sure it’s in good working order. A used bike that needs work may be more costly to fix than buying a new bike and might be dangerous to ride. Having a used bike tuned-up may be an affordable and reli- able solution.

Go to www.bikelib.org/data/dealers/bs-4.html for a list of Chicago-area bicycle shops. STUDENT CYCLING IN CHICAGO 2 www.ChicagoBikes.org

Types of Bikes

Different types of bikes are good for different styles of riding. Consider what kind of riding you’ll do most when choosing a bike. Mountain Bikes have wide knobby tires and low gears for riding off road as well as an aggressive position for technical trail riding. Cruisers have a laid-back upright position, wide, smooth tires and usually just a single speed for leisurely rides on streets and paths. Cross or Hybrids are a mix between a mountain and road bike with semi-slick tires, wide gearing and an upright but active posi- tion. Cross bikes make excellent commuters for their versatile use. Road Bikes have narrow slick tires, high gears and an aggressive position for fast speeds and racing on smooth clear pavement. STUDENT CYCLING IN CHICAGO www.ChicagoBikes.org 3

Bike Fit

nce Bad Fit Bending head Fit can influe up hurts neck whether or not you Leaning over com- Stretched out ride. Being un hurts back als o hurts shoulders fortable can afely affect how s you ride. Making a Too much ts to Forward weight few adjustmen bend hurts knees hurts wrists your bike can make e. all the differenc

Good Fit Can look ahead, around and behind An upright position with little easily without stretch on back, shoulders straining neck and arms with most body weight on the saddle A comfortable reach to the handlebars with a slight bend A slight bend at the at the elbow knee on down pedal stroke

STUDENT CYCLING IN CHICAGO 4 www.ChicagoBikes.org Fit Adjustments You can adjust your bike to make it fit you better.

Make sure your Raise your seat Adjust your seat Don’t raise your frame fits. When so your leg is forward or back stem past the standing over your extended with and handlebar maximum bike you should a slight bend at s tem up or height position. have 1 -3 inches the knee on down to find a Rotate handle- of clearance the down pedal. comfortable bar’s angle for between you and Don’t raise past position. a more com- the top tube. the maximum fortable wrist height position. position. To get the right fit Adjusting your handlebar you may have to stem height and seat replace your position forward can seatpost or put you in a more handlebar upright position. stem. Some stems allow the angle pitch to be adjusted.

STUDENT CYCLING IN CHICAGO www.ChicagoBikes.org 5 Helmets Always wear a bicycle helmet to reduce the risk of permanent injury or death from a crash. To make sure your helmet fits right, put it on and then use the “eyes/ears/mouth” test. Eyes: When you look up you should see the front rim. If not, your helmet won’t protect your forehead. Ears: The side straps should come to a “V” just below each ear. Mouth: When you open your mouth wide, you yes should feel the helmet push down on your head. If your helmet doesn't pass the test, adjust the straps or add bigger pads to get the right fit. Ventilation- Good air flow comes from long, wide vents that channel air through the helmet to keep you cool. Cost- You can spend well over $100 for the latest space age helmet, but a good safety-rated helmet goes for around $30. Replace your helmet if it becomes dam- no aged in an accident. Also replace a helmet every two years. The foam inside becomes hard and stale and will not absorb shock as well as it should.

STUDENT CYCLING IN CHICAGO 6 www.ChicagoBikes.org Accessories

Make your bike better transportation by adding some inexpensive accessories. A rack allows you to carry things like books or groceries more easily. Add a crate or basket to make it even easier. Fenders will keep you and your bike clean and dry in messy conditions. A water bot- tle and cage are a must for long rides as well as lights and reflectors for riding at night. Check out this city smart biker and see how she’s accessorized her bike to make it good transportation for any trip.

STUDENT CYCLING IN CHICAGO www.ChicagoBikes.org 7 Carrying Things Carrying your stuff doesn’t have to be a pain in the back. It’s easy to carry things on your bike if you add a... rack + a pannier, a crate or a basket!

B u ngie cords A heavy backpack keep things You can move a lot securely in can strain your with a trailer. An , place neck and shoulders art project, a fficult making it di club notebook alance and to b sale, even your control your bike. Carrying things in apartment! hand is dangerous and makes it hard to brake and shift.

STUDENT CYCLING IN CHICAGO 8 www.ChicagoBikes.org

Locking Your Bike Always lock your bike, even if you’re just leaving it for a moment. Always use a high quality U-lock. U-locks are strong and better ones come with theft warranties. Always lock through the frame and at least one wheel. Add a cable to lock both wheels. Always lock to something secure like a bike rack, parking meter or firmly affixed sign pole. Beware of locking to “sucker poles” that are loosely bolted down and can easily be removed. Remove detachable items like lights, bags and quick release parts from your bike and take them with you. Consider replacing quick release parts with ones that bolt on for greater convenience and security. Lock your bike close by and keep it in view as much as possible. Lock near entrances and well-lit, secure areas. Lock your bike inside if space is available. Lock your bike when keeping it in a garage or other unattended indoor area.

STUDENT CYCLING IN CHICAGO www.ChicagoBikes.org 9 Locking Your Bike Lock your bike in high visibility areas. Thieves don’t like to work where they can be easily seen. Keep an eye out for people showing inter- est in your bike. Consider switching your daily parking spot frequently to prevent a thief from marking your bike for a later time.

“Uglify” your bike to make it less attractive to thieves and more personalized to you! Cover the bike frame with electrical tape or old inner tubes. This makes your bike look ugly but actually protects your bike’s finish. Add stick- ers of your favorite band, cause or banana! Reflective tape can cover brand names and make you more visible. Make sure not to cover any moving parts or interfere with cables. Consider riding a used “beater bike” that’s unattractive and no great loss if stolen.

STUDENT CYCLING IN CHICAGO 10 www.ChicagoBikes.org Register Your Bike and identify ownership Register your bike with the Chicago Police Department and cam- pus security. A stolen bike is much more like- ly to be returned if it’s registered. You can pick up a Chicago Police Department registration form at most bike shops or register online at: www.ChicagoBikes.org

Keep a record of your bike’s make, model and serial number. If your bike is stolen report it to police by calling 311. Tell them when and where it was stolen, the make, model and its serial number and a call back number you can be reached at. They’ll call you with a report number to be used with insurance claims. They’ll call again if your bike is recovered. Mark your bike to show ownership if stolen and recovered.

Engrave your name or Insert an info card into Insert an info card an I.D. number on your tire that identifies into your handlebar or your bike. you as the owner. seatpost. STUDENT CYCLING IN CHICAGO www.ChicagoBikes.org 11 Bike Maintenance

Maintaining your bike in good working con- A dition is as easy as an ABC Quick Check. · check the Air in tires for pressure by leaning all your weight on the bike and seeing if the tires bulge. If so, fill to recommended pressure print- ed on the side of the tire. Bikes roll faster and flat less with tires filled to pressure. · check the Brakes by pulling the levers and B rocking on the wheels. If the brakes are working right the wheels should skid when bike is pushed. · check that the Chain moves quietly and smoothly when back pedaling. Lube chain regu- larly to keep running well. Wipe off excess lube from outside of chain with a rag. Excess lube C attracts dirt. · check that any Quick release parts are Quick tightly secured. Levers curved in towards the bike are locked. Levers curved away are unlocked and are in danger of coming off while riding. · Check your bike by giving the wheels a spin (to check for rubbing) and give bike a C bounce (to listen for loose rattling parts). h Do the ABC Quick Check before each ride. e c Regular maintenance prevents breakdowns k and keeps you riding safely.

STUDENT CYCLING IN CHICAGO 12 www.ChicagoBikes.org . ch kit let or pat r wal n you ep i Cut out and ke ✃

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STUDENT CYCLING IN CHICAGO 14 www.ChicagoBikes.org Hold your line Traffic Basics when riding in traf Riding Predictably is the best way to ride fic. Don’t weave safely on city streets. Respect the law and in and out of parke cars d follow traffic rules to be predictable to , intersections other users of the road. or turn lanes. Ride a s Be Confident and show it when riding. traight line in your travel l Learn good handling skills and don’t hesi- ane. tate while riding in traffic. Be Courteous to other users of the road. Communicate your actions with hand sig- nals, eye contact and sound when needed. Be Aware of your surroundings and road conditions by constantly scanning the area and regularly looking behind you for traffic.

STUDENT CYCLING IN CHICAGO www.ChicagoBikes.org 15

Riding in Traffic In groups ride Here’s an overview of side by side and many of the situations stay close, but found while bicycling in leave enough room city traffic and how to react. to maneuver safely. Remember, the key to safe city cycling is riding predictably Ride on the left side and respecting the of the bike lane to be rules of the road. more visible, avoid road debris and avoid the Take the traffic “door zone”. lane if road condi- tions are unsafe to ride on.

Pass right turning vehicles on the left.

Alwa yiel Pass stopped pe buses on the left.

Watch for exiting bus riders.

STUDENT CYCLING IN CHICAGO 16 www.ChicagoBikes.org Use the lane for your direction of travel. Ride Announce in the turn lane if you are obstacles to turning. Ride on the right fellow riders. side of the through lane if going straight through an intersection.

Ride outside the “door zone”

Always Cross train tracks yield to pedestrians at a right angle. Don’t weave Pull ahead of in and out of traffic at stops, parked cars. into driver’s view Don’t ride on and away from the sidewalk, exhaust. it’s dangerous and illegal!

STUDENT CYCLING IN CHICAGO 17 www.ChicagoBikes.org

Riding in Traffic

Pull in front of traffic when waiting at intersections. This allows you to be seen by stopped motorists and out of cars’ exhaust. Make eye con- tact with stopped drivers and check their signals. Stay to the left of right-turning vehicles. Position yourself between the stop bar and the pedestrian crossing. Always yield to pedestrians. Beware of a vehi- Beware of oncoming Beware of following cle’s blind spots vehicles blocking your vehicles so closely when riding behind or view. Other traffic may you can’t see road passing. If you can’t be oncoming that you conditions, cyclists, see drivers they prob- can’t see. Wait for a pedestrians or traffic. ably don’t see you. clear view to proceed.

STUDENT CYCLING IN CHICAGO 18 www.ChicagoBikes.org

Riding in Traffic

Never ride against traffic. It’s against the law and it’s dangerous. If you think you’re safer because you can see cars coming you are wrong! 20% of car-bike collisions result from cyclists riding the wrong way. Oncoming cars aren’t looking for you and turning vehicles can’t see you. Riding with traffic allows motorists to gradually over- take and pass bicyclists.

Don’t get squeezed out by buses picking up and drop- ping off passengers. Bikes and buses often share the same space and play a game of “leapfrog” with each other in traffic. Make sure to pass stopped buses on the left after checking behind to see if it’s clear. Give the bus plenty of room when you pass and again when it passes you. Don’t pass a bus to make a right turn.

STUDENT CYCLING IN CHICAGO www.ChicagoBikes.org 19

Use Hand Signals to communicate your movements. You can also use hand signals to point out road obstacles, show commands and express thanks for receiving the right of way. Make Noise by shouting out to get drivers’ attention or to warn others of your position. Never wear headphones when cycling. Hearing traffic can be nearly as important as seeing it. Hearing an emergency vehicle, an accelerating car engine or a horn honk from an alley alerts you of a car’s position. Turn left from the left turn lane. First look behind you for a gap in traffic. When traffic allows, signal left and change lanes into the left-turn lane. If there’s more than one turn lane use the one farthest to the right. Move into the intersection when clear and wait for a gap in oncoming traffic. When a gap appears, finish the turn onto the right side of your new lane. Watch for pedestrians in the crosswalk when turning.

STUDENT CYCLING IN CHICAGO 20 www.ChicagoBikes.org

Turning

Turn left from the center of the lane if there’s no turn lane. Leave room for vehicles going straight to pass on the right. Use the box left turn if you can’t merge left before you reach an intersection. Use caution, look for turning vehicles and always yield to pedestrians when using the box left turn. 1. Stay in the right 3. If there’s no room lane and ride behind the stop line, stop on the intersec- across the inter- tion side of the cross- section on the left walk and align yourself side of (not in) the with traffic. Always crosswalk. yield to pedestrians.

2. Check whether 4. When the light there’s room in the changes, move traffic lane to the right with traffic. of the crosswalk. If so go there and allign yourself with traffic.

STUDENT CYCLING IN CHICAGO www.ChicagoBikes.org 21

The “Door Zone”

The “door zone” is the 1. 3-4 feet along the left side of a parked car where an opening door can hit and seriously 2. injure a cyclist. When rid- ing in a bike lane ride on the left side of the lane. Ride at least 3 feet away from parked cars on the street (1). Take the full lane if there’s no room to safely pass open car doors and to avoid exit- ing passengers (2). Look inside parked cars and their side rearview mirrors when passing and move outside the “door zone” if you see exiting passengers. Watch behind you for traffic when moving out of the “door zone” and into the full lane. A bike mirror helps you see behind to know if cars are approaching.

STUDENT CYCLING IN CHICAGO 22 www.ChicagoBikes.org

Streets for Cycling Don’t know where to bicycle in Chicago? Check the Chicago Bike Map. Hundreds of streets were considered and thousands of miles ridden to select the most convenient and appropriate routes. Many of the recom- mended routes will help you get around sit- uations unfriendly to bicycling (such as expressways). While routes throughout Chicago are identified, some areas of the city have fewer choices than others. To get a copy of the Chicago Bike Map call the Chicago Department of Transportation Bicycle Program at 312-742-2453 or visit our website at www.ChicagoBikes.org. Riding in Groups Riding a bike isn’t only a great way to get around on your own, but can be a great time with friends too! Remember a few things when riding with a group. Be responsible for yourself. Be aware of your position and the position of those around you. Announce obstacles to fellow riders. When appropriate, ride side by side and take the lane. Stay close as a group when maneuvering through intersections. For more info about group rides and a schedule of Ride two across rides in Chicago check out the Chicago the lane and Cycling Club at www.chicagocyclingclub.org or call their information hotline at 773-509-8093. move as a group. STUDENT CYCLING IN CHICAGO www.ChicagoBikes.org 23

What to Do in a Crash Stay down Get witness info Get police info Don’t move unless your safety is Get witness’ name, Get officer’s name, in danger. Prevent further injury address and phone badge number, the and draw attention to the scene number. police report num- by staying down until police arrive. ber and where to call for a copy. Make sure a police report is made.

Don’t lose your bike If you can’t take your bike from the scene lock it there and come back for it later. Call the police Have someone call for the police and Get motorist info ambulance. Report driver and vehicle Get name, address, phone num- ber, driver’s license and plate, car information if accident is a hit and run. description, and insurance info from every vehicle driver involved. Stay calm After a crash you get very excited. You may not notice an injury and aggravate it fur- ther. You may also suffer from shock because of excitement. Try to stay calm and focus on the situation. Get treated by paramedics and go to the hospital if neces- sary. Have someone else gather information for you if you are unable. Have emer- gency contact information in your wallet or printed inside your helmet.

STUDENT CYCLING IN CHICAGO 24 www.ChicagoBikes.org

Off Street Cycling Keep to the right. Yield to pedestrians and slower moving trail users except when passing. Slow down through heavy traffic. Use your path. Don’t bike on des- ignated walking or running paths. Be careful at crossings. Look both ways. Yield to through traffic and remember pedestrians have the right of way. Biking on Cam is a gre pus at way to get to classes and elsewhere around scho ol. Most school have share s d use Advise others when paths for cyclis passing. Sound your and o ts thers. Obey bell or horn or call post ed signs, yield to out when approaching pedestrians and b “Passing on pedestrians or slower aware of any sp e ecial your left”. cyclists, then pass path rule s your sc safely on the left. hool may have.

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Bikes on Transit To make cycling even more convenient, the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) welcomes bicy- cles on trains and buses through the year-round CTA Bike & Ride program. You can bring your bike on CTA trains week- days except during rush hour (7-9am and 4- 6pm) and any time during weekends and holi- days (except July 3rd). You can also put your bike on the front of a CTA bus bicycle carrying rack anytime. There’s no extra charge for taking your bike with you on the CTA. Taking your bike on the CTA can allow you to make longer trips that you may not be able to do with your bike or the CTA alone. For more info about bikes on the CTA call 888-YOUR-CTA or go to www.transitchicago.com and check out the CTA’s Bike & Ride brochure. You can also pick it up at any CTA station. Stand near either When sitting, place your foot Use wheel- end of the train near the wheel to prevent chair space if car holding your bike from rolling. Don’t block unoccupied. bike securely. Do the aisle and be aware of the Move if space not block exits. space your bike occupies. is needed.

STUDENT CYCLING IN CHICAGO 26 www.ChicagoBikes.org

You can also take your bike on all Pace sub- Bikes on CT urban buses. For trip-planning, route, fare A and Pac and schedule information call 847-364-PACE e Buses 1. Alert bus driv or visit www.pacebus.com. For travel er of bike rack use, squeeze and trip planning on CTA, Pace and Metra call handle and lower ra RTA information at 836-7000. Currently, only ck. If bike rack is full wai folding bicycles in a carrying bag or case are t for the next bus. allowed on Metra commuter trains. 2. Place bike in empty You can take your bike across the state or space closest to the across the country by bus, train and plane. bus. The first bike in Greyhound Bus- bicycles must be packed in faces the curb, the sec- a carrying case or box, securely fastened and ond bike faces the street. checked. An additional fee may be charged. 3. Secure the support Go to www.greyhound.com for more info. arm over the front Amtrak- has roll-on service on some lines wheel. Do not lock or check as baggage on others. Go to bike to rack. Bo www.amtrak.com for more info. ard bus and pay fare Bicycle accommodations vary between airlines. For . Notif y driver when l recommended airlines visit the League of eaving bus. AmericanBicyclistsat www.bikeleague.org 1 Pull rack down2 Put bike on3 Secure wheel

STUDENT CYCLING IN CHICAGO www.ChicagoBikes.org 27

Riding at Night

The first rule of riding at night is to BE SEEN! Illinois law requires a front light and a rear reflector when riding at night. Add a rear light to be more easily seen. LED lights are cheap, bright and long lasting. Generators power lights from your own energy. High-power lighting systems are very visible and can light the darkest ways. Reflectors and reflective tape keep you and your bike in the spotlight. au- Ride with extra c Reflective tape on tion at night. It’s helmet harder to see drivers Reflective safety vest Clip-on strobe light and predict their fits over clothing moves. There are t many tired drivers a Rear light and Bright clothing night and some may reflectors . Be alert be drunk High-power lighting and know your way. Choose a route that you’re familiar with. Headlight Reflective tape

Reflective side- wall tires

Reflective ankle strap STUDENT CYCLING IN CHICAGO 28 www.ChicagoBikes.org

Riding in Bad Weather You can bike in all weather year round with the right equipment. You’ll be warm and dry biking while others wait in the cold for their car to warm up or bus to arrive. For more info visit www.bikewinter.org. Ski goggles prevent Rain gear will keep you dry in tears from the cold. wet weather. Look for a jacket that has arm and back vents A balaclava covers to prevent overheating. your head, neck and ears and Fenders keep you fits under and your bike your helmet. clean and dry.

Ski or “lobster” gloves keep hands warm and allow use of brakes and shifters.

Shoe covers keep feet warm and dry. Water-proof boots keep your feet dry. Leave wiggle room to keep toes warm. Dress in layers when dressing for cold weather. Base Layer Middle Layer Outer Layer Wear fabric Wear an A weather that wicks insula ting proof outer moisture layer that will layer will keep away like hold heat like you warm and polypropelene, wool or fleece. dry in wet con- p olyester, Two layers is ditions. Over- nylon or silk. often enough lap clothes at except for very the neck, wrist, cold weather. waist and ankle.

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Get Involved! The City of Chicago has long supported and encouraged alterna- tives to the automobile, and bicycling is one of the most popular choices. Chicago has earned a national reputation for promoting bicycling through infrastructure investment, education and advocacy. The city is recognized as one of the most bike-friendly in the country – and continues to pursue ways to become even better.

STUDENT CYCLING IN CHICAGO 30 www.ChicagoBikes.org

Not only do bikes help improve air quality and ease traffic congestion, they help pro- mote a healthy, active lifestyle. And they’re a convenient and affordable way to get around. Riding a bicycle is not only good for you, it’s good for your community. College is a place where a lifetime’s worth of decisions and actions are seeded. Beyond the education you gain in the classroom is the learning that happens by being in an environment of diverse people and ideas. Be active in that environment and get involved in shaping it. There’s great opportunity on campus and in Chicago! Start by finding out about bike and other clubs at school that have an interest in the environment and community. Encourage your friends, classmates and instructors to ride a bike for transportation and fun. Learn more about bicycling in Chicago by visiting the Chicago Bike Program’s web site at www.ChicagoBikes.org. Get involved with some of the many bike groups in Chicago such as the Chicagoland Bicycle Federation. Join online at biketraffic.org. Visit the other websites in this booklet for more info and resources to get involved and make a difference!

STUDENT CYCLING IN CHICAGO www.ChicagoBikes.org 31

Links & Resources

650 S. Clark St. #300 Chicago Il 60605 312.427.3325 www.biketraffic.org

Bicycle Helmet Saftey Institute League of American Bicyclists www.bhsi.org www.bikeleague.org