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MCC Daily Tribune Archive

Cycling To ’n’ From Campus, Safely and Confidently


Growing more popular with MCC’s staff, students, and faculty, bicycles have become a more visible part of campus life. Having adopted cycling as serious means of transport, I’m sometimes asked by colleagues or students, “aren’t you afraid of the traffic?” The best answer I can give is; I ride aware—lawfully, and with confidence—knowing cyclists operate within the same laws as any other vehicle, having the same rights and responsibilities (barring highways). Additionally I keep myself educated through research, and riding with more experienced cyclists. One such cyclist is Visual and Performing Arts’ Macintosh Systems Specialist, Brian Managan. A veteran touring cyclist, Brian has been my mentor for several years, and in that time I’ve managed to cover 5,000 miles without incident. For colleagues or students who are interested in making cycling part of their civic engagement, I have these three thoughts on confidence and safety;

First; Read and Research. Develop a reasonable/rational understanding of traffic laws and cycling. There are many persistent misperceptions in today’s car-centric culture. The most effective way to filter cycling facts from our own home-grown fears and fallacies is through education. Two of the best reading recommendations I can make; —John Allen’s ‘Bicycling Street Smarts: Riding Confidently, Legally and Safely.’ This 46 page tutorial is available as a booklet, and as a free online version ( https://www.bikexprt.com/streetsmarts/index.htm ). In less time than it takes to fill a car’s gas tank, this booklet will increase your safety and confidence as a cyclist, whether you’re a beginner or an expert. For more in-depth information—John Forester’s ‘Effective Cycling’ is one of the best reads out there. A noted cycling activist, Forester is known as, “the father of vehicular cycling.” In his book he explains why cyclists should not be afraid of traffic. ‘Effective Cycling’ will help owners of bicycles become active cyclists and veteran cyclists improve their techniques.

Second; Wear High visibility Clothing and a Helmet. Being safe means being seen. Wear high visibility or Hi-vis clothing and equip your bike with the required reflectors, white in front and red in back. Also, use lights when riding at dusk or at night. Cyclist have a responsibility to be, and remain visible/seen at all times of the day. Remember it’s hi-contrast and brightness that makes a cyclist visible, not fashion. Red, black, or dark blue are perhaps the worst colors to wear when riding. Dark or patterned clothing are the equivalents of camouflage to inattentive motorists. Hi-vis clothing need not be expensive either. Reasonably priced vests and shirts are available at any tractor or farm supply store. In addition to hi-vis clothing, wear a helmet. After some time, the act of putting on a helmet will actually becomes second nature.

Third; Plan to Practice Technique. Learning to ride a bike, or re-learning is nothing to be embarrassed about. Find a place where you’ll feel safe enough to practice (be aware, sidewalks are for pedestrians, not cyclists). Map out a practice loop in a familiar area, on familiar roads. Start with a couple of miles, and then, after each ride, try to expand the loop by 1 or 2 miles. Practice during off-peak hours to gain confidence, gradually working into heavier traffic intervals. Practice hand signaling, practice starting and stopping, and practice how to take an entire lain when necessary. Very quickly your training loop will reach 10 miles or more and you’ll start noticing a change in your physical and technical abilities. You’ll feel less anxious about being around other vehicles. Eventually you’ll learn how to control every conceivable traffic situation. In the event of uncertainty, go back to the books, or ask a more experienced rider for help and guidance.

Without doubt any MCC student, staff or faculty who consider these three steps will experience the greater benefits of cycling. An exemplar is Fine Arts Professor, Jason Smith, who commutes to MCC on a weekly basis, rain or shine. An inspirational leader, he truly champions opportunity, innovation, and excellence to transform lives and communities. He is one of the finest representatives of MCC’s vision in action. By joining him and others in this highly effective civic engagement, we make communities and everyone’s lives healthier, more sustainable, and enjoyable. Cycling remains one of the most transformative contribution a person can make towards changing communities for the better.

Please remember, we all share the same roads—be well, be safe, and be courteous.

Jim Downer
Sustainability Steering Committee
05/07/2014