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Bicycle Tips
Bike Riding in the Rain
Riding in the rain on a bicycle is very much like driving in a car in the snow. You need to leave more distance to stop due to wet brakes, and you won't be able to turn as sharply. Keep an eye out for little rainbow-edged patches of oil on the pavement - these are extremely slick and will crash you in a split second if you try to lean over on one. Don't worry about hydroplaning, though. Bike tires are narrow enough that they'll cut right through puddles and hit pavement.
How To Fit A Cyclist's Helmet
About one third of hospital emergency room visits for bicycle-related injuries involve head injuries. A bicycle helmet cannot prevent a crash, but can reduce head injuries and prevent permanent brain damage. To be effective, a bicycle helmet must be fitted correctly:
- It must fit the head snugly. Use the foam fitting pads inside to customize the fit.
- It should be level and low on the forehead - two finger widths above the eyebrows.
- The front and back straps on each side should form a "V" just below the ear.
- The chin straps should be adjusted snugly (but not tightly); one should be able to slide two fingers between the strap and the chin or jaw.
Wear your helmet every time you ride, but please wear it right, too. The helmet should sit square on your head with the brow low and just above your eyes. Adjust the straps so they hold the helmet in place. If you can’t seem to adjust the helmet correctly, reread the owner’s manual, or ask friends, or visit a shop and ask for expert help. A helmet worn wrong will not protect you in a crash. Keep in mind, too, that helmets wear with age. You should get a new one at least every five years. And any helmet that’s been crashed should be replaced (they’re designed for only one impact).
Hook Your Thumbs Beneath the Handlebars
Riding some roads and most trails, you’ll encounter obstacles that can easily knock your hands off the handlebars if you’re not holding the bars correctly. Remember to always have at least one thumb beneath the bars. That way, when you hit one of these nasty bumps, your hand may slip. But, it won’t slip off the bars. And that can be the difference between hanging on and planting your face in the dirt (ouch!).
Consider a Mirror
Always looking over your shoulder to check the road? Worried about cars overtaking you and passing dangerously? Consider getting a rear-view mirror. There are tiny ones that attach to your glasses inside the lens that are just about invisible. Yet they give you a great view of the road behind. These mirrors are great because they let you watch traffic. Better, perhaps, they let you know when no one is behind so you can ride right down the middle of the road. Surprisingly, that’s most of the time!
Cycling Paths & Routes
Biking Paths and Routes in Lee County
Lee County Bicycle Facilities Map: Download this comprehensive map of bike paths, trails and lanes in lee county provided by Lee County. The map even designates facilities under construction since the last update. This map is in Adobe PDF format.
Download the Lee County Bicycle Facilities Map
Biking Florida: Lists information on biking four great state parks in Lee County.
Biking Florida: Lee County Bike Trails
Bikemap.net: Gives a Google style interactive map of bike routes and rides in Lee County. Also lets you create and share your own routes.