What advice would you give to your younger biking self?

School’s in session again, and with it a lot of additional cyclists on area roads. We recently reached out on social media to ask all of you for biking tips that, if you could turn back the clock, you would give your college-age selves. We received a heap of thoughtful responses, the best of which we’ve compiled into the list below. Thanks again to everyone who took the time to share their advice!

 

1. Communicate with drivers and pedestrians

San Francisco Bicycle Coalition | Flickr

“We are programmed by evolution to react to things that can harm us. Car drivers don’t see us because we are not a danger to them. Always make eye contact, wear a helmet, use lights and hand signals, and drive defensively.” – Scott P.

“Look back over your shoulder frequently. About half the time it makes drivers tap their brakes and wait to pass you till it’s safe.” – Ellie N.

“Get a nice-sounding bell. They are magical for alerting pedestrians and other bikes to your presence.” – Tricia C.

 

2. Take the lane

Richard Masoner | Flickr

“It is legal in PA for a driver to cross the yellow line to pass a cyclist if the driver can see it’s otherwise safe to. So take the lane! You do *not* need to ‘get out of the way'” – Stuart S.

 

3. Be predictable

Christian Stefanescu | Flickr

“Operate a vehicle, not a toy. Be visible. Be predictable. Running stop signs, stop lights doesn’t really save all that much time or effort. Obey them.” – Sara W.

 

4. Walk your bike on the sidewalk

Jess J | Flickr

“If you have to use a sidewalk, do so at a snails pace and preferably walking the bike… pedestrians always have right of way. If you do ride on the sidewalk, you aren’t visible to cars, don’t ride out in front of a turning car just because the light is green…” – Drew D.

 

5. Lock your bike up right

“Learn how to lock your bike properly or else you’ll have a sad, lonely bike wheel left behind.” – Tricia C.

 

6. Have fun

“So much of this city can be discovered and enjoyed by bicycle. Your horizons will go so much further than the campus you call home. Go find it all. Be safe, be cautious, but be adventurous too.” – Emily W-K

“Don’t think the weather has to be perfect, the bike anything more than a beater, or that you have to be fit before you get started. Biking to get around is a joy that’s accessible to all, even with the hills. In fact, many find they have a strangely addictive quality.” – Ben Y.

GET MORE TIPS AND INFORMATION: Check our our new Oakland-specific page for more information on riding in one of Pittsburgh’s most bustling neighborhoods.

---

Sign up for Bike Pittsburgh’s newsletter, The Messenger, to get the latest news on events, bike and pedestrian infrastructure, and fun, delivered straight to your inbox. Twice monthly emails, no spam.