May 12th – 16th is Bike-to-Work Week
May 16th is Bike-to-Work Day
The Baton Rouge Bike Club, Baton Rouge
Advocates for Safe Streets, and the League
of American Bicyclists, announce May
12th-16th is Bike-to-Work Week. They urge
everyone to Bike-to-Work or try cycling
for fun, fitness or transportation.
Activities are scheduled throughout May to
help the average citizen have a successful
Bike-to-Work Week including workshops on
riding safely, repairing and maintaining
your bike, choosing a safe route, and
other tips on bicycle commuting.
According to Andy D. Clarke, Executive
Director of the League of American
Bicyclists, 'Biking to work is an
efficient and fun way to get the exercise
you need, without having to find extra
time to work out. And this year, with
gasoline prices as high as they are,
biking to work makes more sense than
ever.'
Local sponsors include:
Pedal Play Bikes
Capitol Cyclery
Baton Rouge Bike Club
The Bike Shop
Critical Manners Baton Rouge
Baton Rouge Advocates for Safe Streets
Following are some safety and other tips that will help you enjoy biking to work more.
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Have your bike checked over by your local bike shop
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Always wear a helmet to protect your head in the event of a crash
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Ride in the right-most lane that goes in the direction that you are traveling.
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Obey all stop signs, traffic lights and lane markings
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Look before you change lanes or signal a turn; indicate your intention, then act
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Be visible and predictable at all times; wear bright, reflective clothing.
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Always signal turns.
The Baton Rouge Bicycle Club promotes
cycling safety, education, and fitness for
recreational and touring cyclists. The
club organizes weekly rides both in town
and out of town, for beginning and
experienced riders. They also support
local cycling advocacy for the benefit of
members and public alike.
The League of American Bicyclists seeks to
promote bicycling for fun, fitness, and
transportation, and work through advocacy
and education for a bicycle-friendly
America. Bike-to-Work Week and
Bike-to-Work Day are two of the numerous
events the League sponsors throughout the
year nationwide.
Links
For more information about bicycling to work, see the City Parish Planning Commission Bicycle and Pedestrian Initiative Bicycling to Work
City Parish Planning Commission Bicycle and Pedestrian Initiative
Information about bicycling on streets Bicycling Street Smarts
Louisiana Laws related to bicycling in Louisiana
Bike-to-Work Week is an excellent time to start pedaling to work, to enjoy glorious weather and join the community of bike commuters. Bicycling pays off: you save gas money, avoid traffic, get exercise, help curb global warming pollution and often save time, too. (More about the growing popularity of biking to work.)
Important Rules of the Road
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Bicycles are vehicles with the same rights, rules and responsibilities of other road users. Whether you ride or drive, please share the road.
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Motorists should only pass a bicycle when it’s safe to do so. Slow down and give cyclists three feet of passing room. Whether you ride or drive, please share the road.
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Bicycle riders have the same rights as motorists, so motorists should yield to bicycles like any other vehicle. Never cut off bicyclists. Whether you ride or drive, please share the road!
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As a bicyclist, you should obey all traffic laws, stop signs, and traffic lights. Whether you ride your bike or drive your car, please share the road!
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Laws require bicycles to have lights at night, and common sense requires cyclists to wear helmets. Whether you ride or drive, please share the road!