Paul Selden - Sunrise Rotary February 26, 2013 Yes, there really is a… Bike Friendly Kalamazoo!

Paul Selden - Sunrise RotaryFebruary 26, 2013

Yes, there really is a…Yes, there really is a…

Bike FriendlyBike FriendlyKalamazoo!Kalamazoo!

“Nothing compares to the simple pleasure of a bike ride!”

- John F. Kennedy

Photo: Paul Selden

Speaking of Bikes…

• Why?

• Types of biking

• Before your next ride

• Rules of the road

• What to look for in a bike

• What is “Bike Friendly Kalamazoo?”

• About KBCPhoto: Paul Selden

Why talk about bicycling?

• Safety• Economic: jobs, tourism, local business• Community pride and spirit• Maximize potential of existing resources• Road to fitness and health• Energy independence• Environmental appreciation and protection• Family, fun, adventure and ice cream!

Safety - #1

Car A turning right:

• Might see Cyclist 1• Less likely to see Cyclist 2

• Many will not yield right-of-way

• Faster turning speeds increase the chance of a collision

Trail/Sidewalk Cautions at Intersections & Driveways

Source: LMB.org

Types of bicycling

• Who is a bicyclist in the group?

• Raise your hand if you “see yourself” in next slides

Types of bicycling

Photo: Zolton Cohen

Types of bicycling

Photo: teamlunachix.com

Types of bicycling

Photo: LMB.org

Types of bicycling

Photo: LMB.org

Types of bicycling

Photo: LMB.org

Types of bicycling

Photo: Paul Selden

Types of bicycling

Photo: Ruth Krueger

What to Look For In a Bike

• Category - matches intended use

• Reliability

• Fit and comfort

• Local service

• Easy self-maintenance

Before Your First Ride

•Local bike shop

•A-B-C Quick Check

Courtesy LMB.org

On Road Repairs

Carry a few basics

Courtesy LMB.org

Wearing a helmet can reduce risk of head injury by up to 85%

Use a bike helmet!Use a bike helmet!

Courtesy LMB.org

• A bicyclist has the same rights and duties as a motor vehicle when riding on a street or roadway

• Ride to the right of the roadway

• Maximum: two abreast

• Signal Turns

• Obey Traffic Signals – stop

signs and stop lights

It’s the Law … and Safer

Courtesy LMB.org

Bike Friendly Kalamazoo - Highlights

2011 • Community BrainstormingVision: Elevate community’s stature

during downturn…using existing resources…to become even more bike friendly

2012 • Education / Awareness Building Goal-Setting• Route Planning Presentations

2013 • Information portal (www.bikefriendlykalamazoo.org)• Educational presentations “in a box”• Planning county-wide bike system

Kalamazoo Bicycle Club

• Founded 1971• 250-300 members• Annual Bike Camp• Annual KalTour ride• Near daily group

rides in season• Grants to many local

charities• www.kalamazoobicycleclub.org

Photo: Paul Selden

Hand Outs & Questions

Photo: Paul Selden

Thank You!

Photo: Paul Selden

Credits

• This presentation may be modified or re-used as long as sources/credits are cited

• Thanks to the League of Michigan Bicyclists (www.lmb.org) for providing slides for public re-use

• Photo credits as noted

• See www.bikefriendlykalamazoo.org for more information and to download a copy of this presentation template

Photo: Paul Selden