2008 Woodie Awards
Trails, bike condition, safety key to cycling enjoyment
Johnna Hjersman
Issue date: 5/1/08 Section: Features
Under-inflated tires create a lot more drag, and riders run the risk of encountering a pinch flat, while over-inflated tires risk damaging the rim itself. If the chain is not clean, a build-up of dirt and grime can prematurely wear out the chain and damage the whole drivetrain.
"It just makes the riding experience that much more enjoyable with a well-lubed, clean chain because you get less sound, less drag," Hershey said.
Once riders have prepped their bicycles, they can hit the trails and start enjoying the spring weather. While doing so, riders should remember to follow proper trail etiquette. There are some guidelines riders and trail users are encouraged to use.
Genrich said most of these guidelines are fairly common sense such as keeping to the right-hand side of the trail and using the proper safety gear, but he added that when riders are approaching someone from behind on the trail, they should make their presence known by ringing a bell or saying "Bike on your left." He said riders should also ride in single file and avoid riding side-by-side while riding in groups.
While not using Lincoln's trails, riders should be aware of where they can and cannot ride. Downtown Lincoln, from K to R streets between 9th and 16th streets, does not allow bicycles to be ridden on the sidewalks. The two existing bike lanes downtown are located on 11th and 14th streets, otherwise bikes must be ridden in the streets.
"(While riding in the streets) you have to obey all traffic ordinances just like a regular vehicle," said Capt. Bob Kawamoto of the Lincoln Police Department.
Kawamoto said, just like cars, bikes must have a headlight and rear light on at least half hour after sunrise and half hour before sunset.
Other vehicles aren't always looking out for bicyclists, Kawamoto said. He recommended riders should learn to ride defensively and should wear protective gear, including helmets.
"A lot of people don't like to wear them, but they're still a good idea," Kawamoto said.
This time of the year, the Parks & Recreation Department likes to get the word out about the trails and the guidelines for using them.
"I hope that people take advantage of them and enjoy them, whether they're using them for commuting to go school or to work or on the weekends for recreation," Genrich said.
johnnahjersman@dailynebraskan.com
"It just makes the riding experience that much more enjoyable with a well-lubed, clean chain because you get less sound, less drag," Hershey said.
Once riders have prepped their bicycles, they can hit the trails and start enjoying the spring weather. While doing so, riders should remember to follow proper trail etiquette. There are some guidelines riders and trail users are encouraged to use.
Genrich said most of these guidelines are fairly common sense such as keeping to the right-hand side of the trail and using the proper safety gear, but he added that when riders are approaching someone from behind on the trail, they should make their presence known by ringing a bell or saying "Bike on your left." He said riders should also ride in single file and avoid riding side-by-side while riding in groups.
While not using Lincoln's trails, riders should be aware of where they can and cannot ride. Downtown Lincoln, from K to R streets between 9th and 16th streets, does not allow bicycles to be ridden on the sidewalks. The two existing bike lanes downtown are located on 11th and 14th streets, otherwise bikes must be ridden in the streets.
"(While riding in the streets) you have to obey all traffic ordinances just like a regular vehicle," said Capt. Bob Kawamoto of the Lincoln Police Department.
Kawamoto said, just like cars, bikes must have a headlight and rear light on at least half hour after sunrise and half hour before sunset.
Other vehicles aren't always looking out for bicyclists, Kawamoto said. He recommended riders should learn to ride defensively and should wear protective gear, including helmets.
"A lot of people don't like to wear them, but they're still a good idea," Kawamoto said.
This time of the year, the Parks & Recreation Department likes to get the word out about the trails and the guidelines for using them.
"I hope that people take advantage of them and enjoy them, whether they're using them for commuting to go school or to work or on the weekends for recreation," Genrich said.
johnnahjersman@dailynebraskan.com
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