Wearing a helmet makes sense whenever you ride a bike.  With the variety of styles and prices for new bike helmets you might be confused about how to choose one.  They provide different  head coverage, ventilation, and features, utilize different materials, are available in different sizes and price points and it is valuable to know which of these are important and which are just personal preference.  Here are the things you need to know before selecting a helmet to assure you get the safest coverage of your head for your rides.  ​

​You’ve finally broken out of winter hibernation.  The roads are cleared of ice and snow and your beloved bike has been cleaned and lubed and is ready to go.  Now all that’s left to do is decide where to ride, hop on your bike and roll.  While bikes are legal to be ridden on all streets in Chicago unless marked otherwise, we have a few options for routes on off road paths without cars.  You still need to stay alert for other trail users and when crossing at intersections, but these paths offer a casual stress-free way to kick off your best ever riding season. 

​If you’ve spent your hard earned money on a bike you naturally want it not only to operate good but also to look good.  A bike will look good if it is clean and well lubricated, has the perfect frame style for the type of riding you plan to do, and has clever decals and components.  But another factor for adults is the color of the bike frame.  Does the color of a bike matter and what is the best color for a bike?

​Wearing a bike helmet on every bike ride saves lives and prevents injuries.  Experts say that using this readily available and affordable piece of safety equipment on all your rides is the single most effective way to prevent head and brain injuries in the event you should fall off your bike.  Even if you ride at a slow speed, there is a risk of injury from a fall.  Having a helmet is one thing, but taking steps to make sure it fits properly is also essential for your safety and for maximum protection.    

If you're still riding around with the basic pedals that came with your bike it is time to make an upgrade.  Pedals that come on new bikes are generally designed to meet a low price point and do not take into consideration your unique riding style and requirements.  Due to their constant movement and force placed on them pedals wear out quickly.  Bike pedals come in a variety of shapes, styles, and sizes and are easy to upgrade so knowing why and when to do this is worth investigating.

When Presidents' Day was celebrated over a century ago it had a different identify than it has today--it was known as Bicycle Day.  George Washington’s birthday, which is now celebrated as Presidents' Day, was made a federal holiday in 1885, and the United States was in the middle of a bicycle boom.   Since many people had the day off of work it became the day for bicycle races and for bicycle retailers to open their doors so the public could see the latest models of bicycles.  During this time in history, mid-February marked the start of the annual bicycle season.

Ebikes are a new form of transportation and recreation and expectations for how and where they are used may be understood differently by people.  Because modern ebikes are new on the scene, the proper way to behave was not something taught to us as children by a parent or teacher.  Currently there is no certification, license, or insurance required for riding an ebike in most states.  But by following general bike traffic rules and common sense ebike etiquette you can ride with confidence and comfort and assure the safety of yourself and everyone else on the road and trail.    

If you are looking to do some body work now to improve your cycling performance later you should consider doing an exercise known as a squat.  Your legs are used heavily on a bike to spin the pedals and propel the bike and strengthening them will make a big difference in how fast and long you can ride.  A squat is a body weight exercise that requires no gym visit or special equipment and can be done anytime and anywhere with as many repetitions as you want.    

A bike swap is an in-person event that celebrates bike culture.  People with bikes and parts to sell set up tables with their merchandise to allow people who are interested in used bikes or components and accessories to browse and negotiate a deal.  Vendors at bike swaps include bike shops trying to liquidate inventory, both new and used, and individuals who have lots of bike related items they no longer need.  If there is a bike swap near you, it is a fun way to soak up cycling culture and find items at a bargain.

If you love to ride ebikes but are hesitant to ride more in the city for commuting or errands because of the challenges that bikes entail: they are bulky, don’t always integrate seamlessly with other forms of transportation such as buses or trains, aren’t always welcome in offices, and there is a risk of theft if you leave them outside regardless of how many locks you use.  One solution is a folding ebike, and there are good reasons to consider one.