Author Archives: Kim

Recreational cyclist……that’s me. No hills. No wind. Not too hot. Not too cold. And definitely no rain! Well, I guess if that was true I probably wouldn’t be doing much cycling. Never fear, it is a sport that I have come to enjoy over the past 10 or so years from a couple of different viewpoints.

First….From 2002 – 2006 I had the pleasure of being the “Tour Manager” for the “Touring with Braun’s” division of Braun’s….is Bicycles. Our most popular tours, BraunStorm, BraunWave and Fall Theatre Classic involved groups of 20 – 400 cyclists, running in length from 3 – 8 days, and covering up to 600kms in a week. I believe these cyclists triggered my own interest in biking by showing me their love for this sport, their determination through all sorts of weather and terrain and yet at the end of the day they still had a smile on their faces. Those were good days!! I DO miss them!

Second…from the “Cycling Mom” point of view. For the past few years we, as a family, have enjoyed many cycling/camping holidays together and “Mom” still does most of the route planning/food prepping/ etc. Spending time together as a family, whether it’s sitting around a campfire, swimming or biking is the highlight of my summer. Some of our favorite places to ride are the Georgian trail (Collingwood to Meaford), Wasaga Beach and along Georgian Bay, and the Greater Niagara Circle Route in Niagara Falls/Niagara-on-the-Lake/Fort Erie areas.

In my “other” life, I am married to Robert and we have 3 children, Becky, Rachel and Aaron….oh, and 1 rabbit and 5 degus.

CYCLING SKILLS (Safe Cycling) Part 9 – Riding in Traffic-Trucks/Buses

Riding in Traffic

Dealing with trucks and buses

Blind spots

   Bus and truck drivers have large blind spots where they are unable to see passing vehicles, particularly bicycles. It is extremely important to stay out of the blind spots. Trucks and buses are Read More

CYCLING SKILLS (Safe Cycling) Part 8 – Riding in Traffic – Signs and Traffic Signals

Riding in Traffic

Signs and Traffic Signals

Key traffic signs and signals for cyclists.

Bicycles are permitted on this road. Read More

CYCLING SKILLS (Safe Cycling) Part 7 – Riding in Traffic – Intersections

Riding in Traffic

Going through intersections

Intersections are where many collisions occur, so stay alert. Any point where the paths of two vehicles can cross is a potential intersection. Read More

CYCLING SKILLS (Safe Cycling) Part 6 – Riding in Traffic – Where?

Riding in Traffic

The Ontario Highway Traffic Act (HTA) defines the bicycle as a vehicle that belongs on the road. Riding on the road means riding with other traffic. This is only safe when all traffic uses the same rules of the road.  Read More

CYCLING SKILLS (Safe Cycling) Part 5 – Handling Skills

Handling Skills

Signalling

Making signals requires being able to ride with only one hand on the handlebars. Because it is very easy to go off course when riding one-handed, practise signalling while riding along a straight line. Keep both hands on the handlebars while actually turning. It’s also important Read More

CYCLING SKILLS (Safe Cycling) Part 4 – Safety Equipment – Visibility

Safety Equipment

Riding with children

Use care and caution when cycling with young children who are too young to ride themselves. Keep in mind that a bicycle child seat mounted behind the bicycle seat alters your centre of gravity while riding and may increase the risk of losing balance. Take extra caution when placing and removing the child from the carrier. Never leave Read More

CYCLING SKILLS (Safe Cycling) Part 3 – Safety Equipment – Helmets

Safety Equipment

Helmets

The best helmet is one that fits properly, is worn correctly and has been manufactured to meet strict safety standards. Look for a safety standards sticker meeting the approval of safety organizations such as Read More

CYCLING SKILLS (Safe Cycling) Part 2 – Safety Equipment – Safety Check

Safety Equipment

Safety Check

Every cyclist needs to know how to tell when their bicycle is unsafe to ride and needs repair. This section includes a basic bicycle safety checklist. Read More

CYCLING SKILLS (Safe Cycling) Part 1 – Safety Equipment – Sizing

Safety Equipment

Sizing Your Bike

There is a variety of bicycles on the market to choose from. Whether you’re choosing a touring, sport, mountain or hybrid bicycle, it should fit properly, making it easy to control and comfortable to ride. Read More

CYCLING SKILLS (Safe Cycling) Introduction

Cycling Skills

Ontario’s Guide to Safe Cycling

 Over the next number of blogs we will cover Safety, Equipment (Sizing, Safety Check, Helmets, Visibility), Handling Skills, Riding in Traffic (Where, Intersections, Signs and traffic signals, Dealing with trucks and buses), Obstacles and Road Surfaces, Cycling and the Law and Read More