new haven "smart cycling" handbook

a handbook for New Haven bicyclists

CYCLING:SMART

Mayor John DeStefano, Jr.

On-Street Bike Lane

O!-Street Bike Trail

Shared Lane Markings

Other Bike Routes

Bike Shop

Train Station

Park

STREET SMART TIP: Here in New Haven, you could actually be "ned $90 to $125 for: Biking on the sidewalk Riding against tra#c Failing to stop at a stop sign Failing to stop at a red light Carrying extra passengers on your bike

STREET SMART TIP: One of the biggest mistakes novice commuter cyclists make is taking the same route that they would if they were driving. But all roads are not created equal for cyclists.

Try to "gure out routes with bike lanes, road sharing signs, and other characteristics that are good for bikers. Use online bike maps, or befriend someone in a local cycling club and get their input!

STREET SMART TIP: If you use public transit often for your commute, or if you regularly travel by train or bus, think about investing in a folding bike. There are generally no restrictions, no fees, and it’s less cumbersome.

STREET SMART TIP: The rule of thumb for when to get a tune-up? Either once a year or every 2,000 miles, whichever comes "rst. So if you average more than 5.5 miles per day (or 38.5 miles per week), you may want to think about tuning up a couple times a year.

STREET SMART TIP: There are some extremely helpful maintenance demos on www.parktool.com/repair. Some of the procedures may be too tough for a novice mechanic, but if you have some repair experience and the right tools, you may be able to DIY.

STREET SMART TIP: Of all the places on the roads you’ll encounter, most bicycle-car accidents occur in intersections, when a right-turning or left-turning car enters into a cyclist’s path. So be alert of turning cars and proceed cautiously at busy intersections.

STREET SMART TIP: Don’t lock your bike on private property (like fences or stair railings) that you don’t own; the property owner has the right to remove your bike.

STREET SMART TIP: Want to request a city bike rack to be installed? Want to make a suggestion for bike lane locations? Are there unsafe riding condi-tions on your route? Submit a report at www.seeclick!x.com/new-haven. Each post is sent to the appropriate people in City Hall, to the area’s alderperson, and to other community groups who are able to address the request.

STREET SMART TIP: New Haven is rife with green spaces that are awesome recreation destina-tions—so even though you might not be able to bike through these areas, it’s worthwhile to bike to them, park your bike, and walk around. Take a look at the New Haven Green Map for some good ad-venture ideas. www.cityofnewhaven.com/maps

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