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October usually brings, fall weather, and the slow shortening of the day. The pleasant weather begins to draw us into our beautiful Montevallo scenery, and a great way to celebrate the outdoors is with a picnic. Cycling and picnicking go hand in hand – why not break out your ride, air up those tires, and consider these tips to enjoy your very own picnic à vélo:
When people ask us where to bike to in Montevallo, we can easily recommend Orr Park, the Parnell Memorial Library, or University of Montevallo campus as excellent examples of locations worth visiting via bicycle in our south Shelby town. However, there are so many more places to consider riding your bike to! Next time you’re up for a ride, consider the following before traveling out of town (distances calculated from the Montevallo Post Office):
People on bicycles have the same rights and responsibilities as people in cars. Bicycle riders should follow these tips to reduce the risk of a crash. Equipment – ride a well-maintained, properly sized bike that fits you. Clothing –wear bright clothing during the day and reflective equipment at night. Make sure to secure loose laces and pant legs to prevent them from catching in the gears. Route – choose routes with less traffic & slower speeds. Choose bike paths & lanes where available. Follow Rules – Ride in the same direction as traffic and obey street signs, signals, and road markings. Ride Defensively – assume the other person does NOT see you. Look ahead for hazards or situations to avoid that may cause a fall. Ride Predictably – motorists get a sense of what you intend to do and can react to avoid a crash. Signal – this will communicate your intent to others. Always use your left arm to signal turns – you can signal a right-hand turn by holding your arm at a 90 degree angle with your fingertips pointing up. Avoid sidewalks – motorists don’t expect traffic on sidewalks and don’t look there when backing up or turning. Safely riding your bike in traffic requires preparation, practice, and experience. Confidence in traffic comes with learning how to navigate and communicate with other drivers, bicyclists, and pedestrians. Thinking about finally investing in a bike? Or perhaps you already own a bike, but want to ride more often? These fun facts may help tip the scales in favor of finally getting back in the saddle!
With the first weeks of fall behind us and the southern summer a distant memory - remember to FALL BACK as daylight savings time ends Nov 6th @ 2am and enjoy riding with these fall cycling tips:
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