For many members of the Portland State community, traveling to and from school on a bicycle is an everyday part of life. But it can be also be hazardous–especially in winter conditions. The Vanguard talked to local bike experts to get their tips on how students and staff can stay safe while making their daily commute.
Safety first, on the road
For many members of the Portland State community, traveling to and from school on a bicycle is an everyday part of life.
But it can be also be hazardous–especially in winter conditions.
The Vanguard talked to local bike experts to get their tips on how students and staff can stay safe while making their daily commute.
Safety first
It is very important to not be aggressive when riding, said Jeff Gerwing, cycling enthusiast and assistant professor in the University Studies department. He also said to be “hyper-defensive” when riding, especially when it is dark outside.
Another thing to watch out for is black ice, Ian Stude, manager of the PSU Bicycle Cooperative, said in an e-mail. It is generally better to stick to biking routes that are familiar and to be especially careful on bridges, where it tends to be coldest and windiest, he said.
MAX tracks can also be dangerous.
“In the wet weather they are especially slippery and hungry to suck in your wheel and send you flying,” Stude said.
After a bout of windy weather, Stude said, riders should be extra cautious of streets that have debris from trees in the bike lanes, because it often forces cyclists into car lanes to avoid the obstacles.
Emily Kingan, co-owner of the Citybikes Workers’ Cooperative, said cyclists should choose routes that have relatively low traffic. Many main streets have side streets that run parallel and are less busy.
Get shiny
Portland’s temperamental winter weather can make it hard for drivers or others to see cyclists.
“Staying visible is one of the most important elements to riding safely in an urban environment. Put front and rear lights on your bike and dress visibly,” Stude said in the e-mail.
Lights are not only important for bike visibility, they are required by law. Oregon law requires having a steady white light that can be seen from 500 feet in front and a red reflector on the rear of the bike, Kingan said.
There are various reflective materials, including clothing and lights, available at bike shops around Portland. Alex McFarland, a director of the non-profit North Portland BikeWorks, said any bike shop in Portland could sell you these items. A reflective vest will cost anywhere from $11 to $30 dollars, a reflective helmet will cost $25 to $150 dollars and lights will cost $10 to $30 dollars, he said.
Dress the part
Stude said he can’t stress the importance of wearing a helmet enough.
“This is a year-round tip, but if I was foolish enough to be seasonal about it, I would give winter the priority,” Stude said. “Black ice is a very real danger this time of year, and it doesn’t take much to get caught off guard and find yourself headed for pavement, hard.”
A bicyclist’s choice of clothing can also be important. Layering clothes is necessary when riding in winter conditions, but what works for each individual may change based on personal preferences, Stude said.
Wool and silk are good clothing choices, he said, and cotton clothes should be avoided. Rain gear is good to have and the price shouldn’t compromise a cyclists’ comfort, he added.
“If possible, splurge for the rain gear with zippered vents,” Stude said in his email. “Because no matter how ‘breathable’ the rain gear, it always gets hot.”
Gerwing said he often sees people not paying attention to the weather conditions.
“I see plenty of people biking in what seems to be really inappropriate clothing,” he said. “Getting a pair of gloves and wearing a wool hat underneath your bike helmet is very important.”
Knowledge is power
Gerwing said before riding, people should know at least some basic bike maintenance, particularly when it comes to bike tires.
“Basically it’s just being ready to change it, or walk and push it,” Gerwing said.
If cyclists don’t know enough about maintenance themselves, they should take their bike to a bike co-op if they are unsure their bike is safe to ride, he said.
Gerwing also said that getting to know flaggers working around the city could help a cyclist safely navigate around because they can tell the cyclist what roads are open or closed.
In winter, cyclists have to give themselves extra time to get wherever they are going, Stude said.
“Winter just makes the bike commute a little longer,” he said. “Rushing to your destination is sure-fire way to compromise your safety.”
Even though many streets have a bike lane, Kingan said, cyclists should never assume it is always safe.
“Just because you’re in a bike lane doesn’t guarantee your safety,” she said. “One thing I do when I’m riding is I try to assume that no one sees me. I wouldn’t cut in front of a car and just assume they’re going to stop.”
