Scaled back Missing Link plans could put the trail on budget and sidestep lawsuits

The Missing Link appellants have won! But not really.

The Seattle Department of Transportation announced today that they are prepared to submit a significantly scaled-back version of their plans to complete the Missing Link of the Burke-Gilman Trail through Ballard. The trail connection remains, but many of the extra elements included with it have been cut. The result is a project that costs less, can be constructed faster, and should be small enough in scale to be exempt from the State Environmental Policy Act’s requirement for environmental review.

“Completing the Burke-Gilman Trail missing link is an important and too long delayed piece of safety infrastructure in Seattle,” said Mayor Jenny Durkan in a statement. “By redesigning the missing link we will finally be able to give the bike, walking and rolling community a safe route to enjoy the treasure that is the Burke-Gilman trail. After continued legal challenges, these next steps will bring us tangibly closer to finishing this crucial project.”

The design proposed in SDOT’s massive 2016 environmental impact statement was a full-scale remake of the entire corridor, complete with new traffic signals, a realigned railroad, and a lot of new pavement. Much of the cost of that design was from an effort to win over appealing businesses along the route through a community design process. Some of those businesses appealed the design even after the community process was complete, and they have successfully tied it up in court for years. Though the project’s latest court loss was completely unrelated to the trail design (more on that below), it would likely be impossible to complete that version of the trail before the 2024 expiration of the voter-approved Move Seattle Levy, which specifically earmarked funds to complete the Missing Link.

The new design will retain the safety benefits of the previous design, SDOT staff stressed during a call. But it won’t be as polished as the big-budget version. For example, the previous design would have paved a buffer space as wide as 5 feet for the entire length of Shilshole Avenue. The trail will still have three feet of buffer space separating it from general traffic. Many of the curb bulbs and other design elements that were planned to be fully constructed will instead be created with low-cost paint and posts.

Another major change is that because SDOT cannot move the railroad tracks, NW 45th Street will have to remain a one-way street. Originally, the design called for opening the roadway to two-way traffic plus a trail, but they cannot do so without moving the railroad tracks. So if anyone has a problem with this, they can file their concerns with the Ballard Terminal Railroad. Not moving the tracks has the added benefit of significantly reducing the scope and cost of the project. The trail will still be moved to the south side of the roadway as previously planned, and a new railroad crossing will be constructed west of the Ballard Bridge.

The last major change is that three planned traffic signals along Shilshole Ave NW have been removed from the design. Instead, the department will place an all-way stop at Shilshole and 17th Ave NW, which is a high-demand crossing for people accessing Ballard Ave. They will also install new crosswalks with rapid flashing beacons at NW Dock Pl and NW Vernon Pl. The signals previously planned were not warranted, SDOT said, but were included due to feedback from the community design process. They could always be added later in a different project.

So it won’t be as nice looking at the city wanted, but Ballard can thank the Appellant group for that. Their lawsuit successfully stopped the big budget version from going through before the levy ran out. SDOT really did try to deliver the full-build version. Instead, this version prioritizes the vital work of keeping people safe and connecting the city’s busiest biking and walking trail. People keep crashing on the Missing Link, and the injuries won’t stop until the city completes this project. We can’t wait any longer.

(CORRECTION: A previous version said SDOT will file a “Determination of Nonsignificance,” but that was an error. They will file for the environmental permits they need to begin work. Opponents will have opportunities to take legal action if they choose to.) This time, SDOT says they believe the project is too small to fall under the requirement for a full environmental review. If they are right, then they should be able to get through the courts easier and more quickly this time and begin construction in 2022 or 2023.

So let’s all hope they are right, because I am sick of these delays, and I’m sick of writing about this project. There’s so much more work to do in this city. We need to finish this one and move on.

Here is a look at the new project design details, from SDOT:

Court cases background

The original project is still facing two legal delays, one of which was unexpected and one of which they had no control over.

In July 2020, King County Superior Court decided that the city did not have the legal right to relocate the railroad tracks, which are technically still “active” because the Ballard Terminal Railroad runs up and down every once in a while. The city owns the tracks and the right of way, and they were prepared to fund the entire relocation effort. The city will continue fighting the case because they feel they are in the right and want to set that legal precedent, but they will not be including the rail realignment in the new project.

The bigger problem was that the state’s Court of Appeals shocked everyone in April 2021 by siding with the Appellant group and overturning the King County Superior Court’s ruling that the city’s Environmental Impact Statement was sufficient. The Appeals Court ruled in favor of the city on every argument that had anything to do with the trail plans, but it decided that Seattle Hearing Examiner Ryan Vancil, who was the Deputy Hearing Examiner when hearing the case in 2018, had “violated the appearance of fairness doctrine” by hearing the case while also pursuing the job of the retiring Seattle Hearing Examiner. Because the City Council selects the Hearing Examiner and the Council also wanted the Missing Link to happen, the Appeals Court decided that Vancil appeared to be unfair because maybe he might have wanted to deliver decisions that the Council would like. The decision was shocking because it puts all Deputy Hearing Examiners in a tough spot. Seeking career advancement is totally normal, yet their jobs as Deputy Hearing Examiners is almost entirely to decide cases involving city projects. Are they just not allowed to do their jobs when seeking advancement within their office? You can see why this decision was so surprising.

The argument was also a hail mary legal move by the appellant group. Challenging the fairness of the court is a rather desperate strategy with a very low likelihood of success. But they succeeded. So, uh, congratulations I guess?

UPDATE: Here’s SDOT’s full press release:

The Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) has refined the Burke-Gilman Trail “Missing Link” design to address previous community concerns and allow the City to start construction as soon as next year. The design refinement will keep the important project moving and follow through with a commitment to additional safe travel options. SDOT anticipates the adjustments will put the project back on track to be completed before the voter-approved Levy to Move Seattle sunsets in 2024 and will minimize risk of increased costs. The design refinements adjust the project to meet changing conditions along the corridor, such as eliminating the need to relocate railroad tracks and minor changes to reduce the amount of paving needed.

“Completing the Burke-Gilman Trail Missing Link is an important and too long delayed piece of safety infrastructure in Seattle,” said Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan. “By redesigning the Missing Link we will finally be able to give the bike, walking and rolling community a safe route to enjoy the treasure that is the Burke-Gilman trail. After continued legal challenges, these next steps will bring us tangibly closer to finishing this crucial project.”

The Missing Link refers to the long-planned bike safety improvements along 1.4 miles of Salmon Bay east of the Ballard Locks connecting two existing sections of the Burke-Gilman Trail in Ballard. The trail currently serves hundreds of people walking and riding bikes along the corridor every day. The City has worked with the Ballard community on this critical safety investment since 2001 and included a commitment to complete the project as a part of the voter-approved Levy to Move Seattle. Legal challenges paused construction on the Missing Link, while other pieces of the Ballard Multimodal Corridor Project moved forward, including street paving, traffic signal improvements, and new sidewalk construction.

“We have built more than 38 miles of bike facilities in the past four years, making many critical connections, but in many ways completing this glaring mile and a half gap in the Burke-Gilman Trail feels like the most symbolically important connection we have yet to build,” said SDOT Director Sam Zimbabwe. “This project creates a path for people of all ages and abilities in Ballard and connects to a larger network throughout Puget Sound.”

The design refinements adjust the project to meet changing conditions along the corridor, such as eliminating the need to relocate railroad tracks on Shilshole Ave NW and NW 45th St. This updates also makes minor changes to the trail buffer width, reducing the amount of paving needed and cutting the construction time roughly in half to significantly reduce the effects on Ballard businesses, residents, travelers, and visitors. The design preserves essential safety features where the trail crosses driveways and intersections, and the community preferred route of Shilshole Ave NW is maintained. These pragmatic adjustments maintain design standards and simplify some of the steps required to move the project forward and resume construction.

Because the new scope addresses previous concerns, a simpler design and permitting process is anticipated, potentially setting SDOT up to start construction in late 2022 or early 2023. The new timeline anticipates seven months of construction, putting the City on pace to deliver the project as a part of the nine-year Levy to Move Seattle.

Over the past four years, the City has built over 38 miles of bike facilities for people of all ages and abilities. This includes nearly 18 miles of protected bike lanes and 20 miles of neighborhood greenways. More parts of the city are connected by high-quality bike routes than ever before, with even more connections planned in the future. Over the next three years, SDOT is on track to add an additional 19 miles of all ages and abilities facilities to the bike network.

In that time, SDOT has also made significant investments in freight infrastructure, including building the Lander Street Bridge in SoDo and over 15 freight spot improvements around the city, conducting a comprehensive review of alley congestion downtown, partnering with University of Washington Urban Freight Lab to test solutions to improve the final 50 feet of the urban goods delivery system, and several other partnership projects with BNSF and Union Pacific to improve surface crossings of train tracks in other parts of the city.

A more specific timeline and design for the Missing Link will be available in the coming weeks.

Additional Quotes:

Lee Lambert, Cascade Bicycle Club Executive Director:

“It’s past time to complete the Burke Gilman Missing Link, and we support the city’s proposed redesign along Shilshole Ave NW. Completing the Missing Link along the Shilshole route makes sense: It’s the most simple, safe and connected route that has won the overwhelming public support of people walking and biking over the last two decades.

“Since 2008, caring neighbors have shown their devotion to closing the gap in the Missing Link, only to face delays in the form of crippling lawsuits. During that time, countless people have been unnecessarily injured on the Missing Link. This design reflects their desires for a safe, simple and connected trail. Seventy-seven percent of the 4,500 respondents to the City’s planning process said they want to complete the trail along Shilshole Ave. NW. The redesign announced today is a pragmatic solution for completing the Missing Link. We thank city leaders and staff for their perseverance and creativity.

“Completing the Missing Link will be a major milestone that allows people to safely ride 44 miles on connected, separated trails from Golden Gardens to the foothills of the Cascades on the Locks to Lakes Corridor.”

Mark Durall, General Manager of Olympic Athletic Club, Hotel Ballard, and Ballard Inn:

“This is great news! The public and the vast majority of local businesses have supported completing the ‘Missing Link’ of the Burke-Gilman Trail in Ballard for nearly 20 years. The Burke-Gilman Trail is a multiuse trail for people of all abilities to walk, jog, run, bike, etc. It’s not just for cyclists. People don’t just walk and bike for health and recreation; they also walk and bike for transportation. The 20-mile regional trail from Seattle’s Golden Gardens Park to the Sammamish River Trail in Bothell is complete except for a 1.4-mile segment through Ballard. Completing it will improve public access, transportation, and safety. Also, combined with SDOT’s current plan to increase bus transportation on Leary Avenue NW with the Route 40 Transit Plus Multimodal Corridor project, the transportation options for residents, workers, and visitors to and from Ballard will increase significantly, benefiting residents and businesses alike.”

Kevin Carrabine, Friends of the Burke-Gilman Trail:

“Trail supporters, including many of my fellow Ballard residents, are excited about this plan. Creating safe, simple, and connected access for trail users of all ages and abilities to Ballard businesses is a dream come true. The plan, which improves safety for all travel modes, also aligns perfectly with the City’s Vision Zero goals.”

Davidya Kasperzyk, Burke-Gilman Trail Missing Link Design Advisory Committee Member:

“For 20 years I have pursued the development of a balanced and safe connective design for the completion of the regional Burke-Gilman Trail Missing Link, as Design and Planning Principal of the 2001 ‘The Missing Link Study’ for the Friends of the Burke Gilman Trail to my final role as a participant with the Design Advisory Committee (2017 – 2019). Through 3 successive City of Seattle efforts to work with all interests along the corridor, the goals for completing this essential regional project have been the same: safety and predictability for all travelers, maintaining access to commercial and industrial uses, connectivity to the existing bike/pedestrian network, and accessibility and comfort for the greatest diversity of people.

“In my final role as a participant with the Missing Link Design Advisory Committee (2017 – 2019), we used international and local design consultants to refine every design decision with the Seattle Department of Transportation design team to align with the key principles of our design charter.

“It is time to deliver this critical infrastructure to the people of Seattle.”

Scaled back Missing Link plans could put the trail on budget and sidestep lawsuits published first on https://motocrossnationweb.tumblr.com/

Seattle can elect transformational leaders, but only if you vote

King County ballot drop box map.

Seattle voters have the chance to elect transformational leaders, but only if voter turnout increases dramatically before 8 p.m. Tuesday. So tell all your friends.

If you have your vote-by-mail ballot, return it to a King County ballot drop box. You can also mail your ballot, but the post office must postmark it by Tuesday to be valid. If you still need to register, you can register and vote in-person at a voting center such as Lumen Field Event Center. If you have lost your ballot, you can either go to a voting center to vote or you can complete your ballot online, print it out and then return that printed version to a ballot drop box or mail it in. To check the status of your registration or print out a new ballot, use the King County Voter Information site.

The choices this election are clear. We previously compiled the regional and statewide endorsements of Seattle Bike Blog (SBB), Washington Bikes (WB), The Urbanist (U), The Seattle Transit Riders Union (TRU) and Seattle Subway (SUB). Below is the Seattle Cheat Sheet:

Seattle Mayor

M. Lorena González: SBB, WB (dual), U, TRU, SUB

Bruce Harrell: WB (dual)

Seattle City Council Position 8

Teresa Mosqueda: SBB, WB, U, TRU, SUB

Seattle City Council Position 9

Nikkita Oliver: SBB, WB, U, TRU, SUB

Seattle City Attorney

Nicole Thomas-Kennedy: SBB, U, TRU

King County Executive

Dow Constantine: WB, SUB

Joe Nguyen: SBB, U, TRU

Seattle can elect transformational leaders, but only if you vote published first on https://motocrossnationweb.tumblr.com/

How Common is Bike Theft? [STATS]

If you’ve ever had your bike stolen, you’ll know how stressful and upsetting it can be. If you’ve never been a victim of theft – count your blessings!

Bike theft in the UK is rising rapidly – but by how much, and is it really a cause for concern? 

Let’s look at what’s been branded the “bicycle theft pandemic”, and see how us cyclists can keep a closer eye on our rides without keeping them under lock and key forever (just sometimes!). 

How Often Do Bicycles Get Stolen? 

In Britain, it’s an average of one every six minutes. That’s ten an hour, or two hundred and forty a day. 

However, recent statistics show that the number of bicycle thefts in England and Wales actually fell to 77.3 thousand in 2020/2021, down from over 100,000 in 2017/2018. 

There are also several hotspots around the country that see a continuous level of theft, even when the national figures fall. London, for example, is considered the number one hotspot for bike theft. 

Between April and November 2020, the capital saw its highest ever number of reported theft, with a staggering 113,000 bikes stolen during the period. 

This decline in the number of reported thefts is promising, but there’s no denying that bike theft is still a widespread issue. Crime rates may be falling, but the fear amongst cyclists isn’t going anywhere.

Where Are Most Bikes Stolen From? 

According to data from the Office of National Statistics, more than half (54%) of all reported bike thefts were from the home. 

This also includes “semi-private” areas from around the home, including garages or car parks that surround the home, but are not directly connected to the premises. 

In 2019/2020, around 14% of bikes were stolen from “grounds of a public place”, including local shops, supermarkets, gyms, pubs, football clubs, and more. 

Another 5% were stolen from outside the workplace (or the workplace car park), and another 9% were taken straight from the streets. 

The moral of the story? Your home may not be the safe haven you think it is. This is what makes the right protection and security for your bike so important. Bike thieves are brazen and shameless – don’t be fooled into thinking your ride is untouchable just because it’s secured on your property. 

Bicycle Theft Statistics

Now we’ve answered some of the most important questions about bike theft, let’s take a closer look at some of the most shocking statistics from UK sources. 

• London has a ratio of 486 thefts per 100,000 residents
• 71% of victims didn’t report the crime to the police
• In March 2020, the average value of a stolen bike was £348
• 81% of bike theft victims were emotionally impacted by the crime
• In March 2020, most thefts took place while the bike was locked

UK vs USA Bicycle Theft Stats

	UK	USA
Average Value of Stolen Bike	£348	$724
Number of Reported Thefts in the Capital in 2020	21,745	4,477
% Of Thefts Reported to The Police Each Year (average)	19%	20%
% of Stolen Bikes Returned to Owners Each Year	5%	5%

What Type of Bike Is Stolen Most? 

Any unlocked bike is a primary target for thieves. However, since around 2015, big names like Specialized and Carrera have been amongst the top brands stolen in the UK. 

‘Specialized’, one of the biggest names in the industry, is renowned for making high quality, high-value bicycles. Their mountain bikes are a particularly lucrative steal for UK bike thieves. One quick look on the ‘stolen bikes’ page on Bike Register reveals hundreds of stolen Carrera and Specialized bicycles, most of which are e-bikes or mountain bikes.  

E-bikes are growing in popularity, and their high price tags make them a primary target for thieves. In July this year, 15 electric mountain bikes worth more than £30,000 were stolen from the New Forest Cycling Storeroom. This is just one of the many stories of high-value bike theft reported across the country. 

Why Is Bike Theft So Common? 

Bike theft is so common (and so hard to stop) for three main reasons: there’s minimal risk, few defences, and lucrative rewards. 

We already know that just 5% of stolen bikes are returned to their owners. Thieves can be difficult to trace, especially if there’s no CCTV in the area or if the bike isn’t registered on a database. The incentive for police forces to catch these criminals is low, and proof of ownership can be tough to establish.

Ultimately, the risks for thieves are minimal. The rewards, however, can be large-scale. 

Most stolen bikes are sold soon after the theft. Some bikes can make thieves thousands of pounds, especially high-end e-bikes and mountain bikes, which can come with some seriously eye-watering price tags. 

Another factor is the lack of accessible defence technology. Secure, heavy-duty locks can cost a bomb, and the cheaper options can be easily broken with minimal force. GPS trackers are rising in popularity. However, they do nothing to prevent thieves who want to strip bikes for parts. 

What Is The Punishment For Stealing a Bike? 

In the UK, theft of a pedal bicycle is punishable by a maximum penalty of seven years imprisonment and/or an unlimited fine. 

Guidelines from the Sentencing Council state that these penalties and punishments may differ. First, the courts must decide the offence category. This is done by determining the level of culpability, which depends on whether the theft was planned, if physical force was used, and other factors.

Then, the amount of harm caused to the victim (measured through financial loss) will be evaluated. Bikes of substantial monetary worth will carry harsher penalties and vice versa. 

The courts will then determine which fine (if any) is applicable, based on further guidelines from the sentencing code, and community orders may be enforced instead if the offence is considered less severe.

Best Bicycle Theft Deterrents

Now we’ve covered the sobering realities of bike theft, let’s take a closer look at how you can prevent yourself from becoming just another statistic with the best bicycle theft deterrents. 

Secure Lock 

A secure lock is an absolute must for any cyclist. Sold secure diamond rated bike locks are some of the most secure on the market. This certification makes them the highest certified level of bike lock security. They usually come with a metal thickness of between 14 and 18mm, and weigh anything from 3 to 18lbs. 

Oxford Unisex’s Shackle 14 Duo U-Lock, Blue, 320 mm x 177 mm

• High Security Duo U Lock
• Hardened steel 14mm Shackle
• Replacement key service

Check Price

GPS Tracker

Most GPS trackers are so discreet that thieves won’t be able to locate them. Many are hidden inside handlebars, disguised as bike reflectors, or under bike seats. You’ll receive movement alerts and be able to track your bike’s location on a mobile app.

It’s one of the most efficient ways to track your bike, and you’ll be able to send the location directly to the police, so your chances of finding your bike are massively improved. 

Sherlock GPS Anti Theft Bike Tracker including 2 year of data, real time alerts.

Check Price

Bike Placement

One of the best deterrents doesn’t even come with a price tag. You just need to be aware of where you’re locking your bike up. Choose a place where many other bikes are already locked up – busy locations are more likely to have CCTV and witnesses – two of the most valuable theft deterrents. 

Make sure you lock your bike against an immovable object too. You don’t want a thief to take off with the object your bikes attached to if they can’t crack the lock. Cemented bike racks or railings are two of the best options you can go for. 

Finally, make sure you keep your lock off the ground! The closer your lock is to the ground, the more opportunity the thief has to crack it with a hammer and take off with your ride. Locks positioned further up the bike, ideally around the down tube or seat tube, are far less likely to be forced off. 

Alarmed Locks

Alarmed locks are a reliable deterrent for high-value bikes. Many alarmed locks are Bluetooth operated and controlled via an app on your phone, and they can instantly alert you if the lock has been triggered via a push notification. Many also omit some ear-piercing alarm sounds (some reach 100dB!) – what better way to deter thieves? 

Although demand for bike components has soared, most parts are in short supply. As shortages push demand higher, rates of bike theft rise, so it’s more important than ever to get yourself clued up on all the latest tips and tricks to secure your ride. 

From anchors and padlocks to trackers and alarmed locks, make sure you’re doing your bit to protect your bike, your safety, and your peace of mind. 

Oxford AlarmD D Lock – Pro Duo Cable/Alarmed Siren Alarm Loud Sound Bicycle Cycle Bike High Security Secure Steel Shackle Anti Theft Device SBD Deter Deterrent Audible Beep Alert Key Secure Design

• This product has met the high demands of the Police Preferred Specification and has been accredited Secured by Design (SBD)
• SBD is a police initiative which seeks to achieve sustainable reductions in property theft
• By encouraging good design and practice, SBD aims to reduce the demand on police forces and help us all live in a safer society

Check Price

The post How Common is Bike Theft? [STATS] appeared first on Discerning Cyclist.

How Common is Bike Theft? [STATS] published first on https://motocrossnationweb.tumblr.com/

Seattle Neighborhood Greenways: ‘With your help we can triple the Vision Zero budget’

The Seattle City Council is currently considering some significant budget additions to combat the terrible increase in traffic deaths and injuries in 2021. Seattle’s increase is part of a horrible nationwide trend, and the city should be a leader in finding solutions that keep people safe.

“Seattle has committed to Vision Zero, the goal to eliminate road-traffic deaths and serious injuries by 2030,” wrote Seattle Neighborhood Greenways in a blog post. “But we are failing to reach that goal. One big reason why is that the Vision Zero program has been chronically underfunded. Decades of neglect have created a huge backlog of high-speed streets that see crash after crash, and often lack basic safe places to walk, roll, or bike. Right now, with your help we can triple the Vision Zero budget, and invest in safety projects like sidewalks, safety redesigns, crosswalks, and traffic calming where they are needed most.”

You can voice your support for the various budget actions by using their handy online tool to contact Councilmembers. Here is the text of their form letter:

Dear Seattle City Councilmembers,

Thank you for reviewing the mayor’s transportation budget and making improvements to better match our city’s goals around equity, safety, affordability, climate stability, and health. Please support the following budget priorities:

• Vision Zero: Increase funding for our Vision Zero program, which has strong equity and safety prioritizations. I support both the Mayor’s Vehicle Licsensing Fee spend plan proposal, and the idea to increase the Commercial Parking Tax to fund Vision Zero.
• Solidarity Budget: Defund the Seattle Police Department and reinvest in communities.

Specifically, please support proposed amendments for:

1. Safe Places to Walk: Increase funding for sidewalk construction along critical transit corridors and Home Zones for non-arterial neighborhoods, improving safety and access for disabled people, elders, and others.
2. Prioritize South End Investments: Including park space for people on Lake Washington Boulevard and street safety on Martin Luther King Way South.
3. Remove Data Collection from the Police: Ask SDOT to analyze what it would take to collect street safety and crash data in order to move this work away from the Seattle Police Department.
4. Smart Planning: Demand accountability for the “Citywide Integrated Transportation Plan,” which may undercut efforts to make safer streets.

Seattle Neighborhood Greenways: ‘With your help we can triple the Vision Zero budget’ published first on https://motocrossnationweb.tumblr.com/

Does Cycling to Work Get Easier Over Time? [9 Tips for a Comfy Commute]

Perhaps it’s New Year? Perhaps you’ve become utterly disillusioned with the shambles and expense of public transport? Maybe you live in a remote area and want to lower your carbon footprint by driving less? It’s very likely that you may want to get fitter and be kinder to the environment…

Whatever your reason for getting on your bike to commute, it can be disheartening when all your good intentions are crushed by the fact that it’s just not as easy as you thought it would be.

But take heart. Cycling to work doesn’t have to be painful. If you stick with it and follow our helpful tips, then it’s likely you’ll never look back, and your only regret might be not doing it sooner.

Hopefully you’ll soon be joining the increasing number of bike commuters in the UK. You’ll find it an energising experience in the morning and a fantastic way of winding down mentally at the end of the working day. I had a profoundly stressful job for a number of years and the cycle home cleared my head, to the extent where I used to purposefully find longer routes on my return.

It’s never too late, or too early, to start exercising by cycling to work. You’ll be healthier for it, and there are certainly a number of ways for you to make it easier on yourself as you begin.

Does Cycling Get Easier the More You Do it?

Cycling does get easier the more you do it. Whether you’re cycling five days a week or sticking to two or three, you’ll find that as the weeks pass you’re finding the same journey less of a struggle. And as your fitness level increases, so will your confidence.

And the good news is that cycling is a relatively low impact exercise so you can become fitter without risking injuries or strains. 

How Long Does it Take for Your Body to Get Used to Cycling?

Depending on your initial level of fitness and the length (and terrain) of your journey, it could take around two to three months to reach a point where you’re cycling up to five days a week and feeling comfortable.

Of course, you probably won’t be starting with five days a week. If you’re new to cycling, this would be overdoing it. You’ll want to start slow, allowing time for your body to rest and to adjust. This way, you’ll gradually begin to experience results without feeling like your journey to work is a gruesome endurance test.

Why Cycling Gets Easier Over Time

Put simply, cycling gets easier over time because of your body and your mind’s positive response to the exercise that you’re doing. You’re becoming fitter and stronger.

In a nutshell, you’re feeling the benefits. But let’s break this down into specifics:

Improved Fitness

Cycling is an aerobic exercise, and even in the first few weeks you’ll improve your cardiovascular endurance. Regular rides will increase your lung capacity and strengthen your heart muscle, reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease. And with the right diet, you’ll also lose body fat.

Increased Strength

Through resistance, you’ll build muscle, which increases your metabolism and burns more calories even when resting.

Improved Circulation

Cycling stimulates the flow of blood, improving your circulation which in turn helps reduce fatigue.

More Energy

As your health and stamina improve, your energy levels will increase. You’ll also be boosting your immune system.

Improved Mental Health

Becoming healthier and fitter has an enormous impact on mental health. Regular cycling can reduce stress levels, increase confidence and promote a more positive outlook. With all this going on, nothing will be able to stop you!

Better Technique

The more you cycle, the more your skills will develop. You’ll handle the bike better on corners and up and down hills (if hills are part of your commute). You’ll also naturally begin to understand when to pace and when to push yourself.

Route Planning

Speaking of hills, you may want to avoid them altogether if possible, at least in the beginning. You’ll find your ride easier as you find routes that are less demanding.

How to Make Your Bike Commute Easier [9 Tips]

So, you’ve made the decision to start cycling to work. Your journey towards a more sustainable and healthy commute is just beginning. To ensure that it will be as pain-free as possible, we’ve put together nine useful tips to help you:

1. Ease Into it

And by this, I mean try to avoid a gung-ho ‘all or nothing’ attitude. Enthusiasm is great, but if you launch immediately into a punishing five-day-a-week schedule you’ll become exhausted and may feel like giving up. Start with two or three days a week until your body begins to get used to the new activity.

2. Choose Your Route Carefully

To start with, plot the least demanding route. Ideally this would be the shortest route, but it’s worth travelling a little bit further to avoid steep hills. A cruel hill for somebody new to cycling is particularly demoralising.

Did you know… you can find bike lanes on Google Maps? See how here.

3. Listen to Your Body

Even top athletes need rest days. With a new cycling regime it’s likely you will feel more tired and it’s vital that you allow your body time to recover. These rest days are important, especially to begin with, as they give your muscles a chance to repair and grow stronger.

4. Wear the Right Clothes

The good news is, this doesn’t have to be Lycra. Clothes for commuting should be comfortable and breathable. You should also be visible, and there are plenty of good clothing options for cycling in the rain.

5. Use the Best Bike for You

Your commute will undoubtedly be easier if you choose the right bike for your journey. Depending on the distance and the terrain, riding a bike that’s suitable for you and your needs will make a huge difference. If your route is particularly long or unavoidably hilly, you may want to consider an electric bike.

6. Pace Yourself

Quite simply, don’t push it. If you find you’re sweating profusely, struggling to breathe and turning up for work looking like a tomato, the chances are you’re overdoing it. There’s no need. You just need to get to work, preferably in a state where you can function. You don’t have to break any speed records, and there are a number of ways you can prevent or reduce excessive sweating.

7. Eat Well

What we put into our bodies has a direct bearing on our wellbeing and fitness. I’m not suggesting you go raw and have a joyless existence, but it’s worth thinking about good nutrition for exercise. A healthy balance of protein-rich foods and a range of vegetables will help keep your energy levels up.

8. Drink Water

Taking in enough water is important. Even mild dehydration can be debilitating. Make sure you drink water before the ride and keep a bottle with you to top up if necessary.

9. Use Panniers

If you have a lot to carry, it’s easier to lower the load by using pannier bags. Riding with a light backpack is fine, but it’s not great to carry a lot of weight on your back. Make your bike do the work for you instead.

Finally, remember that your decision to cycle to work is a positive one, and one that you can be proud of. Following these tips should not only help you get started, but ensure that you can keep going from strength to strength and transform not only your journey to work, but your whole working day.

Best of luck!

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Physics of The Hour Record

On November the 3^rd 2021 Alex Dowsett will be making another attempt on the hour record. This requires a lot of planning, a bit of physics and some other science. The hour record is not just a case of turning up and seeing how you go. With each attempt there’s a team of scientists, aero-engineers and miscellaneous boffins calculating, number crunching and coding to see how hard a rider must go. Alex has said on his YouTube channel that he needs to do over 340W for the attempt to be successful. This doesn’t sound like much but doing this at almost 1900m above sea level while folded in half on a TT bike is probably quite hard. This piece won’t go into minute detail about the science behind an hour record – quite frankly there’s not time. It will aim to give you an idea of how a physicist (or scientist in general) might approach the problem.

Before we start it’s worth thinking about some rules in physics, which you may have learned in school or even seen here. These are Isaac Newton’s laws of motions –today we focus on the first and second of these laws (there’s three). Newton’s first law of motion states that an object at rest, or moving at a constant velocity, will remain at rest, or a constant velocity, unless acted upon by a force. While pedalling around a velodrome there are obviously many forces at play all changing constantly but this law is a useful approximation to keep in mind. Newton’s second law of motion states that an object will accelerate at a rate proportional to the force applied to this object. This is a useful law to think about in the context of the start – as the hour record requires riders to begin stationary.

One thing a physicist might do is take a complex situation and simplify it. This is to make discovery and discussion of underlying principles simpler. In order to make the process of the hour record as simple as possible we will split the attempt into two phases. The first phase involves Alex getting up to speed. The second phase involves staying at that speed. Newton’s second law deals with acceleration and Newton’s first law deals with staying at speed.

In order to break the record Alex needs to ride at a speed of more than 55.089km per hour for an hour, from a standing start. Accelerating is a balancing act – the faster you’re up to speed then the slower you must ride but accelerating harder is less efficient from a physiological standpoint. This is like the fact that accelerating harder in your car burns more fuel. What we often see is riders discussing a “schedule” when attempting the hour record – they’ll have targets for each lap usually coupled with a coach shouting lap times with them during the effort. Bike computers are not allowed for the hour record.

Here we have a mock-up graph of some different time schedule options, the dotted green line represents the current record, and the two solid lines are different pacing options. This shows there are multiple ways to break the record provided the average of the numbers which create the orange and blue lines is greater than the dotted green line. If we look at the two solid lines, we see the blue line accelerates up to speed quickly and then remains at a lower constant speed whereas the orange line accelerates slowly throughout. In reality, these differences are not as pronounced as seen in this figure, but it shows us there’s many ways to approach the record. Alex has said that he’ll “ride to Victor’s schedule” and try and pick it up at the end.

Once Alex is up to a constant speed we can start thinking about all of the forces acting on him and his bike which are either slowing him down or speeding him up. In reality the picture is more complicated as he’s travelling around a velodrome changing direction almost constantly. For the purpose of our analysis, we will imagine that he’s travelling in a straight line at a constant speed. This allows us to discuss most of the important principles without adding in layers of complexity.

We can write a rough list of the forces and each item in this list can, of course, be separated further – we can always make physics more complicated but the key to thinking about a problem is to keep your system it as simple as possible. The forces are…

• His legs, Alex is peddling (quite hard) so putting force through the pedals
• The air, friction with the air is slowing Alex down
• The floor, friction with the floor is also slowing down Alex
• Friction in the bike, heat generated in the moving parts on the bike is also slowing Alex down                                                                                                                            

We can write this as an equation which we can then use to work some stuff out. We know that the forces moving Alex forward are equal to the forces slowing him down – as his speed is constant.

This equation may look very complicated to you, or very simple, depending on your background. For our purposes the algebra ends there but we will look at each term in the equation. Firstly, we know that the term on the left-hand side of the equals sign, , is equal to the sum of all the turns on the right.  Let’s think about all the terms on the right-hand side one by one…

The first term represents the drag force that Alex spends as much time as possible trying to minimise. He’s spent time in the wind tunnel having custom kit from Vorteq made for him, testing his Factor track bike as well as testing which combination of wheels is fastest. Often you will hear cyclists talking about and this is a number that contributes to how big the drag force is. Alex works hard on lowering this at every wind tunnel session. This is the most important factor in Alex’s case, his drag force will be what slows him down more than anything else. He’s had a custom skin-suit made for this attempt which matches the environment and his body shape to make him as aerodynamic as possible.

We asked Alex about his wind tunnel test, featured in the video above. He said, “The most recent test was confirming the work that’s been done translates into the full package.  I’ve done so much testing now that there’s no surprise gains sadly.  The Factor we know is fast, and it’s so wide that we don’t have to be concerned by wheel/frame interaction. The HJC has consistently been the fastest helmet on me, we tested the Kask Mistral in a large size after learning that it had been performing well on a lot of riders, but it was no faster.  I think we’ve arrived at the hour with the best possible setup, which is encouraging not having to compromise for any material sponsors”.

The second represents the friction forces in the bike which Alex is riding. Friction is generated when two surfaces move against each other, this causes energy to be released in the form of heat. Any energy released as heat is bad news for Alex, it’s energy that could have been used for forward motion. A specialist treated chain and ceramic speed bearings will help Alex to reduce this as much as possible in his hour record attempt.

The third this represents the friction between the tyres and the floor. Alex will have worked hard to test and select the fastest possible tyres on his bike for this record attempt as well as the pressure these tyres are pumped up to. If you want to look at rolling resistance data for your next time trial – check out a great resource here!

Physics is not the only scientific discipline used in the hour record. Broadly speaking the other two are nutrition and psychology. We know Alex has trialled “aggressive nitrate loading” at British Championships showing us that it’s important to do these things before the big day. This had some interesting results and we are sure Alex learned a lot and will nail his race day nutrition. Alex has done an hour record before but going as hard as you possibly can for an hour on a velodrome is obviously a mentally challenging task. It requires immense focus. In a sport with such fine margins, it only takes a few laps of lost focus to drift off schedule or cook yourself.

Alex has a team of scientists around him working on his hour record attempt. Yellow Jersey, while not providing him with any scientists, are proud to be supporting this effort and believe that Alex Dowsett’s hour record attempt will be successful on November 3^rd 2021.

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Can Alex Dowsett retake the hour record?

Alex Dowsett announced earlier this month that he will be attempting the coveted UCI World Hour Record. If successful he will be the second hour record holder of 2021, joining fellow Brit Joss Lowden who recently took a big chunk out of the women’s hour record.

Alex has taken the hour record in the past, holding it in 2016 for 36 days before Sir Bradley Wiggins went and broke it. Since then, there’s been a number of attempts on the men’s hour record with Victor Campanaerts the only successful rider. Victor beat Wiggins’ mark by over 500m, setting the bar at 55.089km.

This new attempt will take place in Aguascalientes, Mexico and is in aid of Little Bleeders – Dowsett’s haemophilia charity, a rare blood clotting disorder he was born with.

Yellow Jersey are very proud to be supporting the record attempt, and over the next week we’ll be sharing Alex’s journey.

When will it be?

Originally scheduled for 2020 but cancelled as Alex caught Covid, this attempt will take place on 3 November. It will be streamed live on the BBC and there will be a pre attempt introductory show on Alex’s YouTube channel.

Originally, the attempt was planned for Manchester but the velodrome there is having its roof replaced so Alex will have to rely on the Mexican spirit rather than a home crowd. Instead the track chosen was in Mexico. This is because this velodrome is at altitude meaning the air is thinner providing less drag force on the bike.

What is the hour record?

The hour record is a very simple event – the aim is to ride a bike as far around a velodrome as possible in one hour. In typical cycling fashion, there was lots of bickering for several years about the hour record and in typical UCI fashion to settle the argument they made up some rules. The first recognised hour record was set by a man named Henri Desgrange – who was also the organiser of the first Tour de France. He set the bar at 35.325km in 1893. Since then, there’s been a deluge of cycling hall of famers attempting the hour record – from Fausto Coppi dodging allied bombs in Milan all the way to Merckx in 1972.

In the 1990s cycling saw a number of innovations. This was spearheaded by Graeme Obree’s washing machine which lead to the UCI making up some more rules making Eddy Merckx the hour record holder again – for some reason. This split the hour record into two, the UCI Hour Record and Best Human Effort. Chris Boardman broke Merckx’s record by 10 metres in 2000 following the new rules. In 2014 there were some more confusing new rules which lead to more changes in who was the official hour record holder but these seem to have remained since. 19 attempts have been made on the hour record since 2014.

How does one prepare for this?

In recent years Aguascalientes has become the fashionable location for hour record attempts due to it being, in Dowsett’s words, “the fastest track in the world”. The velodrome is at 1887m of altitude and was used for the most recent successful attempt on the men’s record by Campanaerts in April 2019.

Dowsett is a professional cyclist and rides for World Tour outfit Israel Start-up Nation alongside titans of cycling Chris Froome and recently retired Andre Greipel. He is a world class rider in his own right with two grand tour stage victories to his name.

Alex recently did a block of racing which included the Tour of Britain and The British Time Trial Championships. Cyclists often race their way into fitness and Alex is using the strength built from this race block and acclimatising at altitude at his house in Andorra to be in the best possible shape for his attempt. He spends lots of time doing intervals on the time trial bike and does long aerobic rides on his road bike. More information on the training regime used by Alex for this attempt can be seen on his YouTube channel including the nutritional preparation for the race.

Aerodynamic Preparations

Dowsett will be in a custom skinsuit made by British brand Vorteq. He’s been seen in the custom overshoes this year too. The custom skinsuit and overshoes combo will set you back a couple of thousand. The skinsuit is “custom to Alex and the aero environment in the velodrome” and they “use a 3D scan then drape a skinsuit on him” according to Vorteq aero expert, Ellis Pullinger. There’s more about the aerodynamic set up that Alex is using in our physics of the hour record blog post.

We asked Alex about some of the custom kit he will be using. He said, “The skinsuit and overshoes are the only bespoke items, they are optimised for the air density, speed and to fit me.  If the suit were to be used for a sea level attempt it wouldn’t be so effective, or even if for example Ashton Lambie had used an Ashton sized version of my suit for his IP world record in Aguascalientes with the 6kph speed difference it would require a different suit. The bike is a standard size, albeit a track version of the TT bike. The handlebars are Aerocoach Ascalon’s which aren’t custom.  The downside I feel with some custom stuff is once it’s made that’s it, if it’s wrong then you have to live with it and you can’t achieve perfect symmetry. which on a handlebar I like.  It’s a bit like being fitted for custom insoles, when you stand on the necessary device to make the insoles; firstly you’re standing, which is different to riding, and secondly the minute someone tells you to stand normally, that’s the moment you forget how to stand”.

Little Bleeders

Alex is doing this attempt in aid of Little Bleeders, a charity Dowsett created in 2016 which aims to, “introduce safe sport and activity to young haemophiliacs with a mission to support and empower families to make good choices that promote physical activity and overall well-being. As a rare disease, there are approximately 3,000 young people in the UK living with haemophilia. Many young people face barriers to participate in sports and physical activity, but Alex’s career in cycling illustrates that haemophilia need not be a life-limiting condition”. Alex explains a little more about his haemophilia here.

Kate Burt, chief executive of The Haemophilia Society said, “We are proud to be partnering with Little Bleeders in this exciting and challenging record attempt which will showcase the quality of life you can enjoy with haemophilia and inspire our community. The society and the community we support wish Alex the best of luck.”.

Yellow Jersey are proud to be supporting Alex’s hour record attempt and look forward to following his journey over the next week.

Our Ultimate Bicycle Insurance covers all forms of cycling racing, including track racing worldwide.

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Do Bicycles Need Lights at Night [Law Explained]

Discerning cyclists are known for their judgement. They dress stylishly on the bicycle. They do their bit for the environment by commuting. If the wind and traffic are with them they might save some time and money. Although this might not be their highest priority.

This breed appreciates the benefits cycling offers their mental and physical health. In the hope and expectation of prolonging their lives as far as nature allows, they will no doubt seek to use light to illuminate their rides at night. It will help them to see and there are obviously advantages for the discerning cyclist in being seen.

Is it Compulsory to Have Lights on a Bike?

By law, working lights are required on bicycles using public roads in the United Kingdom between the time the sun sets in the evening and rises the next day. In the USA the law operates on a sliding scale but the majority of states require working lights over the same period of time.

If it were compulsory we would expect lights to be fixed to new bicycles as standard and subject to the same regulations and codes as motorised vehicles. In the UK there are a few similarities in the requirements for each mode of transport.

It is not compulsory therefore to have lights on the bicycle outside of those dark hours. There are a few reasons to consider the good habits of using lights even when it isn’t compulsory. We’ll look at how, when and why you should consider making yourself more visible. There are accessories and clothing which can help with this.

What Does the Law Say?

If only everything were black and white. Or red and white as most owners of bicycle lights might like to think. As well as lights, the law in the UK references riding with reflectors as being compulsory at night. The law in the UK is identified in the Road Vehicles Lighting Regulations 1989 (RVLR).

Whilst not quite consigning reflectors to the garage floor with the same haste as many of us do as we’re unfurling our latest bicycle, we’ll let the lights capture our attention and focus.

In the USA each state has its own law but these tend to be mirrored across many of them. Some are more punitive than others, however. Most states require that a bicycle carries a bright white headlight when riding in the dark but taillights are not required by law in most states. If you do use one, it must be red to comply with the law.

There are laws requiring the lights to be within a certain range of measurements from the ground and positioning. Did you know that in the UK the front light must be at the centre of the handlebars or slightly off to its right? There are also safety standards regulations to be considered, which manufacturers will usually take care of. 

In the UK, it would be considered seriously bad luck if you were stopped by a police officer between sunset and sunrise with only a working front and rear light attached to your bicycle. Reflectors are supposed to be attached to pedals and facing front and rear. You will be required to have working lights during required hours on cycle lanes. 

Punishment for Not Having Lights on Bike

In the UK, there is a fixed penalty of £50 applied for not having lights on your bicycle. In the USA, fines rise up to a couple of hundred dollars.

We should really pause for thought and consider the dent in your street cred as an adult being stopped and asked to dismount your bicycle by an adult wearing a uniform. Then also think carefully about how difficult it will be for you to be seen by other road users and pedestrians. It’s just not worth the embarrassment and humiliation. You should do the right thing and get some lights.

If you are a party to an accident on a public road whilst in control of a bicycle being ridden without lights you could be challenged in court to partial guilt by dint of contributory negligence. Your conduct at the time of the accident could be considered unreasonable. As a result, any awards made by the court could be recalibrated against you.

When Do Bikes Need Lights?

Lights and reflectors are required on a pedal cycle only between sunset and sunrise. You should only be guided by the sun. As soon as the sun goes behind the horizon, lights are required to be turned on. You will be required to ride with them switched on until the sun rises.

It is not against the law in the UK to have no working lights and reflectors when a bicycle is stationary or being pushed along the left hand edge of a roadside.

Although the quality of light before sunset is not a legal consideration, you would be advised to show consideration for other road users and make yourself visible by at least attaching a working rear light.

Dynamos, whether they be the traditional bottle design which works by friction being applied via one of the wheels or via a hub are still accepted. Most cyclists have moved onto USB rechargeable portable lights. These are very convenient for recharging at work or home so you have a good amount of power whenever required. A couple of hours charge is usually enough for 45 minutes of standard illumination.

Where to Position Bike Lights

Although you are unlikely to be halted along your commute if you have at least a front and rear light, there is a code which applies to the positioning of lights.

The RVLR is clear that the only lights which fall for consideration under the law are to be positioned on the bicycle. Helmet lights and those which attach to clothing and bags are all useful but are not seen as a substitute for the legal requirement.

The front light must emit a white beam and be located centrally or on the right hand side of the bicycle not more than 150 cm / 59 inches from the ground.

The rear lamp must shine red and must follow the same positioning as the front. It must be between 35 cm / 13.8 inches and 150cm / 59 inches from the ground.

How Bright Should Bike Lights Be?

The output of a light is measured in lumens. Our eyes interpret white and red light differently and the suggested number of lumens will measure up differently. A smartphone backlight is about 20 lumens.

In a well lit urban area, 50 Lumens on the front and 100+ Lumens on the rear is a safe recommendation. You should take into account possible detours, recharge times, weekend rides across dimmer landscapes when considering the brightness you want from your lights.

If you commute on unlit roads and country lanes and rely on your front light for guidance and visibility, you should consider going up to 800 Lumens on the front. These are heavier, longer units and may take longer to recharge.

Read More:

• Best LED Headlights for Cycling
• Best Rear Bike Lights
• Best Rechargeable USB Bike Lights for Commuting

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How to Dry Your Bike After Rain [Quick + Easy Guide]

Drying your bicycle before you dry yourself or your clothes might not be seen as a high priority. Unless you’re wearing a sou’wester, or you can slink between the raindrops, you will want to dry yourself first before thinking about your ride.

It definitely makes sense to make sure you are dry and warm but please don’t neglect your machine. Paying attention to ensuring your bicycle is dry is a good way to reduce maintenance and longer term bills and replacing parts over time. You also want to make sure it’s available to ride without seizing up the next time you hop on.

Can Rain Damage Your Bike?

Think about the condition of your car or even your clothes after being caught in the rain. They attract dirt, oil or road-spray even though they might look clean on the surface. The moving parts of your bicycle and its gearing and brakes will be damaged by rain if not handled carefully.

If you commute in the rain, small particles of salt, grit and dust from the road gather together on the floor. They then attach themselves to your bicycle after they hit it.

If you ride in the countryside, you risk collecting mud and the run-off from fields and meadows. Or other such agricultural detritus. If you ride a mountain bike, fat bike or gravel bike off road, multiply this muck again and again if it’s raining.

This dust, grit, or sludge will remain attached to your frame and moving parts. Especially parts that have a sticky layer of lubrication already acting like flypaper.

Your chain, brake pads, rims and frame will all hold this dirt if you simply rely on air-drying your ride. If you have steel components on your bicycle, the attraction of the water may also cause low-level rusting. If you leave it too long, you may not be able to remove the rust. And even if you can scrub rust away, you will have affected the performance.

Some parts of your bicycle are deliberately sealed. Parts that rely on lubrication to ensure the smooth running of the machine. Parts which usually turn at between 75 to 110 times per minute.

Riding with mudguards / fenders helps if the roads are wet from rain by channeling it away from most of the moving parts of the bicycle but they cannot protect your chain.

The best type of bicycle that your author can think of for rain-proofing is the Dutch-style which offers mudguards / fenders and a chain guard to help keep the showers away.

Do You Need to Dry Your Bike?

You should be fine after a light shower which darkens the surface of the road and you avoid any puddles that build up. A quick wipe with a towel when you return to base is recommended. Cleaning may or may not be necessary. 

Anything like a shower or heavier suggests taking moisture off the rims, brakes and chain at the very least. 

If you benefit from a warm enough sun to allow your bicycle to air-dry in less than ten minutes, this would be fine. Don’t just leave your bicycle without checking whether it needs lubrication or not.

If you have a computer or lights that are wet following a ride, then these should be wiped down. Carbon-fibre is resistant to rust but steel is not.

Electric bikes are manufactured in order that they pass safety standards which ensure neither you, pedestrians or other road users are unaffected if your ride is rained on.

Liquids which find their way into the smallest of nooks can be flushed out with repellants. 

Best Ways to Dry a Bike

Go grab a leaf-blower. Or move to Death Valley. Or the Australian outback. Can’t do that? Let’s look at some tips instead.

Tip 1 – Make it a Routine

Train yourself to have a routine after each ride. Especially after a wet one in winter. If you can, wash and / or dry your bicycle as soon as you step off it. If it’s safe and you can get out of any lingering rain, you should dry it straight away. If you don’t, it probably won’t dry on its own quickly enough. If the rain persists, it may be a while before you think of going back to it.

Tip 2 – Designated Towels

Don’t mix your towels. Keep one for cleaning your chain. Only use it for that purpose. Keep a soft lint-free towel for your frame and rims. Keep one for your brake pads or disc brakes. If you mix them up you may cause damage to other parts of the bicycle or rub grease in and attract more dirt and grit. Buy a small thin-bristled paint brush for drying hard to reach areas. They will hold water longer if you don’t.

Tip 3 – Dry Chains = Happy Rides

Keep your chain dry. We’ve mentioned before at Discerning Cyclist how a clean chain will give the most efficient ride but penalise you financially if it is in poor running order. A bad chain will affect your crankset and cassette, and you’ll hear it gristling away each time you ride until you buy a replacement.

Tip 4 – Bounce Your Bike!

Bounce your bicycle after drying with a towel or lean it at an angle to help with water displacement. Touch a spot of lubricant where cables enter or exit the frame. Don’t apply lubricant, or grease to your headset, or pedals, or bottom bracket if they are making a noise. This won’t be the cure. And it will leave a film to attract dirt and grit.  

Tip 5 – Alcohol is Great

Give your disc rotors or brake pads one pass with some rubbing alcohol. It’s not greasy and will evaporate after getting rid of any oils or lubricant level over from your ride or cleaning procedure.

How to Protect Bike from Rain

Plan ahead and think about your storage environment. Does your place of work have covered storage? Will you be able to take your bicycle inside if not? 

Be careful of rain getting into your frame if you need to take your saddle and seatpost off when you lock up your bicycle. Rain that seeps into the seat tube could run into the bottom bracket and cause a seizure or contamination of the grease inside the bearings.

Invest in some polish which can be sprayed on once every half dozen rides or so, depending on use. It will make your upcoming drying routines easier as it will repel water, salt and grit..

Invest in a bike cover. They usually retail for less than £30 / $41 for the best ones that come with ventilation and ties to stop any ‘sail effect’.  They are portable as and when you need them.

Be careful of storage in an unventilated, damp facility. Small sheds are the worst. The damp inside will make it hard for your bicycle to dry quickly and it will retain moisture.

Your author was once told that his road bike with electric gears second-tier groupset should not be ridden between November and March by one of the manufacturer’s approved retailers. That’s a sure-fire way to protect it from rain.

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Alert 10/22-25: 520 Bridge closed, Montlake Blvd and the trail to the Arboretum will remain open

Beginning at 9 p.m. tonight (Friday), crews are scheduled to close the 520 Bridge, including the trail across Lake Washington. Montlake Boulevard and the underpass trail to the Arboretum will remain open.

More details from WSDOT:

Heads up, travelers: Crews will work around the clock this weekend to remove the old Montlake Boulevard overpass and support structures. This removal over SR 520 will make room to build a new crossing and highway interchange. Crews will begin closing roads and ramps on Friday night, Oct. 22 and reopen by 5 a.m. Monday, Oct. 25.

Please note, we originally planned to close Montlake Boulevard and the Montlake Bridge, but those roads will remain open this weekend. Check the Construction Corner as we fine tune the details for the moving parts of this weekend!

Between Friday night and Monday morning at 5 a.m., the following ramps and roads will be closed:

• Beginning at 8 p.m. on Friday:
  • The on-ramp from Montlake Boulevard to eastbound SR 520
• Beginning at 9 p.m. on Friday:
  • All lanes of eastbound and westbound SR 520 between I-5 in Seattle and 92nd Avenue Northeast in Clyde Hill
  • All SR 520 on- and off-ramps to and from Montlake Boulevard and Lake Washington Boulevard
  • The SR 520 Trail for bicyclists and pedestrians across Lake Washington
    • Note: The trail under SR 520 to the Arboretum will be open

Pedestrian and bike routes

Pedestrians and bikes will be able to travel north and south on Montlake Boulevard and across the Montlake Bridge. For safety, please follow the marked path on Montlake Boulevard. The SR 520 Trail across Lake Washington will be closed, but the pedestrian and bike path under SR 520 to the Arboretum will be open.

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