Cyclists,

Let's make the New Year SAFER than the last one. How about these New
Year's
resolutions?

1) New batteries for all of your bike lights.

2) Ride lots in 2009!

VISIBILITY is the KEY

A NASA contractor, who works on the Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville,
remarked
that people riding their bikes may have on colorful tops to aid
visibility,
but they carry dark backpacks that defeat the purpose and make it
difficult
to see the people on bikes. Especially riders on Martin Road during
peak
times have backpacks that make them blend into the pavement, creating
a
dangerous situation. Karen's observation has resulted in a center-wide
safety notice:

"Safety Message to Bicycle Riders - Marshall's Protective Services
Office
has been informed that some bicycle riders are riding with backpacks
on,
obscuring the reflective garments that are worn for safety. As a
result,
drivers are not immediately identifying the bicyclist on or near the
traffic
lanes. Bicyclists are asked to use caution and transport large items
in
saddlebags or make sure backpacks have reflective material on them."
12/01/2008

Bikes are small compared to other vehicles on our roads. The number
one
excuse by drivers who hit cyclists is "I didn't see the bike" or "I
didn't
see the bike soon enough to avoid the crash". Most of us wear
black/dark
pants or leg garments. Many of us ride bent over on our bikes.
Wearing a
bright reflective vest, shirt or jacket is not enough. It's up to
every
cyclist to fend for himself out there. No one wants to become a
statistic.
If you are riding with a backpack, WEAR A BRIGHT/REFLECTIVE VEST OVER
YOUR
BACKPACK. If the vest won't fit over your backpack, GET ONE THAT
WILL! Or
rig bright/reflective gear on the rear of your backpack. Or get a
<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pannier> pannier for your bike.

*** Looking a little dorky is much preferred over "I didn't see the
bike
soon enough to avoid the crash".

This is what you need:

<http://www.rei.com/category/4500003_Cycle+Clothing/q/Cycling+Vests>
http://www.rei.com/category/4500003_Cycle+Clothing/q/Cycling+Vests


<http://www.night-gear.com/-strse-Illuminating-Gear-cln-By-Activity-
cln-Cycl
ing/searchpath/170959/start/21/total/34/Categories.bok>
http://www.night-gear.com/-strse-Illuminating-Gear-cln-By-Activity-
cln-Cycli
ng/searchpath/170959/start/21/total/34/Categories.bok

<http://www.performancebike.com/shop/sub_cat.cfm?subcategory_id=1342>
http://www.performancebike.com/shop/sub_cat.cfm?subcategory_id=1342

The Nathan vests are mesh, reflective and have elastic sides so
expand over
backpacks. Some bike shops carry these, too.

Also, red rear blinking lights come in many sizes and strengths.
Don't
skimp on your safety. I wouldn't ride without my blinding
<http://www.dinottelighting.com/> DiNotte lights (or 2 or 3 other
rear red
flashing lights) in the afternoon or evening. If you ride at dusk or
at
night, why not use two or three red blinky lights? Riding DURING THE
DAY
with rear red flashing lights is now the trendy and safest thing to
do!
Planet Bike lights are pretty bright for the price. They can be
purchased
at most bike shops.

A Headlight is also required for riding at dusk and at night, just
like
cars, when most of us are riding home right now.

And finally, there are all kinds of reflective gear for yourself and
your
bike that will MAKE YOU SAFER. Don't ride under the radar. Out of
sight IS
out of mind.and out of sight for the drivers!
***Check out the cool tires in the attached email!

THIS STUFF COULD SAVE YOUR LIFE!!

Have a Happy and SAFE New Year! (And I'll SEE You riding lots in
2009!)

Jamie Miernik

Alabama Bicycle Coalition

Huntsville Bike Advisory & Safety Committee

Huntsville, AL

256.520-2055