11/09/2008: ""

ig_BikeRiders-1 (63k image)

The San Juan Island Trails, Bike Trails Sub-committee held a fun group bike ride event on Saturday November 1st. Turnout for this event was impressive with almost 30 enthusiastic riders ranging in age from 4 years old to over 70 years old.

Saturday’s riders were a well rounded group whose goals include improving local non-motorized transportation and commuting options, bike safety improvements such as education, signage and multi-use trails, increasing awareness (of sharing roadways with cyclists) among local motorists, creating mountain bike trails, and just having a good time.

Group rides are an opportunity for locals interested in bicycling to unite and create visibility, raise awareness and attention as well as network and recruit new members to join our cause.
We are excited about increasing ridership and building momentum through future activities which will occur approximately once a month.

The next Bike Trails sub-committee meeting will be on November 17th at 5 pm at Whidbey Island Bank community meeting room. At this meeting we expect to refine our goals and priorities, create a more formalized organizational structure and discuss potential trail options, and set dates for future group rides. This meeting is open to the public and everyone is encouraged to write down and share the highest priority specific bicycle improvement they would like to see happen. If you are interested but, can't make the meeting please email: sjitrails@rockisland.com.

Here are some rules from the League of American Bicyclists for riding safely on the road:

The League’s Rules of the Road.
Follow the law -your safety and the image of bicyclists depend on
it. You have the same rights and responsibilities as drivers. Stop at
red lights and stop signs. Ride with traffic and use the rightmost
lane that heads in the direction you are going.

Be predictable - make sure drivers and other cyclists know what you
are doing. Ride in a straight line and don’t swerve between parked
cars. Signal your turns, and check behind you before turning or
changing lanes.

Be visible - ride where drivers can see you. Use a front white light
and red rear light and reflectors when it is dark or dusk; wear
visible clothing at all times. Make eye contact with drivers. Don’t
ride on the sidewalk.

Think ahead - anticipate what drivers, pedestrians, and other cyclists
are going to do next. Watch for turning vehicles and for opening car
doors; ride outside the door zone. Look out for debris, potholes, and
utility covers in the road.

Ride Ready - Check you have air in your tires, your brakes are working,
and your chain runs smoothly. Carry repair and emergency supplies
appropriate to the length of your ride. Wear a helmet.

And to all the motorists on the island we thank you for sharing the road! Let’s make
San Juan Island safe for all--motorists, cyclists and pedestrians.