Wisconsin Aluminum Foundry Bike Sense User Manual
Bike
Sense
THE WISCONSIN BICYCLE OPERATOR’S MANUAL
A GUIDE TO THE RULES OF THE ROAD, BICYCLE HANDLING,
TRAFFIC SKILLS AND THE ENJOYMENT OF BICYCLING LIFE
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BIKE SENSE—THE WISCONSIN BICYCLE OPERATOR’S MANUAL
This booklet is published by
Bicycle Federation of Wisconsin
106 E. Doty St., Ste 400
P.O. Box 1224
Madison WI, 53701-1224
608-251-4456
info@bfw.org
www.bfw.org
ALWAYS
Wear a properly fitted helmet
Do a safety check on your bike before riding
Obey all traffic laws
Be visible
Be predictable
Be alert
This manual condenses and paraphrases language in the Wisconsin State Statutes. It also provides safe-
ty advice not included in the law. This manual is not a proper legal authority to cite and should not be
relied upon in a court of law. In the event of a difference between material included in Bike Sense and
the Wisconsin State Statutue, the state law shall apply.
Bicycle Federation of Wisconsin is not responsible for and accepts no liability or responsibility of any
kind for the information provided herein.
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Why bicycle? 5
Equipment 6
Visibility 13
Bicycling & traffic skills 15
Who can you contact? 27
Public Transit 29
Crashes 30
Avoiding Crashes 32
Wisconsin Bicycle Laws 33
Bicycle security 35
Trail Ettiquette 37
Two-Minute Bike Check 38
Bicycling Resources & Advocacy 39
Contents
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BIKE SENSE—THE WISCONSIN BICYCLE OPERATOR’S MANUAL
Wisconsin State Statues state
that bicyclists have the same
rights and responsibilities
as drivers of other vehicles.
To do this, bicyclists must understand how to operate their bicycles as
vehicles and how they fit into the flow of traffic. Bike Sense provides
information on traffic laws and riding strategies to help bicyclists
understand their rights, responsibilities and how best to protect their
own safety in traffic.
By following the rules of the road and bicycling in a predictable manner, bicyclists will find more courtesy and respect on the road. For
further information on the rules of the road you should consult the
Wisconsin Vehicle Code or the Wisconsin Motorists Handbook available from the Division of Motor Vehicles and on the Department of
Transportation website.
All bicyclists should consider taking a course taught by a certified
bicycling instructor. Contact Bicycle Federation of Wisconsin for a list
of courses in your area or to arrange for new classes.
Forward
Bicycling for transportation, recreation and fitness has seen enormous growth in recent years. People everywhere are rediscovering
the joys of bicycling; how much fun it is, how practical it is, and how
good it is for their health and well-being. However, with the increase
in bicycling there has also been an increase in conflicts with other
road users. Many of these conflicts stem from confusion about how
bicyclists are to behave in traffic.
The Wisconsin Vehicle Code says that bicyclists have the same rights
and duties as drivers of motor vehicles. Certified bicycling instructors
teach their students that ‘bicyclists fare best when they act and are
treated as drivers of vehicles.’
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Bicycling is fun. Bicycling is healthy.
Bicycling is low impact exercise.
Bicycling is practical and cost effective.
Bicycling is good for the environment.
Bike Sense is designed to make your bicycling safe and enjoyable.
Enjoy the ride!
energy levels. Bicycling can improve personal health, and a healthier population will ease pressure on health care costs.
Bicycling is low impact exercise. It is easy on your joints because it is a
non weight-bearing form of exercise. It can be done at any level of intensity, which makes it suitable for people of all ages and levels of fitness.
Bicycling is practical and cost effective. It is often just as fast as a car
or a bus in city traffic, and bicycling makes it easy to avoid traffic jams.
There are no gas tanks to fill, and parking is usually free and available
next to your destination. Once you have the basic equipment, bicycling
is an extremely economical form of transportation.
Bicycling is good for the environment. Bicycling produces no air pollution, greenhouse gases or noise. It also reduces traffic congestion,
deterioration of road surfaces, and land requirements for roads and
parking lots.
Bicycling is fun. People bicycle for many reasons. Riding your bicycle
allows you to feel active and energetic, to improve your fitness, and to enjoy
the surroundings of the natural environment. Bicycling provides the independence of using only your own power, free from the constraints of
motor vehicles. Wisconsin has an extensive system of both on- and off-road
facilities for all abilities. Paved rural roads, multi-use trails, paved shoulders
on county and state trunk highways, bike lanes in urban areas, and signed
bike routes all make bicycling for transportation as well as recreation easier.
Bicycling is healthy. Incorporating exercise into your lifestyle brings
many health benefits. It can strengthen your immune system, lower
blood cholesterol, reduce stress, strengthen your heart, and increase
Why Bicycle?
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BIKE SENSE—THE WISCONSIN BICYCLE OPERATOR’S MANUAL
To ride your bicycle safely and efficiently
it is important to have all equipment operating
smoothly and properly.
Your Bike
What to consider when buying a bike:
What type of bike to buy depends on a number of factors. The best
advice is, “Talk to your local bike shop staff.” They will help you pick
out a bike that suits your riding style, budget, and bicycling goals.
Just as there is no perfect pair of shoes or coat for every circumstance, bikes have advantages and disadvantages for different types of
riding.
Here are some questions to consider:
Where will I ride? Paved streets and road? Unpaved, but smooth
trails? Grass? Rough trails?
On what kind of terrain will I be riding? How hilly is it? If you plan
to ride mostly flat areas, then gearing will be less critical. If you want
to be able to ride in hilly areas, you will need a wide range of gears.
Equipment
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The right size bike
and proper adjustments
are important for
both adults and children
The right size bicycle is easier to control and more comfortable, causing less fatigue. Your local bike shop can help you choose, adjust and
equip the right bicycle for your needs.
Does Your Bike Fit?
Your bike’s most important safety feature is you: If you’re not comfortable, you’re more likely to ride poorly. Getting exactly the right fit
depends on many things including your height, weight, and riding
style. You should contact your neighborhood bicycle store to help you
find the right fit. Consider these points:
Frame Size: If your bike’s frame is too tall, too short, or too long, it
will be very hard to adjust other things to make you comfortable. You
might need a different bike.
To Check the Height: If your bike has a men’s frame (with a tube
across the top), stand with the bike between your legs, just in front of
the seat. Measure the space between the top tube and your crotch. For
Will I be carrying things? Commuters and bicyclists carrying gear
while traveling should buy a bike that can accommodate a rack and
added weight.
How devoted a cyclist do I want to be? Is this bike going to be used
every day, or only a few times a year? How important is quality, durability and speed?
Is riding position important? Consider back, shoulder, neck or knee
problems when deciding riding position.
How far do I want to ride? Almost any bike is appropriate for short
weekend rides, but consider a better, lighter bike if you plan to go on
long rides or a tour.
Size and fit
Make sure your bike is the right size and adjusted to fit you properly.
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Bicycle brakes work less efficiently when they are wet.
Aluminum rims have much better
braking performance than steel rims.
road or street riding, a one-inch to three-inch space is safest. If your
bike has no top tube or a slanted top tube, ask your bicycle store’s
staff to size you.
Frame Length: If, when you ride, you feel overly stretched or have
pain in your neck, shoulders, or back, your frame might be too long.
Try moving the seat and handlebars closer together. Also, some people, including many women, have torsos shorter than what most
bikes are made for. If you’re one of them, look into a shorter handlebar stem extension, a taller stem, different handlebars, or a custom
bike made for people with smaller torsos.
Seat Height: A seat that’s too low will strain your knees and achilles
tendons, while a seat that’s too high will make it hard for you to
pedal and to put your foot onto the ground. Here are some ways to
get the right seat height for most riding:
Rear derailleur
Cassette, cogs
Seat post
Seat/saddle
Bottom bracket
Chain ring
Seat tube
Chain
Front derailleur
Cranks/crank arms
Pedals
Top tube
Handlebar stem
Shifters
Brake Levers
Handlebars
Head tube
Brakes
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Regular maintenance and inspection
are important for bicycle safety.
seat forward or backward. You can also change to a shorter or longer
handlebar stem. Don’t raise your handlebars so high that less than two
inches of your handlebar stem extends into the frame. If you have to
raise your handlebars higher than the safe limit, get a taller stem.
Rotate your handlebars so that they put even pressure across the palms
of your hands without bending your wrists in a strange way.
Brakes
Your brakes must be powerful enough so you can easily
bring your bike to a quick stop. You should be able to
quickly and easily reach the brake levers from where you
normally position your hands. Replace your brake pads
before they wear close to the metal holders. Since the
pads wear down, you may have to adjust them
regularly. For small adjustments you can use
the threaded adjustment screws on the
brakes or brake levers.
Sit on your bike and push one pedal all the way down. With the heel
of your foot on the pedal, your knee should be slightly bent and your
leg almost straight. If your hips rock from side to side when you
pedal, your seat’s too high. Don’t raise your seat so high that less
than two inches of your seat post extends into the frame .
Handlebars: After you’ve set your seat height, set your handlebars so
you feel comfortable. Some things to guide you:
Start by raising or lowering your handlebars so they block your view
of the front axle when you’re sitting on your bike with your hands on
the handlebars. In this position, your elbows should be slightly bent
(not locked).
Lower-back pain often means the handlebars are too far away, while
upper-arm or shoulder fatigue often means the handlebars are too
close to you. Try raising or lowering the handlebars, or moving your
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After dark, bicyclists are required to have a front headlight
visible for 500 feet and a rear reflector
visible between 50–500 feet
requirements. This is discussed further in the chapter on visibility.
Tires
Narrow tires inflated to higher pressure provide less rolling resistance, and therefore easier pedaling on hard surfaces. Fat tires provide more comfort and better traction, especially if riding off-road
or in snow. Ask your bike shop what type of tire would be best suited to your riding needs. Keep tires inflated to their recommended
pressure, which is marked on the sidewall of the tire. Under-inflated tires reduce your efficiency and increase your chances of flat
tires. For off-road use or in snow, tire pressure can be reduced to
absorb greater impact and provide better traction.
Fenders
Fenders keep you dry and clean. They also prevent lights, reflectors,
and your bike, from getting dirty in wet weather.
All traditional bicycle brakes work less effectively when they are wet.
Aluminum rims have much better braking performance than steel
rims in wet conditions. It is dangerous to have only one brake in
working order. Make sure both front and rear brakes work properly
and have regular maintenance performed by a bicycle mechanic.
Lights and reflectors
After dark, all bicyclists are required by Wisconsin State law to have a
front white headlight visible to others from a minimum of 500 feet,
and a rear red reflector visible to others from 50-500 feet when
directly illuminated by a car headlight. A red rear flashing light may
be used in addition to a reflector and will make the rider more visible. Lights and reflective devices come in a wide range of shapes,
sizes, colors, and costs and can be mounted directly on the bicycle or
clipped to the rider or accessories. Check with your local bike shop
for advice on the most appropriate set up for your needs and to
ensure that the lights you intend to purchase meet or exceed these
BIKE SENSE—THE WISCONSIN BICYCLE OPERATOR’S MANUAL
Look for the recomended tire inflation on the
sidewall of the tire.
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Proper tire inflation and chain lubrication
will improve your comfort and performance
Bell
A bell or horn is useful as a warning and as a courtesy to alert pedestrians and trail users of your approach. Remember that a bell or horn
will probably not be heard by motor vehicle operators.
Regular maintenance and inspection
Perform maintenance and safety checks yourself, or take your bicycle
to a qualified bicycle mechanic regularly. (See the 2 Minute Bike
Check in the appendix.) It is particularly important to frequently
check the brakes and tires, and to clean, inspect, and lubricate the drivetrain (the gears, chain, and derailleur). By doing this you will
ensure the efficient performance of the bicycle, ensure that your bicycle will perform properly in an emergency situation and minimize the
risk of a mechanical breakdown far from home or assistance.
Each time you ride you should do this minimum ABC Quick Check:
A = Air. Be sure your tires are inflated to the recommended pressure
on the sidewall
Panniers (saddle bags)
Panniers allow you to comfortably and safely carry a load while keeping your hands on the handlebars and, by keeping your center of
gravity low, they increase stability. These bicycle-mounted packs also
keep the weight off your bottom, reducing ‘saddle sores’ and back
pain. DO NOT hang grocery bags or carry loose loads on your handlebars as they can upset the control of your bicycle and prevent you
from properly turning your front wheel to avoid an obstacle or to
make an emergency maneuver.
Tool Kit/Pump
A tool kit and a pump are a necessity for longer road trips and useful
around town to prevent a potentially long walk for minor repairs. A basic
tool kit includes: tire levers, spare tube, patch kit, pump, screwdriver, and
multi-purpose tools or wrenches suitable for adjusting a variety of nuts
and bolts. Be sure that the tube and tools fit your bike, since there are
many types and sizes. If you are unsure, consult your bike shop.
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Clothing
Wear, and carry, layers of clothing, including a lightweight, windproof outer layer. By adding or subtracting layers, you can keep your
body temperature constant, and adjust to changes in the weather. As
a general rule, start your ride fairly cool. You will warm up quickly
once you get going. If you dress so that you are warm before you even
start riding, you will get too hot.
Specialized clothing, such as padded bicycling shorts and gloves, can
increase your comfort level on longer rides, but are not absolutely
necessary.
For winter riding, a waterproof outer layer will keep you dry, and
therefore warm. Remember that you will warm up as you ride, so
don’t overdress. Layers that can be easily removed will allow you to
adjust to changing conditions. If you live in Wisconsin, you have the
clothes to ride in winter!
B = Brakes. Squeeze your brake levers hard to be sure the brakes are
working and the levers don’t reach all the way to the handlebars.
C = Chain. Don’t ride with a dry chain. Lube your chain on a regular
basis to reduce wear and rust and make pedaling easier.
Quick = Quick releases. Take a look to be certain the quick releases
on your wheels and brakes are closed and tight.
Helmets
Studies have shown that in the event of a crash, a helmet will greatly
reduce your chances of a serious brain injury. Your helmet should
have CPSC standards approval clearly designated on it. Hockey or
other types of sports helmets are not appropriate for bicycling since
they are designed and tested for other types of impacts.
plastic casing
air vents
high-impact
protective foam
wrong
right
To be effective, the bicycle helmet
must fit correctly and be worn properly.When in doubt, check with a bike
shop for the proper adjustment of your
approved bicycling helmet.
Studies show that wearing a properly fitted helmet will greatly
reduce the chances of sustaining a head injury
in the event of a crash
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