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04-24-2013, 06:36 PM | #1 |
www.yorkierescue.com Donating Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Las Vegas & Orange County
Posts: 17,408
| Bicycle Safety for you and your yorkie! Since summer is coming up I thought I'd put out this thread for people who might need a bit of a refresher course on bike riding and safety. Riding against traffic One of the potentially most dangerous situations occur is when riding on the sidewalk going the opposite of traffic. We get lots of people coming into our shop saying they were hit by a car. I always ask if they were riding on the sidewalk in the opposite direction of traffic and 9 times out of 10 they say yes. The reason for this is bc when a driver comes out of a driveway or parking lot and wanting to turn right onto a street, they instinctively look to the left for oncoming car traffic. However, they are not usually also looking right for potential pedestrian or bike traffic. How many of you are guilty of doing this? I suggest riding in a bike lane, and if there is none, riding on the shoulder. However if you must ride on the sidewalk, or just feel more comfortable riding on the sidewalk, please please ride with traffic and not against it. If for some reason you must ride against traffic, never assume that the driver of the car can see you. And even if you make eye contact, never assume they will yield for you. Ride behind the car if you must, or stop and wait for them to pass. Riding with yorkies in baskets Dogs in baskets are generally ok if the dog does not weigh much. I would say the cut off would be about 7 lbs or so. The reason is bc too much weight up front will throw off your steering. If you have a larger yorkie, the best place for them would be on a rear luggage rack with a crate or rear specific basket securely fastened on. Of course, always make sure your yorkie is properly restrained in there. Many dogs are comfortable right off the bat on a bike, but some are not. You must train them for bike riding. Go slowly at first, perhaps around the neighborhood. Don't take them out for the first time to a busy beach or on a busy road. Helmets Please wear a helmet! You don't have to buy a fancy expensive helmet. All helmets sold in the US are up to code, so don't think that a cheaper one isn't as good. It's still better than no helmet! They even make little yorkie helmets! Before each ride Check your tire pressure and your brakes before you head off. Every single time! Please feel free to add to this list. I know we have some bike riders here, if there's something that you feel I missed please post it. These are the major points I wanted to hit. The weather is getting nice now and lots of people are dusting off their bikes for the summer, but cycling can be a very dangerous activity if you're not careful! Also if anyone has any bike related questions, please ask me and I'll do my best to help. Like how to adjust brakes, changing tubes/tires, gears not shifting correctly, etc.
__________________ The T.U.B. Pack! Toto, Uni, & Bindi RIP Lord Scrappington Montgomery McLimpybottom aka El Lenguo the Handicapped Ninja 10-12-12 |
Welcome Guest! | |
04-25-2013, 01:30 PM | #2 |
♥ Maximo and Teddy Donating Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Northern Virginia
Posts: 25,041
| Very good tips. Wear a helmet!
__________________ Kristin, Max and Teddy |
04-25-2013, 02:24 PM | #3 |
www.yorkierescue.com Donating Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Las Vegas & Orange County
Posts: 17,408
| I guess we don't have as many cyclists here as I thought? LOL
__________________ The T.U.B. Pack! Toto, Uni, & Bindi RIP Lord Scrappington Montgomery McLimpybottom aka El Lenguo the Handicapped Ninja 10-12-12 |
04-25-2013, 03:40 PM | #4 |
My hairy-legged girls Donating Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: lompoc, ca.
Posts: 12,228
| My girls also have doggles because riding in a bike is much faster than just walking them, so their eyes are as vulnerable as your own to dirt and flying insects.
__________________ AZRAEL RAZAEL JILLI ANN |
04-25-2013, 04:03 PM | #5 |
www.yorkierescue.com Donating Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Las Vegas & Orange County
Posts: 17,408
| Oh yeah I forgot about the Doggles!
__________________ The T.U.B. Pack! Toto, Uni, & Bindi RIP Lord Scrappington Montgomery McLimpybottom aka El Lenguo the Handicapped Ninja 10-12-12 |
04-25-2013, 04:11 PM | #6 |
Donating YT 18K Club Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Yorkie Zoo
Posts: 34,152
| I "tried on" bikes last weekend ~ it appears I need a 26" beach cruiser (or preferably smaller) bike so I can touch the ground and feel safe with pooches in their basket. Do they make a 25"? lol
__________________ Lisa, Mom to Curri Bee Vindi Loo Tikka Masala Sugar Baby |
04-26-2013, 11:24 AM | #7 |
www.yorkierescue.com Donating Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Las Vegas & Orange County
Posts: 17,408
| No 25" but they do make 24". Is a 26" really too big for you? We are the same height! Not only is a 24" smaller in the wheel size, but also the frame too. Shorter in height and in length.
__________________ The T.U.B. Pack! Toto, Uni, & Bindi RIP Lord Scrappington Montgomery McLimpybottom aka El Lenguo the Handicapped Ninja 10-12-12 |
04-26-2013, 11:27 AM | #8 |
Donating YT 18K Club Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Yorkie Zoo
Posts: 34,152
| I can touch on my toes with the seat lowered to bottom position. I would prefer closer to a flat footed touch when I have the girls in their basket
__________________ Lisa, Mom to Curri Bee Vindi Loo Tikka Masala Sugar Baby |
04-26-2013, 11:34 AM | #9 |
I Love My Yorkies Donating Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Indianapolis, Indiana
Posts: 37,147
| Thanks for letting us know. I have always rode against traffic and I have never put a though that maybe a driver couldnt see me but what you said makes sense and I will be more careful from now on
__________________ Chachi's & Jewels Mom Jewels http://www.dogster.com/?132431Chachi http://www.dogster.com/?132427 |
04-26-2013, 11:40 AM | #10 | |
www.yorkierescue.com Donating Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Las Vegas & Orange County
Posts: 17,408
| Quote:
Yes, and most people don't give it a second thought, and neither do the drivers. Don't ever assume that the driver sees you! Cycling is the most dangerous sport out there, even for people who do it leisurely. What other activity is there that even the casual rider can have a major injury?
__________________ The T.U.B. Pack! Toto, Uni, & Bindi RIP Lord Scrappington Montgomery McLimpybottom aka El Lenguo the Handicapped Ninja 10-12-12 | |
04-26-2013, 11:43 AM | #11 |
www.yorkierescue.com Donating Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Las Vegas & Orange County
Posts: 17,408
| Ok this one might be obvious or just plain common sense, but I see a lot of people doing this, esp girls on cruisers. When you come to a bump, like a speed bump, or large crack in the road or gap in the asphalt, stand up on your pedals but keep your knees bent, and use your body as "suspension" as you ride over. I see so many going over big bumps with their butt on the saddle, and then I hear them go "ow!"
__________________ The T.U.B. Pack! Toto, Uni, & Bindi RIP Lord Scrappington Montgomery McLimpybottom aka El Lenguo the Handicapped Ninja 10-12-12 |
04-26-2013, 11:49 AM | #12 |
YT 2000 Club Member | I have been thinking about getting a nice basket for my bike. I love the looks of the Snoozer brand but the reviews of them sagging and hitting the front tire, really doesn't appeal to me. Does anyone know of a bike basket that is worth the price, comfortable but safe for my girls?
__________________ Proud Mommy to Max, Teeka, Tatiana and forever in my heart Tameka! My sunshine doesn't come from the skies, it comes from my puppies eyes! |
04-26-2013, 12:15 PM | #13 | |
www.yorkierescue.com Donating Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Las Vegas & Orange County
Posts: 17,408
| Quote:
I can get this Solvit wicker basket, which is basically a copy of Nantucket, but without the cage style top. Three Yorkie Friends Bicycle Baskets - Three Yorkie Friends Travel and Lifestyle Accessories Nancy1999 has this one, and she says Joey loves it.
__________________ The T.U.B. Pack! Toto, Uni, & Bindi RIP Lord Scrappington Montgomery McLimpybottom aka El Lenguo the Handicapped Ninja 10-12-12 | |
04-26-2013, 12:26 PM | #14 | |
YT 2000 Club Member | Quote:
__________________ Proud Mommy to Max, Teeka, Tatiana and forever in my heart Tameka! My sunshine doesn't come from the skies, it comes from my puppies eyes! | |
04-26-2013, 12:31 PM | #15 |
www.yorkierescue.com Donating Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Las Vegas & Orange County
Posts: 17,408
| The description says it holds up to 13 lbs. You said 6 lbs, are they both 6 together or 6 each? Either way, it will hold them safely, but if they are 6 lbs each, my concern would be too much weight up front, for the previous reasons I stated in my original post. Will you be bringing both pups out all the time?
__________________ The T.U.B. Pack! Toto, Uni, & Bindi RIP Lord Scrappington Montgomery McLimpybottom aka El Lenguo the Handicapped Ninja 10-12-12 |
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