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.

Very good tips.

Wear a helmet!

I guess we don't have as many cyclists here as I thought? LOL

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.

Oh yeah I forgot about the Doggles!

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

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.

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

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

I think you should look for a 26" cruiser with "foot forward" design. 24"s are just a lot harder to find. They move the cranks forward, so when you are pedaling you still get a proper leg extension, but when you put your feet on the ground you're flat footed. However, with this design you don't get as much power in your legs, so I would suggest one with gears. If you need me to send you a pic of "foot forward" cranks just let me know.

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?

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!"

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?

If you're into the classic look, Nantucket makes nice wicker baskets. Albeit pretty pricy. nantucket basket pet - Google Search

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.

Thanks for the link! I love the Solvit Delux tagalong but is it sturdy enough to hold 2 pups? ( approx weight 6 lbs.)

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?

That first Nantucket with the cage on top is the one I own.

One is 3.6 and one is almost 2 lbs.....does anyone know if it has a support in the bottom of the basket? I couldn't find reviews on this basket. I don't want it to sag and hit the tire....I love the extra storage it has!

Reviews seem to be for the most part positive. I read a few reviews that said the bracket was faulty, but they put in 12 to 14 lb dogs. I think for two 3 lb and less pups you should be fine.

Thanks for this!

I always thought it was illegal to ride on the sidewalk though; that bikes were to follow the same laws as vehicles (drive the same way and never on the sidewalk).

We are in the process of moving and I cannot wait to get a basket for Thalia (Zeus loves his backpack!) and go riding!!

Actually it IS! But I have never heard of anyone getting a ticket for it. It makes more sense to ride with traffic, however if you are on a slow bike like a cruiser, I don't think it makes much sense to not ride on the sidewalk. But I usually follow one of two rules. Either ride like a car, or ride like a pedestrian.

If you are riding like a pedestrian, take note of this! If you are crossing the street using a crosswalk, and you RIDE through it and get hit by a car, according to law (CA that is) it is not the car's fault! You must walk your bike through the cross walk in order to have the rights of a pedestrian. But have you ever seen anyone dismount their bike at an intersection and walk the bike across the street? Neither have I.

We have many bike paths in Iowa. One, I love goes almost all the way around a lake!

Thank you for the info.....I am considering it!

Not since I was a kid! Even teenagers/children don't walk their bike! It scares me what parents don't teach their kids :(

I'm a bike rider...at least until the sun gets so hot you can't stand to be outside. Yes it does get like that even in central IL. LOL

All the info provided has been really good! I've been biking for many years but never with puppies before so this was really helpful! Thanks everyone!!:)

yes they do...............25 Inch Beach Cruiser Bikes for Sale

I didn't see any 25" cruisers on that link. Just some car rims, a Gary Fisher (size not stated), a Haro frame, and a FGFS frame.

I've never known for any company to make a 25". There aren't tubes in existence in that size.

oh, false ad huh! I'm sorry they don't make a 25 inch. Maybe get a 26 inch with platform sneakers . :D

Here is a 24inch Micargi Rover 7sp Beach Bike Cruiser 24

My sister had platform boots for her motorcycle. Like Frankenstein shoes! :D
And I could never imagine Lisa in sneakers! :eek:

Yeah, I'm strictly flip flops and occasional heels :D

I could DO the Schwinn I found, it's just a little tall.

My bike is still stored outside at this point ( no room inside) so I don't want to spend more than $200 for it to get corroded by salty air.

I have an outdoor storage area that I can put it in with some cleaning out maybe. I have furniture stored in there that came with the condo.

Craigslist? LOL.