Archive for May, 2012

Teach your child how to ride a bike–in 4 easy phases

Thursday, May 31st, 2012

Plunk, plop and roll.

Perhaps you’ve already introduced your children to bicycling by using a bike trailer or carrier: plunk on a helmet, plop them in a seat and away you roll! If so, you’ve done a great job making them familiar with helmets and getting around on two wheels. Now, it’s time for them to learn to roll on their own.

Here are some tips for teaching your child to ride, with thanks to Rebecca Gomez, with the City of Minneapolis Bike Walk Ambassadors, for her expertise.

Getting Started

According to most medical and physical activity experts, the ideal time to begin teaching a child to bike is between the ages of 3 and 6. At this age range, children are most readily receptive about bicycling. Though kids are physically able to ride and handle a bike, they are not ready to make traffic decisions until the age of 10, and should be supervised while riding.

Getting the right size (and type) of bike and bike helmet is vital. Children are not tiny adults; kids do not benefit by learning how to ride an adult-sized bike. In fact, when kids ride ill-fitting bikes, they’re more prone to crash and injure themselves and others.

Instead, invest in a children’s bike suited and sized for your child. Be sure your child can easily stand over the bike and can easily reach the handlebars while sitting on the bike. A retail bike shop can provide expert counsel on getting the right size of bike. In Northeast, for instance, Recovery Bike Shop, at 2555 Central Ave N.E., has refurbished bikes in prices ranging from $30-$75, while Behind Bars Bicycle Shop, at 208 13^th Avenue N.E., has new bikes and kids’ helmets. You also can find used children’s bikes at garage sales, online or at second-hand stores.

Equally vital is obtaining the right size of helmet. When wearing a bike helmet, the rule of thumb – literally – is for the helmet to sit level on the head and come about a thumb’s width above the eyes. Your child should be able to see the edges of their helmet and the chin strap should fit snug but not tight under the chin.

Riding Safely

The best location to teach bike-riding to a child is one that is traffic-free, relatively level, large and paved. A quiet sidewalk with a slight incline is ideal. Going downhill is great for learning to balance and a slight uphill is great when mastering pedaling.

Be sure the bike’s tires are properly inflated and that the seat is at the right height. When first starting out, your child should be able to sit on the seat with feet flat on the ground. You can gradually raise the seat as your child gets more comfortable. The optimal height can be measured by having your child sit on the bike while you hold it upright. There should be a slight bend in your child’s knee when the pedal is at its lowest point.

Think of teaching bike-riding in stages:

Stage 1 – Balance: It’s no longer necessary for you to push your child up and down the street and strain your back. Grab a wrench and remove the bike’s pedals. Note that many children’s bikes are equipped with coaster brakes and removing the pedals will also remove the brakes. Instruct your child to sit on the seat and walk or run the bike. Your child’s steps will gradually get bigger until suddenly: “Look, I’m balancing!” Once you see coasting down the street with feet pulled up, your child is ready for steering and pedaling.

Stage 2 – Steering: While coasting, have your child practice turning in big, looping circles. Set up cones and ask your child to steer around them. Bikes will usually go where the rider is looking, so remind your child to look toward the intended direction – not at obstacles to avoid.

Stage 3 – Pedaling and Stopping: Once coasting and steering are mastered, your child can begin pedaling. Reattach the pedals. Note that the right and left pedal are threaded differently to ensure they don’t fall off in use. They are usually stamped “R” and “L.” Ask your child to repeatedly start and stop (using the bike’s coaster brake or hand brake) until he or she can do so without the bike wobbling.

Stage 4 – Road Rules: Review and enforce with your child the basic bicycling rules of the road. Children should be careful at all intersections: driveways, alleys and streets!

Some kids take to bike-riding more easily than others. If your child isn’t immediately interested, don’t force it. Taking the pedals off allows each child to learn at their own pace and gives them complete control. If your kids are well into their school years, or even teenagers, and have not learned how to bike, it’s still possible for them to do so following these same steps.

Rides for More Fun

From now through August, the Family Bicycling Series from the City of Minneapolis offers classes and rides for family members of all ages to experience and enjoy. For more information, go to www.minneapolismn.gov/bicycles/ or call 612-333-3410. 

(Excerpted from original article published in the Southwest Journal. Reprinted with permission from Minnesota Premier Publications).

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Announcing the Bike Walk Jingle Finalists!

Thursday, May 24th, 2012

Thank you to the 21 talented musicians who entered the Bike Walk Jingle contest. The judging panel was blown away by the creativity and toe-tapping tunes from all the entries—you can listen to them all here.

Bike Walk Move is excited to announce the five finalists, who will perform in a free, open-to-the public concert at the Ritz Theater in Northeast Minneapolis on June 2 from 6 to 8 p.m.

Here are your finalists: 

	Glen Everhart Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser. Glen Everhart is an interactive musician and comedian.
	Michael Loonan Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser. Michael Loonan is a musician, singer, composer, producer, voice talent and jingle writer.
	Luke Warm and the Cool Hands Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser. Luke Warm and the Cool Hands is a jug band that plays bluegrass, folk and polka cover songs and originals.
	Audra Tracy Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
	The Jing Jings! Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

 

The winner of the Bike Walk Jingle Contest will be announced at the conclusion of the showcase event at the Ritz Theater on June 2. The winner will receive the following: 

• Studio recording time at The Arts Institutes International Minnesota
• A $500 gift card from Music Connection
• A brand new Sun Revolutions CB-26 bicycle from Behind Bars Bicycle Shop
• The winning song will also be featured in a six-week campaign this summer on Cities 97

Congratulations again to all the finalists and those who submitted tunes. Listen to their songs and come hear the finalists play a FREE showcase on June 2 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Ritz Theater (emceed by Northeast Minneapolis’ own Michael Rainville!).  Hope to see you there!

Note: The Bike Walk Jingle Contest is sponsored by Cities97, City Pages, The Arts Institutes International Minnesota, Music Connection, Behind Bars Bicycle Shop.

Tags: Behind Bars Bike Shop, Bicycling Minneapolis, Bicycling MInnesota, Bike Walk Jingle Contest, Bike Walk Jingles, Bike Walk Move, Bike Walk Move Jingles, Biking Minneapolis, Biking Minnesota, Music Connection, The Arts Institutes International, The Ritz Theater
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10 tips to stay safe on your bike this summer

Wednesday, May 9th, 2012

According to City of Minneapolis data, while bicycle trips in Minneapolis hit an all-time high in 2011, the city’s bike crash rate — the ratio of reported crashes to bike commuters — has declined by more than half in the past 15 years.

Minneapolis’ gains in bike safety are great news overall, but they’re small comfort if you’re ever a bicyclist involved in a crash. With bicycling season now in prime time, here are 10 tips for keeping yourself safe on local roadways: 

1. Bike Size

Ride a properly sized, serviced and equipped bicycle. As a general rule, your legs should not be fully extended when pedaling, and you should be able to easily reach the ground when stopped or slowed. 

2. ABCs of Biking

Always do your ABC quick check before each ride: check the Air in the tire; that the Brakes work; and that your Chain/Cranks roll smoothly. A red rear light/reflector is legally required for nighttime riding and a front headlight is recommended.

3. Road Rules

• Ride in a generally straight path and as far to the right as is safe.
• Be vigilant around parallel-parked cars and ride 4 feet away to avoid being “doored.”
• Don’t ride too close to the gutter line, or where debris is piled up, because it makes it tougher for drivers to see you.
• It’s legal to “take the full lane” when it’s not safe to ride to the right of traffic (narrow lanes, debris, downhill, etc)
• If a line of traffic builds up behind you, be courteous and pull over to let vehicles pass.

4. Turn Wisely

Watch for the “right or left hook.” Even if you have the right of way, exercise caution when entering any intersection, especially if you’re coming off of a sidewalk or bike path. Pay particular attention to cars or trucks coming up beside you intending to turn; even if you think you’re visible, the turning driver still may not see you. Also, watch for oncoming traffic making turns.

5. Be alert

Continuously scan the roadway and look for potential near-term roadway impediments, like potholes, as well as those down the road, like a driver who has just parallel parked his car and will presumably be exiting soon. Before making any lane change, scan to your rear and then, if safe, signal your intentions before making your move. Scanning the roadway communicates to motorists that you are serious about keeping yourself safe. 

6. Pause the music, put down the phone

Save your iPod or mp3 listening for after your ride, not during, and never try to ride and use your cell phone at the same time. In addition, carry your items in a backpack or bike rack, and not in your hands. You need your entire mind and body engaged at all times on the task at hand: getting to your destination safely.

7. What’s that in the road?

Get to know different lane markings. There are many new bike routes around the Twin Cities, including bike lanes, bicycle boulevards, buffered bicycle lanes, advisory bike lanes and cycle tracks. Visit the City of Minneapolis Bicycling Web page videos and charts describing the new road features:

8. Comfort before fashion

Wear proper clothing and equipment. Besides a bicycle helmet (always), wear visible garments, such as light-colored clothing, and/or a reflective jacket or reflective strips to help motorists see you during low/no-light conditions.

9. Sidewalk biking

Know sidewalk riding standards and safety. While bicyclists have the right to ride on Minneapolis sidewalks, except in business districts, know that doing so is typically less safe than riding on the roadway. Sidewalk sightlines are shorter and narrower, and pedestrians and motorists do not typically watch out for sidewalk-riding bicyclists.

10. Watch for those wide right turns

Be cautious around trucks and buses. Drivers of trucks and buses have a hard time seeing bicycles in their mirrors, so allow extra space if possible. If you are riding in a lane next to a truck or bus, be particularly cautious; the ends of long vehicles often cross into adjacent lanes when turning.

 

(Excerpted from original article published in the Southwest Journal. Reprinted with permission from Minnesota Premier Publications).

 

 

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Featured Route: Bicycle boulevards along 5th Street and 22nd Avenue in Northeast Minneapolis

Monday, May 7th, 2012

Last month, we started a new series on the Bike Walk Stories blog—Featured Routes. In March, we focused on the bike lanes along Blaisdell and 1^st Avenues in south Minneapolis. Today, we’d like to take a closer look at two bike boulevards that opened in Northeast last fall.

Location/Description

The 5^th St. and 22^nd Ave. bicycle boulevards in northeast Minneapolis provide good north-south and east-west routes through a part of town that previously lacked good facilities. The 5^th street route is mostly north-south, going from Marcy Holmes and St. Anthony East neighborhoods to the Logan Park and Holland neighborhoods. At NE 26^th Street, the route follows the alleyway behind apartments facing University and briefly uses the sidewalk to reach a bike trail to St Anthony Parkway on the northern border of Minneapolis. The 22^nd Ave. route is east-west. It cuts across the Bottineau, Holland and Windom Park neighborhoods, connecting Marshall Avenue near the Mississippi River to the Quarry and the Diagonal Trail to the east. Note: Another north-south route, the Presidents Bicycle Boulevard, is planned for the east side of Northeast, running parallel to Central Avenue.

Route Amenities

Bicycle boulevards. Minneapolis has installed several bicycle boulevards in the last couple of years. The general idea with bicycle boulevards is to add traffic-calming and safety features to quiet residential streets to make them better for bicycling and walking. Studies of bicycle boulevards in other cities have shown that women prefer them to riding on busy streets with bike lanes. In fact, bicycle boulevards often run parallel to commercial streets. In the case of Northeast, the 5^th Street bicycle boulevard runs parallel to University Ave. The 5^th street route also passes through the Northeast business district (at Hennepin & Central) and crosses the 13^th and 26^th Avenue business districts.

Bike signal. The region’s first bike traffic signal at 5^th St. and Broadway Ave. NE helps bicyclists cross one of the busier roads in the area. There also are new curb bump outs and crossing signals for people walking.

 

Bicycle detection stop light. For cyclists taking 5^th St. north through the commercial district of Northeast, there is a bicycle detection signal at the intersection of 5^th and Central/Hennepin, activated by placing your bike tire on the bike symbol.  

Traffic circles. Mini, or “residential”, traffic circles replace stop signs at several intersections in Northeast Minneapolis. Highly-visible, traffic circles make it possible for bikes to proceed without coming to a full stop and also make sure cars slow down while moving through the neighborhood.

Nice Ride stations. There are seven Nice Ride stations close to the 5^th St. and 22^nd Ave. bike boulevards—just in case you forgot your bike (or don’t own one):

* Central & 20^th (between 18^th & Lowry

* Logan Park (Broadway & Monroe)

* University & 12^th (close to 13^th Ave biz district)

* Marshall Ave. & 8^th (near Elsie’s & the Yacht Club)

* Hennepin Ave. & Central Ave. (near Whiteys)

* University Ave. & Bank St. (across from Lunds, near Surdyks)

* 100 Main Street (near Saint Anthony Main)

Bike parking. New bike racks have been added at several locations in Northeast Minneapolis, including those along 22^nd Ave. at Mill City Cafe, St. John’s Byzantine Church, Dean’s Circle Grocery, Jackson Square Park, and the Firefighters Hall & Museum. Along 5^th St., there are new bike racks at Conga Latin Bistro, St. Mary’s Church, and near apartment buildings.

Connects to the University of Minnesota. The 5^th St. bike boulevard also connects with the bike lanes along 5^th St. SE, which lead to the University of Minnesota campus at Dinkytown via a bicycling/pedestrian bridge over 35W.

Landmarks and notable businesses along routes

The northeast Minneapolis area is home to many wonderful restaurants, watering holes, churches and other landmarks, including: 

Gardens of Salonica (5^th & 1^st)

Red Stag Supper Club (5^th & 1^st)

Grumpy’s (4^th & 22^nd—a block off 5^th & 22^nd)

Hennepin Country Library (22^nd & Central)

Northeast Social (4^th & 13^th—a block off 5^th)

The Ritz Theater (4^th & 13^th—a block off 5^th)

Mayslacks (4^th & 15^th—a block off 5^th)

Edison High School (22^nd & Monroe)

St. Mary’s Orthodox Cathedral (5^th & 17^th)

Northeast Farmer’s Market (2^nd & 7^th)

Jackson Square Park (22^nd & NE Jackson St.)

Windom Park (Johnson St. & 23^rd—a block off 22^nd)

St. Anthony Park (5^th & 3^rd)

Tags: Bike Walk Move, Bike Walk Twin Cities, Nice Ride Minnesota, Nice Ride MN, northeast Minneapolis bike boulevards, northeast Minneapolis bike lanes, northeast Minneapolis bike routes, Northeast Minneapolis biking
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Bike, Walk … Bus?

Tuesday, May 1st, 2012

Name: Robin Sauerwein

Age: 51

Neighborhood: Audubon Park, Northeast Minneapolis

Workplace: Northrup Auditorium, University of Minnesota 

Robin Sauerwein walks the walk…and buses the bus, and bikes the bike. Every day. Robin uses a combination of walking and MetroTransit buses to get to her job at the University of Minnesota’s Northrup Auditorium. On especially nice days, she rides her bicycle to work. Here’s a bit more about her routine and her advice for others who might be considering bicycling, walking and taking the bus more often.

How did you start walking to work?

My family used to own two cars. When the motor in one of them went in September, we decided not to replace it. Now, my husband has a truck for business, and I walk and take the bus to work. I didn’t have a car until I was in my 20s, so walking is natural to me.

Why did you make that choice?

I’d just rather be moving. I work in an office all day, so it feels good to be outside and moving. It gets me to think more clearly. I write, so a lot of poems and writing come to me while I’m walking. Especially now during the spring, I get to see the plants and hear the birds – those little things that you don’t always notice in a vehicle. I feel more in control of my own time; I’m not frustrated by traffic. I feel so energized and relaxed when I get home at the end of the day. I consider myself really lucky.

How far is your commute to the University of Minnesota?

It’s about four miles each way. On average, I walk about a mile each way to get to the bus. If it’s really nice, I’ll bike the whole way.

What routes do you use to get to work?

If I’m walking, I’ll take the residential streets in my neighborhood to University Avenue and walk down that to catch the bus. When I bike, I go through Dinkytown to get to University Avenue, and then I’ll bike through campus to get to Northrup Auditorium. It’s a beautiful ride through campus.

What are your limits for walking or biking to work?

If it’s really slippery out (in the winter) I’ll take the bus, but otherwise I know how to dress for the weather – lots of layers and long underwear. If it snows, I wear boots. It’s a great workout to walk in the snow.

What’s your advice to others who want to incorporate more walking and biking into their lives?

Really look at the way you’re spending your time. You may not need your car as much as you think you do. If it’s only a mile to the store, what if you walked instead of taking your car? Try walking or biking on those short trips to the store, library, bakery, and so on. Incorporate it into your current lifestyle.

Tags: Minneapolis biking, Minneapolis walking, Northeast Minneapolis biking, Northeast Minneapolis walking, Robin Sauerwein, walking to Northrup Auditorim, walking to the U of M
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