LET’S ROLL!

MARCH 2012 WEBINAR

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TECH TIPS • To hear us, turn up speakers or headset

volume. Your microphone is muted.

• Answer polls and ask questions using the controls at the top right of your screen.

• Can’t see the whole screen? Adjust resolution to 1024 x 786 pixels or lower.

• Webinar is being recorded; a link will be emailed to you tomorrow.

OVERVIEW

• This is how WE roll

• Bike Laws, Travel Time, Routing

• Bikes & Equipment, Safety, Cyclist feedback

• Valley Bike Month

• Resources

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THIS IS HOW WE ROLL! Tazmine Loomans

Matt Eisele

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•Commutes 9 miles each way •Glendale to North Phoenix •Cycling +/- 1 year

• Commutes around 5 miles daily • Office = coffee shops, parks,

client sites • Cycling +/- 2 years

WHY COMMUTE BY BIKE?

Taz 1. Saved $745 in 1 year

2. Avoided 295 pounds greenhouse gasses

3. Burned 41,600 calories

Matt 1. Saved $1,341 in 1 year

2. Avoided 531 pounds greenhouse gasses

3. Burned 112,320 calories

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THIS IS HOW WE ROLL!

Sources: 1. American Automobile Association, Your Driving Costs 2011;

2. www.ShareTheRide.com; 3. www.Livestrong.com

TIPS FROM CYCLISTS What’s the biggest advantage?

• One advantage is the smug feeling I

get when I bike by the gas station. I only have to gas up my Tahoe every 5 or 6 weeks! Steve B., 4.5 miles

• “More time for family/self by NOT having to go to a health club after I get home.” Brian F., 15 miles

• “It’s fun and keeps you in the present moment.” Mike S., 15 miles

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ARIZONA BICYCLE LAWS

• http://azleg.gov/ArizonaRevisedStatutes.asp search for “bicycle”

• Same rights and responsibilities as motor vehicles

• ARS 28-735 – “Three-foot law” – Motorists must allow 3 feet clearance when passing bicyclists

• Ride as far right as practicable. Move left to avoid debris, pass another cyclist, make a left turn, or if too narrow to share the lane

• Ride no more than two abreast on roadways

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MORE ARIZONA BIKE LAWS

• White front headlight visible from 500 feet & red rear reflector visible from 300 feet required dusk to dawn

• No “clingons”

• One rider per seat

• Parents responsible for their kids’ behavior

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ESTIMATING TRAVEL TIME

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3/28/12 webinar

“My bike commute is 8 miles and

takes me about 40 minutes. In the

winter I do it in my work clothes; in

the summer I wear bike clothes and

ride a more efficient bike.” Jonce W.

CHOOSING A ROUTE

• Ideal bike route is almost never the same as your driving route

• Practice on a weekend to gauge timing and directions

• Don’t forget parks, canal banks, green belts!

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CHOOSING A ROUTE

• Printed maps available to order or download at http://publications.app1.valleymetro.org/ - Regional, Tempe, Mesa, Glendale

• Google Maps – click the “bike” icon before you click Get Directions

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RIDE THE RIGHT BIKE

• Fat Tire Flyer or Road Racer

• Size matters

• Buy the best you can afford

• Bike Shop vs. Big Box

– Great AZ Bike swap April 14 in Mesa Details at www.azbikefest.org

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MUST-HAVE EQUIPMENT

• Helmet – Reduces chance of brain injury by 88%

• Water – Bottle or backpack

• Lock – Buy a good one

• Headlight & rear reflector – required dusk to dawn

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NICE TO HAVE

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Win bragging rights! Be the first to name this item and its use.

CYCLISTS RESPOND What surprised you about bike

commuting?

• “It became easier the more often I did it!” Brian F., 15 miles

• “I arrive at work feeling not exhausted, but exhilarated!” Maureen D., 13 miles

Beside your bike, what’s your most important commuting tool?

• “Panniers.” Mike S, 15 miles

• “A rack with saddle bags instead of a back pack. It lowers your center of gravity and is easier on your back.” Robin R., 6.5 miles

• “My light rail pass.” Jonce W., 8 miles

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SAFE CYCLING

• Ride on the right – with traffic

• Be predictable – Signal turns, act like a car

• Be visible – Light, bright, reflective

• Be attentive – No head phones or ear buds

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TIPS FROM CYCLISTS

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• “You don’t have to do your whole commute by bike. If you’re not sure of your abilities, pick a halfway point and take a bus or car to or from there.” Brian F., 15 miles

• “Don’t be afraid to start!” Jonce W., 8 miles

• “The right clothes make you more comfortable. There’s a reason for those padded spandex shorts!” Dawn C., 12 miles

• “Give it time, always follow the rules of the road - they apply to both motor vehicles and bicycles.” Eric P., 10 miles

“I leave a pair of shoes at work.” Reed K., 17 miles

WHAT ARE THESE?

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THINK INSIDE THE BOX!

• Bike lockers protect from sun, theft, vandals

• Lockers are first come – first served

• Bring your own lock

• Don’t leave items overnight

• Connect to transit – Go to www.valleymetro.org, search Bike Locker for a list

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FRESHENING UP

• Clean sweat doesn’t smell – Shower before you leave home

• Slow down last 5-10 minutes riding

• Ziploc bag + baby wipes + alcohol = instant shower!

• Consider driving to work and leaving clothes, accessories & toiletries for the days you bike

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• Rides

• Safety rodeos

• Art tours

• Classes & Summits

• Bike to Work & School Day

• Details at www.valleymetro.org/bike_month

VALLEY BIKE MONTH

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Events valley-wide, including:

• Wednesday, April 18

• Group rides in Gilbert, Mesa, Scottsdale, Tempe, and Phoenix!

• Details at valleymetro.org

• Contact VM Business Services to set up an event of your own.

BIKE TO WORK DAY

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• 15th Annual – Sunday, April 22

• Self guided rides to Chase Field. Design your own or join a group!

• Discounted D-Backs tickets support Rack Em Up program

• T-shirts, prizes, safety activities!

• Riders 12 & under walk the warning track before the game

GREAT BIKE CHASE

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FREE BIKE VALET! • Free, attended bike

parking at ALL D-Backs home games in April

• Summit at Copper Square, 310 S. 4th Street

• Selling and renting luxury condos in the urban heart of Phoenix - ask for a tour!

• Opens 2 hours before game; closes 1 hour after

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www.summitatcoppersquarehoa.com

• Register and track trips at www.sharetheride.com

• ANY cycling April 1 – 30 counts!

• Prizes include tune ups, equipment, Desert Botanical Garden passes, hotel stays, and

• Free!

WIN FREE STUFF!

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JUMP IN!

• Valley Metro: Valley Bike Month, bike maps, bike locker locations, lunch & learn sessions www.valleymetro.org, sday@valleymetro.org

• Arizona Bicycle Club – Group rides, forums, newsletter: www.azbikeclub.com

• Coalition of Arizona Bicyclists – Classes, advocacy: www.cazbike.org

• City Bike Coordinator: Many cities have a designated point of contact. Email sday@valleymetro.org to find yours

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