Getting Started

If you're new to bike riding you've come to the right page! The resources below will help you navigate questions regarding bike riding basics, family biking tips, general mechanics of your bike and more! 

Bike Riding 101

If your bike is home to spidery cobwebs or buried in storage, be sure to check it over before you ride. Most importantly, remember the ABC check: the tires (air), brakes, and chain to be sure everything is running smoothly. Use the links below to learn more about quick, easy maintenance and tips to ride safely and comfortably on road and trail. 

Learn How to Ride Safely - Videos

These tip sheets from the League of American Bicyclists will help you learn more about how to ride safely and perform maintenance on your bike. http://www.bikeleague.org/content/smart-cycling-tips-0

ABC Quick Check - Video

New Rider FAQs

Is bicycling on the sidewalk legal?
It depends on where you are. Laws differ from city to city, so it’s best to look to your city for sidewalk cycling restrictions. Generally, in dense urban, commercial areas biking is not allowed. If you are riding on a stretch of road that feels unsafe and you want to use the sidewalk, it’s best to get off your bike and walk it. 

Is biking on the sidewalk safe? 
Sidewalks were designed for people on foot, and not the speed that a bike may travel. Sidewalks are narrow and there are often visual obstacles which will make it difficult for a driver to see you, especially if you are riding fast. If you must use the sidewalk:

  • Keep your speed below 10 mph

  • Be very careful at all intersections and driveways

  • Yield to all pedestrians

  • Yield to all cars pulling out or driveways

  • Ride in the same direction as traffic

  • Always be on high alert and observant of your surroundings

Sharing Trails - Guidelines and Etiquette

Share the Trail. Trails are for everyone!

Beginner's Guide to Picking the Perfect Bike

If you’re in the market for a new (or used!) bike, this article will help you think through finding the best bike for your needs. Tips for finding the perfect bike.

More Road Safety Tips

Safety and Bike Helmets

Learn everything you need to know from the Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute: https://helmets.org/
See how to wear a helmet: English / Spanish / Vietnamese.

Family Biking

Biking with family is a great way to spend time outdoors, exploring your neighborhood, local parks and burning off some energy. And, teaching our younger generation the ease and joy of biking is wonderful for them and the world. Below we’ve provided some resources to help you prep your family for memorable biking adventures!

  • Family Biking Guide from the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition, also available in Spanish and Chinese.

  • My kids are too young to ride. How can I bring them along?

    Bike trailers – great for pulling kids and cargo! Be sure to fit them with a helmet AND be sure they can support the weight of a helmet.

    Tagalongs – convert a regular bike into a kind of tandem bike and are great for teaching the motion, road safety and etiquette of riding. Tagalongs come with pedals but it’s not essential for your child to pedal at all times (unlike a regular tandem bike).

Where to Ride in Silicon Valley

We’re grateful for California sun, a relatively flat landscape, scenic destinations, trails and ever expanding bike lanes. Riding in Silicon Valley can offer you many opportunities to discover new neighborhoods, cultures and beautiful parks. Some helpful tools are the Bicycling map layer in Google Maps as well as their Cycle route directions. RideWithGPS is another popular tool for mapping out bicycle routes. 

Basic Bike Repair

If you have concerns about the safety of your bike, please take it to your local bike shop. Your safety and well-being is top priority. However, believe it not, basic bike maintenance can be done at home – regardless of your level of mechanical skills!

Basic Maintenance - Videos

 Recursos en Español

  • Diez consejos básicos para evitar accidentes (How to Not Get Hit by Cars):

    http://www.infobiker.com.ar/cicloturismo/ciclismoseguro.htm

  • Seguridad en Bicicleta–Lo que todo padre debe saber (Bicycle Safety- What every parent should know):

    http://www.ecoact.org/PDF/SRTS/Parent_Pamphlet_Span.pdf

  • Como Ponerse el Casco de Bicicleta y Hacerlo Bien (Fitting a bicycle helmet right):

    http://www.cdph.ca.gov/HealthInfo/injviosaf/traffic/Documents/BikeHelmetSPAN01-VOSP.pdf

  • Leyes para ciclistas (Rules for bicyclists):

    http://www.nyc.gov/html/dot/downloads/pdf/dot_bikesmart_brochure_spanish.pdf