Hot wheels

Bloomington is crazy about bicycles. And you don’t have to be a Little 500 speedster to appreciate life on two wheels. We’re here to educate you on biking basics, starting in first gear. Try to keep up!

“You can get anywhere on campus faster than with any other method of transportation,” Bikesmiths employee Erik Paavola says. “And it saves you a bunch of money.”

Paavola says bike shops tend to experience a boom in customer interest during the spring as Bloomington’s weather usually improves from March to mid-April. As a result, many newbies find themselves riding in the streets for the first time, and sharing the road with trucks and buses can be downright intimidating.

“People should not necessarily be afraid to ride in the street,” Paavola says. “Ride in the lane. Like, right in the lane. Because it’s your right to do that.”

Riding a bicycle on the sidewalk is not only dangerous, but illegal in Indiana. Bloomington laws designate a “share the road” policy, treating cyclists as equals to motor vehicles.

“If you’re going to ride in the street, you’ve got to stop at stop signs and stoplights or people are going to think you’re an asshole,” Paavola says.

Once bicyclists and commuters have mastered the laws of the road, the rest is up to preparation and dressing appropriately.

“If you have a rack or panniers on your bike, putting your stuff there will keep you much cooler,” Paavola says. “When you’re carrying your backpack on your bike, you’re going to get really sweaty. It doesn’t allow you to breathe. Getting the backpack off you, initially, is going to be a big help. You don’t need to get to class as fast as you can.”

Lastly, the secret to being a happy cyclist is keeping your bike yours. Investing in a quality lock, like the Kryptonite or OnGuard brands, keeps bike thieves at bay.

“If you have a bike that you found or bought on Craiglist for $5 or $10, do whatever with it,” Paavola says. “But if you spent any money on your bike, and your bike means something to you and you want to keep that bike, don’t buy a cable lock. Ever.”

The casual rider

Helmet
The signature biking accessory. Choosing to bike with a helmet is hands down the smartest decision you can make on the road. So protect your noggin — it’s what got you here in the first place!

Haircut
Biking in warm temperatures can mean sweaty, matted hair. Regardless of your sex, now’s your opportunity to rock a shorter, cooler haircut.

T-shirt
The American classic. A T-shirt is a surefire way to ride in casual comfort.

Jean shorts
(i.e. “jorts”)
It is scientifically possible to rock jean shorts without looking like a misguided tourist. Cut just below the knees and roll up the cuffs. Now you’re riding comfortably and in style.

Tennis shoes
Because riding barefoot sucks.

The serious rider

Biking cap
Often falsely worn in lieu of a helmet, these caps are meant to provide a little comfort or warmth under a helmet, as well as to shield your eyes from sunlight.

Jersey
Slick, form-fitting race jerseys improve aerodynamics while riding. 

Biking shorts
Usually in cohorts with the Lycra or spandex jersey, the biking shorts are meant for dedicated riders. And they make your butt look terrific.

Toe clips
For the die-hards yet again, toe clips temporarily lock your feet to the pedals for optimum speed and control. Failure to master can result in crashes akin to “cow tipping.”