The Old Guy Bicycle Blog

Top  Safety Tips for Cyclists: Ride Smart, Ride Safe Cycling is a fantastic way to stay healthy, explore your city, and reduce your carbon footprint. But like any activity, it's crucial to prioritize safety. Whether you're a seasoned cyclist or just getting started, here are some top tips to keep you rolling smoothly: 1. Gear Up for Safety: Helmet: This is non-negotiable. Choose a CPSC-certified helmet that fits snugly and comfortably. Lights and Reflectors: Be visible at all times, especially at dawn, dusk, and night. Equip your bike with a white front light, red rear light, and reflective material on the frame, wheels, and pedals. Brakes and Tires: Ensure your brakes are in good working order and your tires are properly inflated. Worn brakes and flat tires can lead to accidents. 2. Be Predictable and Follow the Rules: Ride with Traffic:  Obey traffic laws and signals. Ride in the same direction as traffic, not against it. Use Hand Signals:  Clearly indicate y...

Is My Dad Too Old to Cycle? The wind whipping through his hair, the sun glinting off the handlebars, the rhythmic hum of tires on pavement – the joy of cycling is undeniable. But what if that joy seems out of reach for someone close to you, like your dad? Age can sometimes feel like an invisible barrier, casting doubt on whether activities like cycling are still "appropriate." Age is just a number, right? Absolutely! While physical capabilities may change over time, the desire to explore, stay active, and experience the thrill of the open road doesn't have an expiration date. In fact, cycling can be an ideal form of exercise for older adults, offering: Low-impact cardiovascular benefits:  Cycling strengthens the heart and lungs without putting undue stress on joints. Improved balance and coordination:  Maintaining balance on two wheels keeps the mind and body sharp. Boosted mood and stress relief:  Exercise releases endorphins, natural mood elevators that combat stre...

I always have people tell me how unsafe cycling is. Of course, these people are usually non-cyclists who just think it is a dangerous sport. They don't actually ride like we do. In the spirit of all of the unthinking people who give me their uninvestigated opinions, I am going to write a post about why cycling is safe and why cycling is unsafe. Why Cycling is Safe While the question of cycling safety might arise, it's surprising to discover the numerous advantages that contribute to a secure experience for riders. Beyond the obvious benefits of exercise and environmental awareness, cycling offers a surprising level of safety that makes it a viable and enjoyable form of transportation. 1. Physical Fitness for Resilience: Cycling acts as a powerful form of exercise, strengthening cardiovascular health, building muscle, and improving flexibility. This overall physical fitness translates into increased resilience and faster recovery potential in case of minor accidents. 2. ...