Friday, May 20, is the Mayor’s annual Bike to Work Day. Here’s 4 ways to stay safe on the roads.

Story by: Tracy Keller on May 19, 2016

Biking to work — or anywhere for that matter — has been made easier thanks to Louisville’s commitment to improving the rideability of our city.

Recently ranked a Silver Bicycle Friendly Community by the League of American Bicyclists, Louisville has strengthened its focus on two-wheel commuters and pedestrians within the past several years.

So what makes a bicycle-friendly community? According to the League, criteria include cyclist education, safety policies and infrastructure.

Louisville will celebrate its commitment to city’s rideability with its annual Bike to Work Day on Friday, May 20. And, while Friday’s forecast is a wet one for the afternoon, you can still make your journey safe when you follow these tips:

1. Wear a properly fitting helmet: So what if you get a little helmet head? — It beats the alternative. Pack some hair products to fix your coif if you need to. The Safe America Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to injury prevention and the practice of good safety habits, reports that a helmet can reduce head injuries from bicycle accidents by 85 percent.
2. Ride in bike lanes: The addition of bike-only lanes throughout Louisville makes it safer and easier to commute on two wheels instead of four. Before leaving for work, map a route that includes bike lanes. Ride the City Louisville provides a mapping service that identifies the safest routes to where you want to go.
3. Watch for “rainbow patches”: Roads can get slick during and after heavy rainfall as oil buildup on the pavement rises to the surface. Avoid these “rainbow patches” and puddles, along with manhole covers, painted traffic markings and wet leaves, which all create slick hazards.
4. Light it up: If you will be biking at night, be sure to use powerful lights on the front and back of your bicycle and wear reflective clothing and other gear so that automobile drivers can easily see you.

Looking for more biking opportunities?

If you are looking for a way to break into bicycling or complete your first century, join the Bike to Beat Cancer ride on Saturday, Sept. 17. Riders can choose various distances, including a 35-, 65- and 100-mile ride or a 5-mile family ride. Riders are asked to raise funds to support important Norton Cancer Institute prevention, treatment and educational initiatives as well as programs that encourage patients and families to approach cancer with a hopeful outlook.

A training program is available to all riders. Group rides are scheduled until race day. Find your motivation and ride your bike for a good cause. Visit BikeToBeatCancer.org to register or for more information.