Prepare for Bikeblogging

I'm pretty much a lifelong non-owner of a bicycle, and I've certainly never done city biking in traffic, but I just got one yesterday. So be prepared for many future posts about the low quality of America's bike infrastructure and how we should be more like Amsterdam or Copenhagen. For example, the city fathers of Washington, DC should consider that though it's nice that they've established some bike lanes, the key thing would be for the lanes to connect with one another and go into the downtown area so they'd be helpful for people trying to get from where they live to where the bulk of the stuff is.

It's like how the roads for cars don't just stop arbitrarily. Think about it. Also, to the bike thieves of the world -- don't steal my bike!

Comments

14th Street has some decent bikes lanes if you're trying to get from U Street to downtown. But right, the you've got to hop on K Street to head E/W, and that's not so bike friendly.

Posted by nattyb | April 23, 2008 8:45 AM

This is America, pal. Bicycles will always be a niche mode of transport.

But scooters ... now that is something I can see Americans embracing.

Posted by DTM | April 23, 2008 8:45 AM

You mean you've been a transit/environmental geek all this time without a bike? You've been literally what's wrong with America Matt.

Posted by aleks | April 23, 2008 8:49 AM

Welcome to the pack, Matthew. I look forward to liveblogging from critical mass rallies.

Posted by spaz | April 23, 2008 8:51 AM

Excellent! I hope you enjoy many days of serene biking.

• Make sure you have a good helmet and a real good lock
• Carry a pump and patch kit or spare tube
• Watch for people opening the driver's-side door on parked cars
• I don't know the situation in DC but in Baltimore there are side streets without too many cars, which make biking relatively easy. http://www.bikely.com/listpaths/country/254/region/130 might give you some good routes

Posted by Allan | April 23, 2008 8:53 AM

Brings to mind Bruce McCullough's "Open Letter to the Guy That Stole My Bike."

Posted by Jake H. | April 23, 2008 8:54 AM

Good for you. When I first started biking in Boston, the city traffic seemed terrifying. You get used to it though, and after a while it gets to be fun dodging cars and pedestrians.

The only accident I had was in relatively rural Lexington, when I car suddenly did a right turn in front of me without using blinkers, causing my bike to flip when I slammed on the breaks. One year later, my shoulder has almost returned to normal. So, be careful in intersections when cars are backed up, passing on the right.

Posted by Jim W | April 23, 2008 8:54 AM

It's like how the roads for cars don't just stop arbitrarily.

1974. To celebrate a friend's new Porsche we went driving without regard for where we were going. A fork in the road? Ha! Take the right hand road. After all, road's don't just stop, right? Well, no. Sometimes road's just stop in the middle of nowhere.

Posted by Jeffrey Davis | April 23, 2008 8:55 AM

What your readers need to see more blogging on is how your bike ties into that trust fund. I think we must now reduce all your blogging to that issue, much like Obama's campaign to his flag pin.

Posted by Hugh | April 23, 2008 8:55 AM

Safety First, Matt. Helmet always (with reflectors and/or lights attached). Lights for riding when dark out. Better to take secondary streetes with less traffic. Be defensive - assume the car driver doesn't see you. Stay safe!

Posted by David | April 23, 2008 8:57 AM

So what kind of bike did you get?

Riding in downtown DC is exciting and terrifying all at once, requiring a heightening of the senses and ones agility to catlike proportions.

Get some fenders and a good headlight and taillight and you'll be ready to go.

Posted by Michael S | April 23, 2008 8:58 AM

Safety First, Matt. Helmet always (with reflectors and/or lights attached). Lights for riding when dark out. Better to take secondary streetes with less traffic. Be defensive - assume the car driver doesn't see you. Stay safe!

Posted by David | April 23, 2008 8:59 AM

It's like how the roads for cars don't just stop arbitrarily.

Out west they change course suddenly. Go straight as an arrow for 100 miles, then hit a section line and make a nice right angle turn. This often results in drunks unexpectedly going cross-country...

Posted by wiredog | April 23, 2008 9:01 AM

Brings to mind Bruce McCullough's "Open Letter to the Guy That Stole My Bike."

I think it was actually "the Guy That Stole My Bike Wheel." But that was the first thing that came to my mind too. It's amazing how brilliant, relevant comedy (or art of any kind, I suppose) can embed itself in one's brain like that.

Posted by James Gary | April 23, 2008 9:14 AM

Good for you. When I first started biking in Boston, the city traffic seemed terrifying. You get used to it though, and after a while it gets to be fun dodging cars and pedestrians.

Posted by Jim W | April 23, 2008 8:54 AM

Part of the initial "terror" is one's relative lack of comfort on the bike. By that I mean not having the experience and the skills to feel like you're in control. I've been riding so long I take for granted the knowledge and skill I've accumulated, but I get an occasional reminder when I see how other riders panic when something unexpected happens. The point, I guess, is to gain a reasonable measure of confidence in your bike-handling skills before heading into challenging traffic situations.

Posted by Kurzbein | April 23, 2008 9:15 AM

I suggest you get a book on bicycle maintenance and read it. At least so you know how to fix a flat, repair a broken chain, replace broken spokes, and replace a brake pad. After looking at the book, examine your bike before buying tools -- some of the repair tools are model specific and you need to make sure the tools will work on your bike. Same goes for accessories like water bottle holders -- make sure they will attach to your bike.

A REAR luggage rack and some panniers add a lot to the utility of the bike -- lets you carry books, laptop, groceries, etc around.

Hopefully you didn't get one of those stupid ass mountain bikes in which the rear wheel is connected to the main part of the bike frame by a shock absorber. Because racks can't be attached to those designs. (Putting a rack on the handlebars is usually not a good idea -- any significant loads up that high tend to make the bike more unstable and prone to accidents. )

You didn't say whether you got a mountain bike or racing design. Some of the racing models have very narrow tires which don't stand up well to urban potholes. Your shop can probably find you a wider, more rugged tire that is still reasonable efficient.

Good luck. Beware of Hillary supporters carrying broomsticks.

Posted by Don Williams | April 23, 2008 9:15 AM

Out west they change course suddenly. Go straight as an arrow for 100 miles, then hit a section line and make a nice right angle turn. This often results in drunks unexpectedly going cross-country...

Join us tonight on U Street for the DC debut of a hot new alt-country act: Matt Yglesias and the Cross-Country Drunks.

Posted by JB | April 23, 2008 9:17 AM

Watch this video as a reminder to always lock your bike...and even then it won't be safe (unless the average DC commuter is more civic minded than her or his DC counterpart)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5TNTq3nhuh0

What kinda bike did you get? I bought a foldable for commuting from Cap Hill to Bethesda a few months ago (as well as for getting to and from ultimate frisbee) and life hasn't been the same since...hmmm embed's don't work here so:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z9Abf-heTaI

Cheers and welcome to a new urban tribe

Posted by Sean M | April 23, 2008 9:18 AM

Never done city biking in traffic?

I have just the instructional video for you...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gPTu2F450sk

Posted by beowulf | April 23, 2008 9:20 AM

I think what type of bike you're riding makes a huge difference. So far as urban riding goes I can't imagine one much better than mine at least for the price. http://www.khsbicycles.com/06_urban_x_08.htm

Posted by lh | April 23, 2008 9:20 AM

Sto andando rubare la vostra bici.

Posted by The Bicycle Thief | April 23, 2008 9:21 AM

Matt,

Here is a piece of advice learned the hard way: if you have a seat with a quick release lever, buy a seat lock. It is just a metal chord that loops through, but for some reason I can't figure bike seats are a popular item to steal. My girlfriend had 2 stolen from her. Good luck!

Posted by freddiemac | April 23, 2008 9:23 AM

Oh, yes. 10 miles out in the countryside is not the place to discover that you need something called a tire pump.

Or that the one attached to your bike doesn't work.

Or that it doesn't work with the specific nozzles on your bike tires.

Or that you forgot to charge your cell phone before leaving home.

Or that you don't have change for the pay phone.

Posted by Don Williams | April 23, 2008 9:24 AM

Puncture-resistance tires are a worthwhile investment.

I once heard a thwap-thwap-thwap sound coming from my rear tire. I stopped to find a piece of glass the size of my little fingernail wedged in the rubber. I pulled it out, and rode home.

Posted by Brock | April 23, 2008 9:31 AM

If you fear theft, best to buy a quality beater on craigslist for city riding. DC's craiglist is one of the best in the country for bikes, probably because DC is so transient and people are constantly forced to sell their stuff..

Posted by Damir | April 23, 2008 9:33 AM

And don't forget to watch this classic bicycle safety video.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cQgAMkMmsfg

Posted by Brock | April 23, 2008 9:37 AM

Welcome to the wonderful world of bike commuting. Prepare to lose weight -- I literally lost 50 lbs when I started bike commuting.

Also, don't scrimp on safety. Especially at night, you want to look like a Christmas tree on wheels. And the most dangerous time for a bike is when you're going faster than the automobile traffic. They don't expect you to come up on them on the right.

Have fun!

Posted by Jeff | April 23, 2008 9:40 AM

THIS IS GREAT NEWS FOR HILLARY AGAINST RACIST AMERICA HATEING ANTISEMETIC OSAMA... OOPS, I MEANT OBAMA (OR DID I?) BIG MAIN STREAM MEDIAS IN THE TANK FOR OBAMA BIN AMERICA-HATER JUST LIKE MCCAIN GO HILLARY YOU GO GIRL!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WE NEED A WOMAN WITH EXPERIANCE AND INTELIGANCE AND NOT SOME AMERICA-HATING LIBERAL ELITE MUSLIM!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WHY IS A MUSLIM RUNNING FOR THE WHITE HOUSE, THIS IS A CHRISTIAN COUNTRY, OBAMA SHOULD RUN FOR PRESIDENT OF ARABIA LOL

Posted by LesbiansForHillary | April 23, 2008 9:46 AM

Don't know what it is like in DC for biking, but I've spent a significant amount of time bike commuting in Albuquerque and the most important thing I found was to throw speed our the window and do as much as you can to prevent flats.

That would be, in order of importance
1) Kevlar belted tires
2) Goo tubes
3) Tire liners

Also, I hope you're not one of those chumps that got a fancy mountain bike for commuting. Road bikes make infinitely more sense. If you did, get rid of the nobby tires and get some slicks if necessary.

Always glad to see people picking up a bicycle as a mode of transport. Lobby your representatives for completely separated bicycle infrastructure if you want to see more than just young men riding!

Posted by lfv | April 23, 2008 9:47 AM

What about the aesthetics?

Posted by Preston | April 23, 2008 9:48 AM

Megan (IIRC) had a good post a couple of days ago with a link to an article about bike locks. Worth reading the article, investing in a tough bike lock, and learning to lock your bike the best way (yes, it's more than just stringing a cable around a lamppost or whatever).

Posted by Jim | April 23, 2008 9:48 AM

Aleks wrote:
You mean you've been a transit/environmental geek all this time without a bike?

Nope. Here's Matthew back in 2004

Did the president really gut the Endangered Species Act yesterday while no one was paying attention? ... Who cares? Species die, shit happens, get over it.

There's also few posts bout how he hates trees too. But like his dislike of Catholicism, it's a topic not mentioned much anymore.

Posted by Ikram | April 23, 2008 9:49 AM

Don't forget (in case you already knew) DC law prohibits bikes on sidewalks downtown (for your purposes, anything below Mass Ave).

It's amazing how way too many clueless people just blithely assume that a sidewalk crowded with pedestrians is the place to ride a bike (or a segway for that matter)

Posted by Ethel-to-Tilly | April 23, 2008 10:00 AM

Helmet, Matt. Helmet. Never get on your bike without one. Seriously. My mania for wearing a helmet is one of the reasons my skull is still intact, despite an over-the-handlebars wreck eight years ago.

Another piece of advice I can offer as a long-term urban cyclist is to treat your rides almost like athletic events--not in that you want to be pushing yourself, but in that you have to be _paying attention to everything_. It's kind of like playing defense in basketball: the cues that someone is about to move in an unlikely or unexpected direction are minuscule, but they're there if you're watching. If you' aren't watching closely on the court, you'll get beaten on the first step; on your bike, you'll get doored or get clobbered by someone changing lanes or turning without signallying.

Finally: always obey lights and signals. Always. You'll be more likely to stay alive, and you'll doing all of us cyclists a favor. Stop signs you can blow off a lot of the time, because you can see clearly that there's no one there--but you should always slow enough that you can stop on a dime if something or someone surprises you.

Enjoy! The city is about to open up to you in wonderful and unexpected ways. A cyclist's geography is like no other.

Posted by Levi Stahl | April 23, 2008 10:02 AM

Helmet, Matt. Helmet. Never get on your bike without one. Seriously. My mania for wearing a helmet is one of the reasons my skull is still intact, despite an over-the-handlebars wreck eight years ago.

Another piece of advice I can offer as a long-term urban cyclist is to treat your rides almost like athletic events--not in that you want to be pushing yourself, but in that you have to be _paying attention to everything_. It's kind of like playing defense in basketball: the cues that someone is about to move in an unlikely or unexpected direction are minuscule, but they're there if you're watching. If you' aren't watching closely on the court, you'll get beaten on the first step; on your bike, you'll get doored or get clobbered by someone changing lanes or turning without signalling.

Finally: always obey lights and signals. Always. You'll be more likely to stay alive, and you'll doing all of us cyclists a favor. Stop signs you can blow off a lot of the time, because you can see clearly that there's no one there--but you should always slow enough that you can stop on a dime if something or someone surprises you.

Enjoy! The city is about to open up to you in wonderful and unexpected ways. A cyclist's geography is like no other.

Posted by Levi Stahl | April 23, 2008 10:02 AM

You brave brave soul. But good for you! I'm still not courageous enough to bike in Baltimore. Forget Amsterdam, hell if we had bike lanes like Portland I'd be happy.

Posted by Lesley | April 23, 2008 10:03 AM

Another helpful video guide to city riding:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nR2ygFn-yR8

Posted by UN Plaza | April 23, 2008 10:04 AM

O for heavens sakes. I prefer a ten-speed but a novice rider would be a lot safer and have more fun with a mountain bike and knobby tires. Riding a ten-speed as fast as the cars is something you learn over time. Matt, or anyone, should ride as much as possible in a car-free or low-car environment before riding in traffic.

Riding in traffic is a non-trivial proposition. In Seattle recently a bunch of people who thought they were bike riders got tangled up with a new-fangled thing there, streetcar tracks. This utterly "threw" them. Head on a swivel, and don't forget to watch out for the drainage grates in the streets.

Posted by serial catowner | April 23, 2008 10:07 AM

Your new bicycle is Barack Obama.

Posted by Eric | April 23, 2008 10:12 AM

Re Don Williams

Real men ride on tubulars.

Posted by SLC | April 23, 2008 10:13 AM

A bicycle in city traffic? Here's hoping you won't get killed.

Posted by Gary Sugar | April 23, 2008 10:13 AM

Walking home (on the sidewalk) tonight I nearly got gunned down by a pizza delivery motorcycle. Tonight is not different from all other nights.

Posted by aleks | April 23, 2008 10:14 AM

Cool. Coupla thoughts:

Although it probably is a good idea to wear a helmet, don't let this be a deterrent to cycling. Biking is a safe activity, helmet or no. Cyclist behavior is probably the bigger determinant of whether you get hurt. (I will get attacked for suggesting this, but I think the stats are pretty clear.)

Get locking skewers for your seat and wheels. Worth the $75.

Read the Copenhagenize blog for a fun street-level view of what real mass cycling culture looks like.

Posted by Adam | April 23, 2008 10:15 AM

Oh, come on. I'm betting MY is now a proud new fixed gear cyclist. I can't believe no one has accused him of being one of _those_ hipsters yet.

Posted by Stu | April 23, 2008 10:17 AM

Re Don Williams

Topeak pumps work with both schrader and presta valves. Of course, real men only use presta.

Posted by SLC | April 23, 2008 10:22 AM

Good for you. Some tips from a lifelong urban biker:

* ALWAYS assume a driver will do something stupid (e.g., jerk unexpectedly into or out of an open parking space, turn without signaling) and position yourself so that you won't get killed when they do.

* Instead of asking thieves not to steal your bike, buy a New York Lock from Kryptonite. The extra weight is tangible peace of mind. Even so, avoid neighborhoods where you see bike skeletons stripped of parts and take other minor precautions like getting rid of the quick release skewers on your saddle and hubs. Some urban bikers with expensive rides wrap the frame in electrical tape so that thieves don't know its value (though Dura-Ace derailleurs can give it away...).

* Get a bell. Cars are a hazard to you, you are a hazard to pedestrians.

* Use a light in front and behind if you ride at night. This really should be non-negotiable.

* If you carry a patch kit (not a bad idea) carry a pump also.

* If you have to use anti-puncture goo in your tubes, DO NOT forget to tell the bike shop guys about it. If one of those gooey tubes explodes in their face you will be looking for another bike shop.

* Please, pretty please don't ride on the sidewalk when the street is a feasible alternative. When on the street be polite, (try) to follow traffic laws, use signals etc. A hostile environment between bikers and peds, bikers and drivers makes promoting bike issues at city council MUCH more difficult.

Anyhow, good luck, ride safe and enjoy the summer atmospheric inversion. I know I will be.

Posted by Tim F | April 23, 2008 10:22 AM

Awesome news. Bikes rock. They make everything so much easier in the city, particularly anything of 3 miles distance or less (I think that is the distance at which a car becomes faster in a city). But how much more fun is it to ride in your bike, past lines of hot, not moving cars.

I love just getting on my bike and heading downtown and being there in 10 minutes. No parking hassles. Low cost. If there is construction or an accident you just breeze on by. And you feel morally superior. You get to act all righteous! What can be better than that?

Posted by Chris B | April 23, 2008 10:24 AM

Good for you. Some tips from a lifelong urban biker:

* ALWAYS assume a driver will do something stupid (e.g., jerk unexpectedly into or out of an open parking space, turn without signaling) and position yourself so that you won't get killed when they do.

* Instead of asking thieves not to steal your bike, buy a New York Lock from Kryptonite. The extra weight is tangible peace of mind. Even so, avoid neighborhoods where you see bike skeletons stripped of parts and take other minor precautions like getting rid of the quick release skewers on your saddle and hubs. Some urban bikers with expensive rides wrap the frame in electrical tape so that thieves don't know its value (though Dura-Ace derailleurs can give it away...).

* I know it seems dorky, but use a bell. Cars are a hazard to you, you are a hazard to pedestrians.

* Use a light in front and behind if you ride at night. This really should be non-negotiable.

* If you carry a patch kit (not a bad idea) carry a pump also.

* If you have to use anti-puncture goo in your tubes, DO NOT forget to tell the bike shop guys about it. If one of those gooey tubes explodes in their face you will be looking for another bike shop.

* Please, pretty please don't ride on the sidewalk when the street is a feasible alternative. When on the street be polite, (try) to follow traffic laws, use signals etc. A hostile environment between bikers and peds, bikers and drivers makes promoting bike issues at city council MUCH more difficult.

Anyhow, good luck, ride safe and enjoy the summer atmospheric inversion. I know I will be.

Posted by Tim F | April 23, 2008 10:25 AM

Re Tim F

Dura-Ace? Real men use Campy.

Posted by SLC | April 23, 2008 10:25 AM

Matt, as a bike messenger in Baltimore I found a very useful trick. If a car is moving into your lane and does not see you slam your hand on the car, Preferably on the roof. The driver will hit the breaks.

Be aggressive in traffic. The faster you go the easier it is to go with the flow of traffic.

Be safe!

Posted by cheflovesbeer | April 23, 2008 10:27 AM

Look for a class like this, https://www.sfbike.org/?edu in your area. Even as a long time roadie, urban riding is an adjustment. Get to know your LBS (local bike shop); most take care of their regulars.

Posted by joyous | April 23, 2008 10:27 AM

Re Preston's comment "What about the aesthetics?"
----------
Are you kidding? Matthew's butt on a bicycle seat?

I'm afraid the aesthetics puppy was drowned in the creek a week ago. Utility and green are the only games left to play.

Posted by Don Williams | April 23, 2008 10:29 AM

In all seriousness, having observed videos and photos of Mr. Yglesias, bike riding long distances is just the exercise he could use to pare off some of his obvious excess poundage.

Posted by SLC | April 23, 2008 10:33 AM

Re SLC's comment "Re Don Williams -- Topeak pumps work with both schrader and presta valves. Of course, real men only use presta."
----------
No, real men make SLC inflate their bicycle tires with his mouth.

Posted by Don Williams | April 23, 2008 10:37 AM

Good for you. Some tips from a lifelong urban biker:

* ALWAYS assume a driver will do something stupid (e.g., jerk unexpectedly into or out of an open parking space, turn without signaling) and position yourself so that you won't get killed when they do.

* Instead of asking thieves not to steal your bike, buy a New York Lock from Kryptonite. The extra weight is tangible peace of mind. Even so, avoid neighborhoods where you see bike skeletons stripped of parts and take other minor precautions like getting rid of the quick release skewers on your saddle and hubs. Some urban bikers with expensive rides wrap the frame in electrical tape so that thieves don't know its value (though Dura-Ace derailleurs can give it away...).

* I know it seems dorky, but use a bell. Cars are a hazard to you, you are a hazard to pedestrians.

* Use a light in front and behind if you ride at night. This really should be non-negotiable.

* If you carry a patch kit (not a bad idea) carry a pump also.

* If you have to use anti-puncture goo in your tubes, DO NOT forget to tell the bike shop guys about it. If one of those gooey tubes explodes in their face you will be looking for another bike shop.

* Please, pretty please don't ride on the sidewalk when the street is a feasible alternative. When on the street be polite, (try) to follow traffic laws, use signals etc. A hostile environment between bikers and peds, bikers and drivers makes promoting bike issues at city council MUCH more difficult.

Anyhow, good luck, ride safe and enjoy the summer atmospheric inversion. I know I will be.

Posted by Tim F | April 23, 2008 10:41 AM

Ah crap. Netiquette breach in aisle seven.

Posted by Tim F | April 23, 2008 10:45 AM

Oops. Netiquette breach in aisle seven.

Posted by Tim F | April 23, 2008 10:46 AM

okay I'll add some practical stuff.

1) a helmet, 'nuff said. Don't be a statistic.
2) follow street lights and signs -- I nearly placed a bicyclist-as-hood-ornament on my car just last night as he darted ACROSS traffic and from a completely unexpected direction.
3) carry enough money for a cab -- If you are commuting with too much gear you are guaranteed to get careless and lose it. Sometimes you just have to capitulate to fortune.
4)Buy a gas-cylinder tire pump (small, light, pocketable). carry two cylinders (at least) and a tire repair kit. RTFM before leaving home.
5) if commuting to a workplace, make sure they have a shower (or see if you can get access to one) AND keep a spare change of clothes - I have been showered with dirty water splashed by a car from a mud puddle on a clear day. People also have an extreme aversion to that "old sweaty smell" that may emanate from your presence -- acknowledge and adapt.
6) be prepared for a "left leg grease tattoo" from the chain if you don't wear an ankle gaiter/shorts.
7) get out and agitate for more and better bike lanes. Easier to do than mass transit.
8) Don't be a hero -- reconsider biking in the dark, on snow/ice and in monsoons.

Posted by mike c | April 23, 2008 10:48 AM

So, as a "trust fund scumbag," is your new bike gold plated, with diamond encrusted spokes, replete with a cup holder for your grande latte and an "I Hate Universal Healthcare" sticker on it?

Posted by SoCalJustice | April 23, 2008 10:48 AM

* Get a bell. Cars are a hazard to you, you are a hazard to pedestrians.

When riding on a bike trial and overtaking a runner/walker/rollerblader, tell them on which side you are going to pass: "On your left" (usually) or "On your right." The runner should acknowledge with a wave of the hand on that side. A bell, or a spoken warning that doesn't signal your intention, is useless or worse.

Posted by roac | April 23, 2008 10:56 AM

Re Don Williams

As we expected, Mr. Williams is not a real man.

Posted by SLC | April 23, 2008 10:58 AM

Someone mentioned locking skewers. These fiendish German ones gave me a measure of confidence my $500 + hub dynamo wheel wouldn't go walkies. Get one for the seatpost, too.

http://www.urbanbiketech.com/

Get fenders if you don't have them yet. Lights, lock, helmet I assume you've already taken care off.
I'm sure once you get into it, the details
necessary to identify the type of bike you got will manifest themselves.

You probably know this already,but you can take your bike on the metro during off-peak hours, at the end of the cars.

Posted by Porquin Panko | April 23, 2008 11:07 AM

Re SoCalJustice

Mr. Yglesias will probably purchase a $10,000 Serotta Ottrott titanium/carbon fiber bicycle as a matter of upmanship.

Posted by SLC | April 23, 2008 11:12 AM

..and this is the bag/pannier for the trust fund-havin', laptop totin' hipster...

http://www.wallbike.com/carradice/bikebureaunew.html

Posted by Porquin Panko | April 23, 2008 11:18 AM

So what kind of bike did you get?

I'm guessing 21-speed commuter with rack & fenders, to suit your inner pragmatist.

Posted by UN Plaza | April 23, 2008 11:21 AM

If you bike to work, I'll echo what mike c advised. Keep a fresh towel, soap, and a wash cloth available. A minute is all it takes to lather up and rinse off, and your workmates will thank you. Or at least appreciate it.

Keep a change of clothes handy at work because you will misjudge the potential for soaking rain. That includes shoes and socks. No rainware works completely in a downpour. Or even adequately.

Be careful out there. One of the reasons I ride a bike to work is because the ride is the most awake I'll be all day. If you're not wide awake and excessively wary, you'll either get hurt or hurt someone else.

Good rubber bands work as pants clips.

The patch kit and pump advice is real good stuff.

Take advantage of all the parking lots, back lots, and all the off-road short cuts you can. 4 way stops are a lot more dangerous than you ever imagined as a driver. As are driveways and any place that a driver wants to zoom to a perch near the road. Right-on-red is a license for drivers to kill bikers apparently. As I stressed with our kids when they were learning to drive: you can be in the right and in the ground.

Posted by Jeffrey Davis | April 23, 2008 11:21 AM

Re: "Mountain" bikes vs. "road" or "racing" bikes.

I much prefer the mountain or ATB type bike for urban use. It's far more maneuverable and since you are sitting more upright you have better sight lines of what's around you. In a word, it's a lot safer. The thin-wheeled drop bar type of bike is fine on a track, but can be deadly in real world traffic.

Posted by Virginia | April 23, 2008 11:21 AM

The bike thiefs are smarter than you. No coil locks, U-Locks only. Your bike will get stolen, you are merely renting it from the bike theifs.

Posted by Chris | April 23, 2008 11:27 AM

I clothesline cyclists riding on sidewalks. Get your fucking ass in the fucking streets where cyclists have bitched and whined about for fucking years.

Posted by sherifffruitfly | April 23, 2008 11:38 AM

Your bike will get stolen. Don't get attached to it. Keep an emotional distance with it. It will leave you eventually anyway.

(I'm still not over my first bike)

Posted by chris | April 23, 2008 11:39 AM

Best urban cycling book ever: http://www.amazon.com/Urban-Bikers-Tricks-Tips-Low-Tech/dp/0965172813/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1208965303&sr=8-1

Posted by SkyHits | April 23, 2008 11:47 AM

The bike thiefs are smarter than you. No coil locks, U-Locks only. Your bike will get stolen, you are merely renting it from the bike theifs.

Recently, my U-lock was stolen. I have a rack I use where I leave/left my U-lock at night. (At home, I put the bike in the garage.) Those U-locks are heavy so I just leave/left it attached to the rack overnight and on weekends. I've done this time out of mind. Lots of the regular bike riders do this. Recently, someone in the dead of night brought out the heavy artilery and cut the U-lock and took its remains with them. I presume as a malicious joke since it's useless cut-up.

Posted by Jeffrey Davis | April 23, 2008 11:48 AM

Was the bike advertised in Monocle magazine?

Posted by otto | April 23, 2008 11:51 AM

re lfv and abq.

Abq has great biking trails. Hiils to flat rides and easy all year riding.

Posted by judson | April 23, 2008 11:53 AM

I love how one post about getting a bicycle, not asking for any kind of advice or really for any response at all, immediately generates pages and pages of "tips," most of them just early hits in the perennial internet cyclist holy wars. Christ you all are irritating.

Posted by tps12 | April 23, 2008 11:57 AM

In addition to making sure to wear a helmet, I also suggest something to prevent ones pants from getting caught in the chain, such as jodhpurs.

I also suggest watching this video for tips:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nR2ygFn-yR8

If MattY gets good enough, he could even be like George Bush or me:

http://youtube.com/watch?v=MUnG3XyakCw

Just don't do this:

youtube.com/watch?v=9SViMRo_4_0

Posted by TLB | April 23, 2008 11:58 AM

I got the message. Your bike is safe!

Posted by Every Blog-Reading Bicycle Thief In D.C. | April 23, 2008 12:01 PM

Re Virginia

Mountain bikes are for wimps and weenies.

Re sherifffruitfly

Mr. sherifffruitfly is a fruit.

Posted by SLC | April 23, 2008 12:12 PM

I much prefer the mountain or ATB type bike for urban use. It's far more maneuverable and since you are sitting more upright you have better sight lines of what's around you. In a word, it's a lot safer. The thin-wheeled drop bar type of bike is fine on a track, but can be deadly in real world traffic.

Agreed 100%. I ride a Fisher ExCal with 29" wheels and road tires on it and wouldn't trade it for anything for city riding. Handling, curb-hopping, big holes in the street are much less of a worry. Thieves like the shiny red paint but they don't like my black-and-yellow New York U-lock.

Posted by Tim F | April 23, 2008 12:15 PM

These people are giving you terrible advice re: safety. The only thing that looks more ridiculous than a grown man on a bicycle is a grown man on a bicycle, wearing a helmet.

Posted by too many steves | April 23, 2008 12:20 PM

Re: In all seriousness, having observed videos and photos of Mr. Yglesias, bike riding long distances is just the exercise he could use to pare off some of his obvious excess poundage

Judging by current U.S. standards, is Mr. Yglesias really that overweight? I know it's a running joke around here but he doesn't look that large to me.

Posted by Hector | April 23, 2008 12:20 PM

I have to take offense to your phrasing of 'The low quality of America's bike infrastructure'. You should be more specific. The bike infrastructure where I live in the Rockies is awesome. Although I'll admit is probably the exception.

Posted by Brian Holmes | April 23, 2008 12:28 PM

I bike from Grosvenor to the Hill pretty much every day, so from that perspective I think DC's a pretty good place to bike. Things look a lot different if you live in PG, though. As far as advice goes, where a helmet and obey the rules, and always, always keep an eye out for the unexpected. I've never gotten a flat since I put in tire liners - they're a little heavy but I'm trying to stay in shape, not win races against the psychos who think the bike path is their personal race course. Oh, and I haven't had a bike stolen since 1983. You just have to be sensible about what you ride and where/how you park it.

Posted by DCbob | April 23, 2008 12:45 PM

Another absurd alternative to driving. Tim F@10:25, and similar posts, describe some of the reasons why bike riding will never be a remotely realistic alternative to driving for the vast majority of trips, especially commuting.

Posted by Mixner | April 23, 2008 12:45 PM

Congrats. I've been commuting to work in DC on my bike for 15 years. Getting around is pretty easy, even when the bike lanes end. Drivers are generally courteous to bikers (really). Watch out for doors opening in your path from both parked cars and those in traffic. Use that helmet and treat every driver as if she/he does not see you. Good luck

Posted by Tom E | April 23, 2008 12:53 PM

Re Hector

"Judging by current U.S. standards, is Mr. Yglesias really that overweight? I know it's a running joke around here but he doesn't look that large to me"

Current US standards are pretty poor. Obesity in the US is a epidemic. Mr. Yglesias looks pretty rotund to me.

Posted by SLC | April 23, 2008 12:55 PM

Congrats. I've been commuting to work in DC on my bike for 15 years. Getting around is pretty easy, even when the bike lanes end. Drivers are generally courteous to bikers (really). Watch out for doors opening in your path from both parked cars and those in traffic. Use that helmet and treat every driver as if she/he does not see you. Good luck

Posted by Tom E | April 23, 2008 12:57 PM

Welcome! I hope riding your bike brings you as much happiness as I've gotten from riding mine.

Posted by Megan | April 23, 2008 12:58 PM

Re Mixner [absurd alternative to driving]

As someone pointed out, this really is just one of those debates that can never be solved. If I like bike riding, and go about it in a manner consistent withthe rules of the road, then it is not an absurd alternative to driving.. to wit: it takes teh same amount of time for me, I save $10 a day in parking and $2 a day in insurance, and I get some exercise.
Maybe for you it is an absurd alternative... fine..

But that argument is like if I say I like roses in mygarden and you say that they are an absurd alternative to impatiens because of all the extra time and care they take and will never catch on with gardeners. Well, really we are into the realm of personal opinion.

And somehow the people in Amsterdam and Copenhagen ad Paris have made this "biking" thing work. I guess they must just be sarter than us. Or dumber in that they haven't figured out how a car works?

Posted by Chris B | April 23, 2008 12:59 PM

This country has a fabulous cycling infrastructure - it just has too many cars. My solution is to ban cars on the freeways and just allow bicycles.

I rode and commuted by bikes for years in DC. Now I live in LA in the San Fernando Valley. DC is one of the easiest cities to ride a bike in. Once you get accustomed to the traffic it actually makes riding easier. When the traffic is so congested that the cars slow down it give bikes a big advantage. Even the weather in DC is great, bicycle riding is possible 350 days of the year.

Kevlar tires and flat protection strips will almost guarantee no flats. They do slow you down and take some of the fun out though. A flat takes even more of the fun out so a heavy duty tire/wheel setup is highly recommended for the city (that's why I have more than one bike - different bikes for different purposes). The book "The Art of Urban Cycling: Lessons from the Street" is the best book on urban riding. A lot of people will recomment Forrester's (son of CS by the way)"Effective Cycling" but I disagree with much of it.

Posted by Sherry | April 23, 2008 1:25 PM

anent the absurdity of bike riding

I live about 3 times the close-enough-to-walk distance. So, it's too far to walk, but not ridiculously so, and that means it's almost too close to drive. Parking is preposterous and recent changes have put the closest usable lot about a 5 minute walk away. A bike is great, and commuting by bike has proved a gift. I'm getting the kind of exercise a close-to-retirement guy should be getting. I'm not burning gasoline. The 13 year old car isn't smacking potholes or getting excessive wear. And it actually takes less time to ride the bike than it does to drive and park in one of the newer Pentagon-sized parking structures. (It takes several minutes to wend one's way to the top floor. As Firesign Theater joked, "If you lived here, you'd be hommmmmmme by now.")

As for my appearance and looking ridiculous, it'd be pretty late in the game for that to be an issue.

And riding downhill real fast is just as much fun now as it was when I was 10.

Posted by Jeffrey Davis | April 23, 2008 1:38 PM

Matt: Bike to the Jefferson Memorial. Cross the Potomac on the trail that is part of the 395 bridge. On the other side, head south and 14 miles of trail later you will be at Mt. Vernon. When you pull up to it, you will feel a patriotic rush. Hard to be too down about biking in DC after that.

Posted by BudFox2 | April 23, 2008 2:13 PM

To reiterate what others have said. Get a brain bucket and wear it. I saw a guy, no one I knew, die on a bike path when a rollerblader stood up in front of him and he went over the handle bars.

Which is another important point. Rollerbladers, with their side to side movements, take up a lot of lateral space and most aren't wearing protective gear. Pass wide. Everyone will be happier.

And lastly, when the cab in front of you stops, PASS ON THE LEFT!! There's some kind of natural law that the passenger will get out just as you pull even with the door.

All the scary sounding stuff aside, it really is fun. Welcome to the club!

Posted by Eric S | April 23, 2008 2:38 PM

Please, please, PLEASE stop for red lights and at stop signs! I am a careful, defensive driver, and I have had numerous near misses with bicyclists who blow through stop signs, run red lights, pass me on the left while I'm waiting to make a left turn, blow by me on the right as I slow to make a right turn (yes, I signal!), etc. etc. It drives me crazy to listen to cyclists complain about how rude drivers are, when they are CONSTANTLY violating traffic rules and engaging in high-risk behaviors. Traffic laws do apply to bicyclists!

Don't get me started on the pedestrians who step out without looking from between parked cars in the middle of the block, either.

Posted by M | April 23, 2008 2:41 PM

To reiterate what others have said. Get a brain bucket and wear it. I saw a guy, no one I knew, die on a bike path when a rollerblader stood up in front of him and he went over the handle bars.

Which is another important point. Rollerbladers, with their side to side movements, take up a lot of lateral space and most aren't wearing protective gear. Pass wide. Everyone will be happier.

And lastly, when the cab in front of you stops, PASS ON THE LEFT!! There's some kind of natural law that the passenger will get out just as you pull even with the door.

All the scary sounding stuff aside, it really is fun. Welcome to the club!

Posted by Eric S | April 23, 2008 2:43 PM

I think it was somebody on a previous thread here that turned me on to the blog
http://bikesnobnyc.blogspot.com/

Whoever that was, thanks! Today's post is on coping with bike theft.

Posted by matt | April 23, 2008 3:00 PM

So, as a "trust fund scumbag," is your new bike gold plated, with diamond encrusted spokes, replete with a cup holder for your grande latte and an "I Hate Universal Healthcare" sticker on it?

All that, plus a chain lubricated with the blood of uninsured American children.

Posted by JB | April 23, 2008 3:14 PM

Re M

Real men run stop signs and red signal indications.

Posted by SLC | April 23, 2008 3:15 PM

So, as a "trust fund scumbag," is your new bike gold plated, with diamond encrusted spokes, replete with a cup holder for your grande latte and an "I Hate Universal Healthcare" sticker on it?

All that, plus a chain lubricated with the blood of uninsured American children.

Posted by JB | April 23, 2008 3:16 PM

Matt,

Good luck. Buy a good helment. If strays are a problem- and they are in Dallas at least- get an air horn. It is safe and one blast disoriented an angry pit bull long enough for me to get away the other day.

Posted by Bob Oso | April 23, 2008 3:32 PM

Matt,

Good luck. Buy a good helment. If strays are a problem- and they are in Dallas at least- get an air horn. It is safe and one blast disoriented an angry pit bull long enough for me to get away the other day.