Look no further for some great Valentine’s to send to your loved ones! Happy Valentine’s Day from your friends at Bike Walk Savannah.
Send a Wheelie Good Valentine
S.I.C.K. Tips: How to Fix a Flat Tire on a Bicycle
Our Society of Important Cycling Knowledge (S.I.C.K.) is back with a quick tip on how to fix your flat tire!
Knowing how to change a flat tire is a useful skill, especially if you’re going on longer rides or don’t have a local bike shop nearby. It can be daunting at first, but it’s easier than you think! All it takes is some practice.
Our friends at Park Tools have a great basic overview of how to repair a flat tire on a bike. Read on for step by step instructions!
What you need:
- Tire levers
- Air pump
- Wrench (for non-quick-release type wheels)
- Replacement tube and/or tire
- A repair stand can be helpful, but not necessary
How to:
- Remove your wheel
- Rear Wheel: Shift derailleur to the outermost gear and innermost front chain ring to give you chain slack.
- Disengage any rim brakes.
- Disengage the wheel from your frame.
- Quick Release: pull outward on end of quick-release skewer lever. If necessary, loosen quick-release adjusting nut to clear any tabs at end of fork.
- Thru Axle: some function similarly to quick-release axle – pull lever outward to disengage and turn to loosen. Some thru axles are equipped with a special fitting that must be engaged to loosen the axle. Still others are simple levers that turn to loosen or tighten – no engagement or disengagement is necessary.
- Solid Axle: For wheels with axle nuts, loosen both nuts outside of dropouts.
- On a front wheel, guide the wheel down and out of the fork. For rear wheels, pull back on the rear derailleur to allow the cogs to clear the chain and lower the wheel.
- Deflate your tube completely
- Remove your tire
- Push one side of the tire inwards, close to the rim of your wheel, to help loosen the tire bead from the rim. Do this around the entire wheel.
- Push one tire lever under the bead of the tire, between the tire and the rim of the wheel. It can be helpful to do this near the valve stem.
- Insert the second tire lever under the bead of the tire a few inches away from the first one, between the tire and rim of the wheel.
- Pull both levers toward spokes to lift the bead off the rim. Move one lever a few inches along the rim and lift the next section, proceeding around the wheel.
- Starting opposite the valve, pull the tube from the tire. Lift the valve from the valve hole to full remove the tube.
- Remove the tire completely to fully inspect the tire for any cuts or holes.
- You may be able to use a tube or tire patch kit to fix any small holes or cuts, but replacing the tube is always the safest and most reliable option.
- Inspect the wheel rim for any sharp edges or protruding spokes. No point in replacing a tube if your wheel rim is damaged!
- Install your tube
- Inflate tube enough to hold its shape
- Install tube inside tire, with valve adjacent to air pressure recommendations written on the sidewall of the tire.
- Lower tire and valve into rim valve hole. Note any directional arrows on your tire and orient the tire appropriately.
- Make sure to keep your valve pointing straight towards the hub of your wheel!
- Install one side of the tire bead at a time. You can use your tire lever carefully and strategically to help work the tire in, but be careful and avoid pinching your tube.
- Once both sides of your tire are installed properly, inflate the tube to low pressure and inspect each side for any bulging, inner tube sticking out, or inconsistencies. You may need to deflate the tube and reinstall the tube and tire.
- Once everything looks ok, inflate your tube to full pressure.
- Reinstall your wheel
- Work backwards from how you removed your wheel!
- Make sure any quick-release levers are tightened and your wheel is secure.
- Re-engage brakes.
- Make sure your wheel is centered in the frame or fork.
And now you’ve changed your tube and tire!
Want some practice? Volunteer with our New Standard Cycles Crew on Thursdays from 6:30-8:30 p.m. and Sundays from 2-4 p.m. and help fix up bikes while learning some new skills.
Learn more tips on our Resources Page.
Interested in putting your skills to the test? Stop by our New Standard Cycles volunteer sessions on Thursdays from 6-8 p.m. and Sundays from 2-4 p.m., and fix up bikes for people in need!
This blog post is produced thanks to support from the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety.
Pick Your Parking
Nothing ruins your ride faster than having your bike stolen! Here are some steps you can take to seriously reduce the likelihood of that happening.
- Use a U-lock. Cable locks can be cut more easily than you might think. Cheaper and older U-locks can often be broken without any tools. Sourcing your U-lock from a local bike shop is a good way to make sure you’re buying a quality product.
- Don’t make it easy to steal! Bike thieves love low hanging fruit, and nothing deters them like the presence of a quality lock. Many thefts are crimes of opportunity, so make your bike the hardest one on the rack to steal.
- Lock the frame first. Try to secure the wheels and seat, too. Your bike frame happens to be the most expensive part; make sure you lock it to something secure. Use a secondary cable to lock the wheels and seat. In many cases a U-lock can be used to lock both the frame and rear wheel. Accessories (lights, pumps, etc) are commonly stolen items. Take them with you.
- Your lock is only as good as what it is locked to. Make sure whatever you locked up to isn’t going anywhere. Be mindful that trees and wood can be cut or kicked through.
- Your garage, shed, or storage room isn’t as safe as you think. Even if you have parked your bike in a “secure location” be sure to lock it to something. Bikes are commonly stolen from garages or shared basements.
- Document it! Take pictures of your bike, record the serial number, and where possible list your bike on your insurance.
- After you’ve done that, make sure to register your bike with Savannah Police Department and Bike Index. The Bike Index makes stolen bikes harder to sell and easier to recover by making sure important information about your bike is there when you need it the most. The process is simple, secure, and free.
Need to find available bike parking in Savannah? Check out our map below. If you find a rack that isn’t on our map, please submit it to info@bikewalksavannah.org.
Learn more tips on our Resources Page.
This blog post is produced thanks to support from the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety.
How to Lock Your Bike
Nothing ruins your ride faster than having your bike stolen! Here are some steps you can take to seriously reduce the likelihood of that happening.
- Use a U-lock. Cable locks can be cut more easily than you might think. Cheaper and older U-locks can often be broken without any tools. Sourcing your U-lock from a local bike shop is a good way to make sure you’re buying a quality product.
- Don’t make it easy to steal! Bike thieves love low hanging fruit, and nothing deters them like the presence of a quality lock. Many thefts are crimes of opportunity, so make your bike the hardest one on the rack to steal.
- Lock the frame first. Try to secure the wheels and seat, too. Your bike frame happens to be the most expensive part; make sure you lock it to something secure. Use a secondary cable to lock the wheels and seat. In many cases a U-lock can be used to lock both the frame and rear wheel. Accessories (lights, pumps, etc) are commonly stolen items. Take them with you.
- Your lock is only as good as what it is locked to. Make sure whatever you locked up to isn’t going anywhere. Be mindful that trees and wood can be cut or kicked through.
- Your garage, shed, or storage room isn’t as safe as you think. Even if you have parked your bike in a “secure location” be sure to lock it to something. Bikes are commonly stolen from garages or shared basements.
- Document it! Take pictures of your bike, record the serial number, and where possible list your bike on your insurance.
- After you’ve done that, make sure to register your bike with Savannah Police Department and Bike Index. The Bike Index makes stolen bikes harder to sell and easier to recover by making sure important information about your bike is there when you need it the most. The process is simple, secure, and free.
View our map of bike racks in Savannah here:
This blog post is produced thanks to support from the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety.
Halloween Safety Tips
Everyone loves a good scare on Halloween, but we also want it to be a treat! Whether you’re out with your little ghosts, goblins and vampires or heading out on your own adventure, below are steps you can take to make sure the little trick-or-treaters make it home ok.
On average, children are more than twice as likely to be hit by a car and killed on Halloween than on any other day of the year. More kids out on our streets = more opportunities for potential collisions.
Below are our top tips for Halloween Safety:
- Adults, join kids under age 12 for trick-or-treating. For older kids, make sure they have a designated route, time/place to meet up, and a cell phone to get in touch if needed.
- Carry glow sticks or flashlights, use reflective tape or stickers on costumes, shoes and bags, and wear lighter colors (if possible) to help kids see and be seen by drivers.
- Remind kids to cross the street at corners or crosswalks wherever possible. Look left, right and left again when crossing and keep looking as you cross.
- Always walk on sidewalks or paths. If there are no sidewalks, walk facing traffic as far to the left as possible.
- When selecting a costume, make sure it is the right size to prevent trips and falls. Try out all pieces of a costume before Halloween to make sure your kid can move freely. And choose face paint over masks when possible, as masks can limit children’s vision.
- Remove tripping hazards to keep your home safe for visiting trick-or-treaters. Check outdoor lights and replace burned-out bulbs, and sweep any leaves from sidewalks and steps.
Driving Tips:
- Drivers – slow down and be alert! Turn on headlights earlier in the day to spot kids from further away.
- Avoid driving through densely populated neighborhoods between 5-9 pm (or if you do, be prepared for delays.) Many neighborhoods post trick or treating maps which may help you plan your route.
- Avoid any distractions. Even if you’re using hands free devices, avoid any phone calls and lower your music/drive with windows down if possible when in neighborhoods.
- Take extra time to look for kids at intersections, on medians, and at curbs.
- Enter and exit driveways and lanes slowly and carefully.
- Wait behind other vehicles that are pulled over – do not go around. They may be dropping off a group of children who could be coming out on both sides of the vehicle.
- If you’re partying, stay sober or find another ride home.
Signaling & Scanning
You should always let others know when you are turning, changing lanes or stopping — both for safety reasons, and because it’s the law.
While cars and motorcycles have devices built in, like turn signals and brake lights, we have to rely on our arms to signal our intent on a bike.
Signaling
- Left Turn: Fully extend your left arm out to the side.
- Right Turn: Fully extend your right arm out to the side or bend your left arm up at a right angle with your hand flat. Both are legal signals, and depend on your level of comfort with which arm you use.
- Slowing or Stopping: Extend your left arm at a right angle with your hand open and pointing down towards the ground.
Scanning
Scanning is the act of looking over your shoulder, and is a key part of riding anywhere. It helps communicate your intentions to others and also shows you what is happening behind or around you.
Pro Tip: It may be difficult to scan and maintain a straight line while riding. Start by practicing scanning on a stationary bike to see your range of motion. You may want to purchase a mirror to help if you have limited range. Once you start practicing on a moving bike, if you have trouble maintaining a straight line you may want to try removing your hand (from the direction you are scanning) from the handlebars and place it on your lower back. This helps prevent your body from fully turning and pulling the handlebars. And make sure to keep peddling while scanning!
Scanning should be used in conjunction with signaling — you should scan before any turn and before making any signal.
This blog post is sponsored in part by a generous grant from the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety.
Fall Bike Sale
We’ve got bikes for sale!
Weather permitting we will host our Fall Bike Sale on Sunday, Sept. 10 from 1-4 p.m. at 1301 A Lincoln St. Browse used bikes refurbished by the New Standard Cycles crew for an affordable price!
Looking to build up your perfect bike? We may have the perfect part or frame to complete that build that’s been sitting in your garage.
All proceeds from the sale go to our New Standard Cycles program, which works with service agencies and nonprofits to provide bikes for those in need of reliable transportation.
Email info@bikewalksavannah.org with any questions about the sale. Cash, card, Paypal and Venmo will be accepted.
Driving Safely around People Biking
Savannah’s level topography, dense urban form, and warm weather make it a great place to get around by bike. However, Savannah also has a high rate of traffic crashes involving people on bikes.
Tips for Safe Driving Near Bicyclists
React to bicyclists as you would any other vehicle. You wouldn’t drive inches next to another car, so why would you drive so close to a person on a bike?
Don’t park in bike lanes or blocking access to multiuse paths. It may just be “for a minute”, but that minute could be the difference in someone biking safely to their destination and being put in unnecessary conflict with another driver.
If there is oncoming traffic, slow down and wait to pass until traffic clears.
- Check for bicyclists in your blind spots
- When driving a larger vehicle, allow extra room for mirrors, extended wheel wells, trailers, etc.
- Large profile vehicles can create a windblast, which can knock a bicyclist off the road
- Return to your lane when the bicyclist is in your rearview mirror
- Do not attempt to “squeeze by”
Do not past a bicyclist before a red light or stop sign, hill, or immediately before you make a right turn.
Give at least 3 feet of space! According to the updated 3 ft to pass law, updated July 2021:
- A driver passing a person on a bike should change lanes if road and traffic conditions allow
- Includes allowance to pass on a double yellow when conditions are safe to do so
- No passing into blind turns, blind hills, or oncoming traffic
- When it is not safe to change lanes, a driver is required to slow down to 25 mph or 10 mph below the posted speed limit, whichever is greater, to execute a safe pass within the lane and shared space
- Violations of the law carry a maximum fine of $250 as a misdemeanor offense
- Under Georgia law, a video recording of an act is valid as a witness for enforcement of violations
Don’t drive distracted or under the influence. Again, it’s the law!
Consider driving conditions. Whether it’s raining or sunny, there’s something happening that can influence your driving. Make sure to slow down or give yourself extra room if you need it, and consider pulling over rather than powering through if conditions are dangerous.
Avoid illegal courtesies, like encouraging someone to ride through a stop sign in front of you. They may be able to see further down the street than you, or may take more time to get rolling, which can cause everyone to get frustrated.
Know where kids are biking. Children may not know the rules of the road so slow down and pay extra attention when driving in areas where children can be expected.
Interested in learning more about being a Bicycle and Pedestrian Friendly Driver? Sign up for an upcoming class or view our webinar here!
This blog post is produced thanks to support from the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety.
What to do if you’re in a crash
If you have the misfortune of being involved in a crash, it can be overwhelming and you may not know what to do. When your blood is pumping, your mind is racing, and you may be injured, the last thing you want to do is have to Google what to do. Below are our steps for the best actions to take after a collision.
Before we start, we always recommend carrying your cell phone, ID, a listed emergency contact, and something to write with/on in case your phone is broken. A bracelet like a RoadID can provide your information, emergency contacts and allergy information if needed.
- Do not immediately move – you may be more injured than you think.
- Dial 911. Request the police and an ambulance to your location.
- Leave your bike in the same state it was after the crash. Take pictures of the scene, including your bike, any damage to yourself, damage to the motor vehicle, and license plate number.
- Obtain the contact information of any witnesses.
- Always wait for the police to arrive and file an official report.
- Get the business card of the officer. Write your report number on the card in addition to getting a copy.
- Immediately seek medical attention. When in doubt, go to the ER!
- Never negotiate with the driver of the vehicle at the scene of the crash, regardless of who may be at fault. Get the driver’s name and their insurance and contact information, along with the names and contacts of any passengers. You may discover additional injuries or destruction to property after the crash.
- Make no statement to insurance until you talk to a lawyer.
Involved in a crash or want to report a close call? Submit your report on our website.
Data collected from the Close Call form can help us and agency partners assess potential conflict points and the frequency of near misses (or unreported crashes) involving bicyclists, pedestrians and motor vehicle drivers. Bicycle and pedestrian related crashes are under reported and this offers another way to address persistent issues.
If you have encountered a dangerous road hazard call 311 or visit our Report Hazards and Issues page. In an emergency, please call 911.
Riding bikes comes with risks — like all vehicles. If you have been in a crash involving a bicycle and aren’t sure where to begin, contact the Law Offices of Joseph J. Steffen, Jr. for a free consultation.
Joseph J. Steffen Jr is an avid cyclist who specializes in local bicycle law, and serves on the board of Bike Walk Savannah. His focus and passion is for safe cycling for you and your family here in the Southeast, knowing the challenges of working with police officers on their reports, and picking an unbiased jury panel at trial that will understand a cyclists right to SHARE THE ROAD.
Visit joesteffen.com/bicycle-law for more information.
This blog post is produced thanks to support from the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety.
Making your trip with Chatham Area Transit!
Combining your biking or walking trip with public transit can help make your trip more successful. Chatham Area Transit offers a lot of options to extend your trip and help you go the distance.
All of CAT’s fixed-route buses are equipped with bike racks so you can take your bike with you at no extra cost. No special passes or training are required, and each rack can hold up to two conventional bicycles so they are available on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Learn more about using the bike rack on the front of CAT buses by visiting their website.
Want to plan your route, but you’re not sure where your closest stop is located — or where the route goes? Check out the CAT Tracker to view stops near you and see up to the minute information on when the next bus is going to arrive.
Extend your route downtown — for free! Thanks to a partnership with the City of Savannah, CAT operates a free downtown transit system spanning land and water.
While biking downtown might be easy, it’s a little difficult to get across the Savannah River! The Savannah Belles Ferry system provides free passage across the River between the riverwalk and Hutchinson Island from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week, and bikes are allowed.
As always, make sure to follow our biking and walking tips to make your trip as safe as possible! Visit our Resources page for more information.
This blog post is produced thanks to support from the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety.