How to bike in the city (tips for the bicycle curious)

"No Parties" by Fergus & Geronimo / itunes.apple.com/us/album/no-...
Video created by Daniel Penner / @heypenner
You say you want to get around the city without spending the $9,000 to maintain and operate a car each year, and maybe get some exercise while you're at it? You don't have that kind of cash. And you know, the planet. But those bike lanes can look pretty intimidating, with all the mustachioed hipsters on their superbad fixies, the spandex-clad adrenaline junkies, and the cars whizzing by.

[@TheIntlGamer]

Stuff I learned the hard way: 1. Don't leave your bike unattended or don't take it with you at all (some thieves are REALLY good). 2. On a return route, take the first part carefully - I drove over an oil spill on a fast and tight downhill street turn and got into a slide with car traffic right next to me. 3. When driving along a line of parked cars, slow down the first time you go there. Reason is, you will not know about the side streets because of the cars parked, AND the driver jumping out from behind the line won't see you. (driver jumped out cause she didn't see me and I hit her at full speed) -> car dented, bike damaged. 4. Watch out for cars coming out of driveways right past building corners where there are no driveway mirrors. 5. Shoelaces can get caught up in the drivetrain and make you fall, so pay special attention how you tie your shoes. 6. Some car drivers don't know the rules of the road (I shit you not), so when you're driving fast down the street and there's a car coming up from behind you and turning right (or left in England) - be ready that they might cut you off at the intersection. 7. Always wear eye protection; eyes are much more delicate then people think - read about eye floaters. 8. If you drive fast, wear gloves so you won't leave half of the skin on the asphalt if you fall off the bicycle, and use your hands to deflect the impact. 9. Side wind gusts can be strong enough for you to lose your balance, when you're coming out from behind a hill or building on a windy day. 10. Watch out for blinded car drivers cutting you off at sunrise/sunset. Common sense stuff: 11. Never listen to music on a bicycle in/near traffic - I avoided most accidents just by listening to my surroundings and acting accordingly. 12. Regardless of your speeds, choose a good quality helmet - cars can hit you at very high speeds, and most of the cheapest helmets are a life-threatening garbage. 13. If you share sidewalk with pedestrians, expect they will suddenly change direction depending on what's near them (for example to get to a garbage bin). 14. Slow down near children and keep away from them :)) 15. If you drive to work, take spare clothing in case you get washed by heavy rain. New stuff: 16. Depending on witch side of the road the traffic goes in your country, even on a bicycle path, stick to that side. Reason? E-bikes can go 45 kmph easily and you won't hear that guy coming from behind you and trying to pass you. 17. For the same reason, check behind you before you turn, even on a bicycle path.

[@ciyimoni5259]

John Doe Thank.you.so.much.

[@ciyimoni5259]

John Doe I have a question.I live in Turkey and I always ride on my side(I mean same with cars).Sometimes I have to look left and I need a mirror.Do you think I should get one?Some cyclists (idk theres a word like that ) say that I don't need it. NOTE: Turkey don't have respect for cyclists...We don't even have lines for bicyles. Thanks and sorry for the long question.

[@meganmcgowan5798]

Eylül, a set of mirrors is a very good idea. Many commuter cyclists (yes, that's the perfect word for someone who rides a bike) use mirrors. It's still good to actually turn your head sometimes because just like cars, bike mirrors can have blind zones, where a car might be behind you but just out of view of your mirror. No, you don't "NEED" mirrors, you can certainly ride without them. But they do come in handy sometimes, and if it helps you to feel a little safer and more confident, then by all means-- get some mirrors. Don't let anyone other than the law tell you what equipment you ought to have... if the law says you must have lights and reflectors at night, then yes-- get some lights if you think you might ride after dark sometimes. Helmets are good for safety and may be required by law. Same for a bike bell or horn. But anything else is up to you-- YOU are the cyclist, and it's YOUR bike. Do whatever makes you feel safe and makes you a better rider.

[@ciyimoni5259]

Megan McGowan Thank you so much for every single word. I'll buy a set of mirror and helmet, because for my own safety.But in Turkey there isn't any law that says we must wear helmet.Unfortunately, goverment or laws don't care about cycylist or bicyles. Again, thank you so much. Have a nice day🤗👋

[@SistahRev]

THANKS SO MUCH FOR THESE TIPS!!! 💐💐💐

[@Krommak]

How to bike in the city: [1] migrate to any city in Holland, or to Copenhagen in Denmark. [2] enjoy.

[@StephenCarlBaldwin]

Great video for overcoming terror of urban biking and learning to enjoy it. Very nice music track too that connects well with the narrative.

[@Schenectadont]

The Copenhagen turn is an option, if you don't feel comfortable turning left across oncoming traffic. Here's how you do it: 1. With the green light, enter the intersection in the rightmost lane. 2. Stop in front of the rightmost lane of the intersecting street. 3. Wait for the green light and go straight through.

[@EveryDayLifeChannel9777]

That was a guy at the end doing the tricks lol

[@VladaKusbach]

3:14 drive chain on left side :-)

[@robbiwan]

One of the best city biking guides. Thank you!

[@seattlebikewarrior]

I absolutely love everything about this. Thanks so much, Grist!

[@TheJackLasley]

This is amazing. Thank you so much for making this.

[@strawberryjam8625]

It's PERFECT, thank you so much for this super cool video ❤❤❤❤

[@A1ssb]

Was really nice. Waiting for some more video of this kind

[@pibk7932]

Awesome video! Congrats! Viva the urban cycling!

[@michelpouvoir1851]

Great video. Congrats from a fixie fan from Brazil!

[@xxretrocandyxx]

This video has genuinely made me feel less scared about riding in traffic. I am super excited to get a bike!

[@zodiacthumpdesigns9111]

This was awesome!

[@foxzs]

Fantastic video!

[@cyclery88]

2 things amazing about this video: - the acting of surprised faces was exquisite! - possible change to an alternate dimension at 3:14 in the vid as the drive train(chainrings/chain/cog) was on the opposite of standard side. I was half expecting the rider to also sport a goatee signifying said change in dimension.

[@LeadasTwoKings]

Great video!

[@ShailendraPaliwal]

This was such a happy video!

[@meganmcgowan5798]

I use an alternative method of signaling turns, and drivers here understand it better. I extend my right arm out for a right turn, left arm out for a left turn... right arm down 45 degrees for a right lane change or to indicate that I'm leaving the road (turning into a parking lot, for instance), left arm down 45 degrees for a lane change to the left. I'm in Texas and cycling is just catching on here little by little. Not many bike lanes yet, but they're coming along slowly. It's a lot better (in Dallas) than it used to be. We have a long way to go, but progress IS happening!

[@Milestonerides]

This is a great video. Informative and entertaining! I'll be sharing this on my blog.

[@TheMrswardy88]

This video was GREAT!

[@fadedQ]

great video thanks

[@osmith9212]

Excellent work! As a Seattle cycling enthusiast I couldn't be happier about this video.

[@jrrojas94]

Very good video on bike safety.

[@Sqvusz]

Well made video!

[@courtneycox6981]

what !!!!!!!!!! she jumps off the bike sooo cool she is the coolest person I've ever seen, or will ever see.

[@linguisticness]

This is one of the best urban commuting tips videos I've seen. I've been a passionate city cyclist, advocate, and sometimes community mechanic for the last 9+ years and really appreciate this. But the instructions for signalling a turn? That bent-arm thing is about 15 years outdated. You use whichever arm shows the direction you're turning nowadays.

[@sujoymallick958]

thanks it really helped me alot

[@janosmohacsi760]

She did not lock her bike... So bye bye bye my bicycle....

[@uniworkhorse]

Janos Mohacsi with a crap cable ye

[@KenTheAdventurer]

no one locks their bikes in Japan everyone's nice there

[@Ampersand1988]

No, pro cyclist don't lock their bicycles. I've seen cyclists leave their bicycle unlocked on the street to have coffee, and they're all wearing lycra with their cleats stomping on the floor.

[@dothakers]

Nice video!!

[@alainxps]

A very motivating video for the beginners, and a reminder for those who may lose his head off in the way!! Greetings for Guadalajara, in México!! you're doin' it right guys!

[@lalofissore2825]

Nice Video!!!

[@Myra1959]

It was fun watching.

[@samanthahahn6303]

Thats a good idea! I don't have one for my bike but I should get one, just thought I would mention it since its something a lot of newer bikers don't think of! Love your video though!!

[@RAKBAKX]

Lovely!!! I shared this amazing video on my bicycling group on Facebook: Beautiful Bicycles Beautiful People. THANKS!!!

[@Kirill3519]

Useful video)

[@KD-sz1sn]

LOL a stunt double XD 3:28

[@Flix-f6q]

Great video, awesome content and vibe! Apart from the fact that the bike misses lights and reflectors, I have nothing to nag on. Just one more thing: you don´t have a mirror, so always turn your head when changing lanes. Especially other bike riders can be very stealthy. Love it, please make more.

[@teundilles]

Chain cases! They are awesome.

[@seanjohnson5949]

This is great and fun! Let's make one for longboarding in the city too!

[@elliotsharron4477]

Nice dismount! Can you do a part 2 that covers locking?

[@TravisPetersheim]

This videographer must be a mastermind! Give this man a raise.

[@fabin233theboss]

bro why did i love this so gold lmaoooo

[@catjack90]

Ok I'm a cyclist noob and this video was great, I realize it's old but it's still helpful and fun to watch. I also realized that apparently I've been doing the Copenhagen turn out of instinct and it sounds better than how it looks asi I feel I just turn this way cause of fear of cars.

[@OlafThorbjorn]

VERY nice video. I'm subscribing and sharing. Just wanted to note that I would first check the bike, then suit up. It's pretty annoying to be in full gear, backpack and everything just to discover that you have to pump air into it or something.

[@jamesmorleyjmor5003]

good vid useful .

[@dedusgeo]

Love it. May I make subtitles of your vid it to Brazilian Portuguese?

[@larshalstrom3223]

Interesting that the red chain and chainring are on the right side of the bike in the beginning, but near the end of ride it shows them on the left side of the bike. Magic!

[@CoastalKite]

3:28 If I could dismount like that....

[@jamisonvalenta9792]

Great Video. Wish they'd mentioned proper locking practices (or locking your bike at all). As a car-free city cyclist for pushing 5 years, I've seen far more people knocked out of the bike commuting world by having their bikes stolen due to bad locking practices (or none) rather than being uncomfortable on the road.

[@santosrglz]

buen video de como iniciar en bici por la ciudad, que por cierto la rola de fondo esta buena

[@RobertPrinz]

This video is so great! Could I possibly use all or part of it during some of the bike safety classes our non-profit teaches in the SF Bay Area? We would give Grist credit, of course!

[@rozorfan091401]

This was filmed in Seattle so I had to like.

[@carb_8781]

this video was adorablee

[@thinkmilly]

This is fantastic! Have you thought to tour major cities and make similar videos? :D

[@familyaccount6491]

Why do you use your left hand for a right hand turn?

[@specialj99]

Nice vid. Pretty amazing trick at 3:28. Even more amazing to do it on a bike with brake cables. ;)

[@SM2099]

Is this song podsafe or copyright free? if not, how do you adquire tje rights. I can see this song in otjer vids or as part of a podcast.

[@ferozsiddiqui7924]

all the time i was thinking that she is kind of innocent and fearful rider but at the end she turn out an stunt woman.. bravo

[@Celestina4urluv]

if u look closely its a guy doing that stunt lol

[@nharris023]

And it's a different bike. Lol

[@morrowlong]

Is this necessary in Seattle though?

[@Maitimop]

I love this video! But I notice that she doesn't have a bike lock, and her friends didn't lock their bikes either. My U-lock is so big and heavy that I carry it in a backpack that makes me uncomfortable a and sweaty. Any suggestions for conveniently carrying a bike lock, preferably not in a backpack?

[@linguisticness]

Get a rear rack and some decent panniers. Not only will you no longer have your u-lock digging into your back, but no more back sweat and ache-y shoulders from carrying whatever you stuff in your backpack! =)

[@JuanManuel-id2tv]

You can buy a wire cable at Home Depot that has loops on the end. when not in use wrap in a circle intertwining the ends so it doesn't come apart then connect loops with a pad lock. carry on your handle bars. When in use simply wrap around your bike so that it is areas of the bike that it can't come off and secure with pad lock

[@haramassive123]

The more you bike, the easier it'll get. I use a 10-15 pound Kryptonite new york chain lock and originally I could barely climb at all, but now I can keep up with my cable-lock toting friends with my chain that weighs slightly less than my whole bicycle!

[@el.vende.hummus]

nice

[@harshbarj]

Actually both are used and acceptable. I myself use my right arm to signal right and my left for left. It just makes sense and is not confusing in any way. Even someone not familiar with hand signals should be able to guess at my intentions, unlike the way shown in the video.

[@Ua1Tube]

Cool video! | Класне відео! )

[@sortedtales]

Would you mind elaborating? What is the point if not to be aware of the many hazards and jerks on the roads while still enjoying and getting around in the best possible way?

[@timothybyrnes63]

I've been riding in Seatown since Y2K and have been spinning my wheels since approximately '77

[@queertales]

Nice video, but you should have included something about how to lock your bike properly. At the end it's locked to a fence with a lock you could probably cut through with a pair of scissors, and both wheels have quick release mechanism, but are left unlocked. Many people quit riding after they get a new bike and have it stolen within a week.

[@vincentdeguard4726]

queertales Agreed. Think in the case of this video their "security" is that they are in direct vision of their bikes and right by them so just something that stops a "grab & dash" is all that needed. In the real world though it as you suggest quite bit different.

[@bartvandewalle4253]

I sometimes leave my bike unlocked, but yes, you should be aware of where you do that. I had one bike stolen in the 2 minutes I turned my head from my bicycle to go and pay for my meal... I don't maintain my bike myself, so I don't need quick releases for my bike, the sturdier, the harder it will be for the opportunistic thief to steal your bike or wheels. So yes, I'd replace those quick releases as fast as possible.

[@locwenfilmstv]

Oh yeah the cool handle bar spin and then the bail out dismount is done by a stunt double by the way (@3:27), not by the actress, you can tell because she is wearing a olive green jacket while the stunt double is wearing a brown hoodie, the stunt double's bike is a fixed gear bike with a crossbar diamond frame and flat handle bars, hers is a mixte frame vintage bike with curved cruiser handle bars. You think I wouldn't notice? lol :P

[@sortedtales]

I believe the goal of this video is not to send people out into the streets naively thinking that they have a bubble around them and that everything will be fine. That would just increase the body count. And many drivers are a--holes - better to be forewarned than devastated by some of the most unbelievable behaviour one can imagine.

[@originalBouncner]

Americans are used to this as they learn it in driving school. I think it's still allowed to drive cars without blinkers (if they are really old) and as a driver you cannot signal a right turn with the right arm. Sure, pretty much nobody in Germany will understand this. I usually just do the right arm, what is also easy to see for a car behind me or right from me. The car won't see it if it is kinda left of me, but in this case a right turn shouldn't be a concern for the biker.

[@nemodot]

is that seattle?

[@andreavda]

this whole video is about being realistic, since bike lanes are nowhere to be found the lane is shared with the cars so you need to think in advance and be careful. If you're not careful enough then you might risk to injure yourself. Ask any serious bike commuter and he'll tell you to check your bike, to claim the lane and to stay away of the door zone, these are the basics principles for a commuter

[@ElliotGKnapp]

The upward hand thing is and has been for many years standard practice for motorcycles, cars and bicycles...I personally find it safer if more people adhere to a universal practice, and that's what I watch for as a driver, cyclist and pedestrian. Judging by most cyclists' behavior here in Seattle, though, adhering to universal traffic laws with which one disagrees is optional.

[@suvtropics]

That helmet is beautiful.

[@burntbagnet]

cool

[@Nomo_Popo]

Bikes don't get stolen in Seattle?

[@JonLikes2Jam]

i know someone who'd love this

[@Harmonikdiskorde]

If in Seattle, remarks about streetcar tracks / other hazards / sudden hills may be useful.

[@timothybyrnes63]

iif my bike is amenable 2 it I ride daily and am hoping 2 ride my 18 spd mt bk 2 SF next month

[@TechnoDann]

Here in Seattle, the law only requires a front light and rear reflector, and only when riding after dark. (You won't see me out after dark without front and rear lights, though!)

[@nhanlm0601]

when I see '.. but mostly, it's this', I cannot believe that it was not the classic T-bone accident.

[@BertUngerer]

... check quick clamping lever (0:11) and turn it against the frame to reduce hooking risk :)

[@BerndtTost]

"No Parties" by Fergus and Geronimo. It's in the credits at the end of the clip. :)

[@kboleather]

One thing I noticed. The cyclist did not make shoulder checks or scan both ways before proceeding through an intersection.

[@orkunkurun]

In İstanbul: Keep far away from the taxis, buses, dolmus', commercial vans, modified cars. Their drivers think they'll give extra points with defeating bicycles and motorcycles. The city has a bit bicycle lanes and they can't be used by cyclists because they're full of pedestrians.

[@seabus5473]

which city is that?

[@nowolves870]

It is Seattle ;)

[@fernandobrito889]

Then, could you please show us how we are supposed to do it?

[@alexanderabakumov80]

And where is your back view mirror? It can be easily mounted on a helmet...

[@metroidandroid]

Adoraria se no Brasil fosse assim :/

[@RoxClymer]

cycling as a means of transportation is getting a Lot bigger here in the US, and a Lot of them are doing things wrong I just encountered a guy the other day that stopped at an intersection, on the Left side of the Right turn lane, when he wanted to go Straight. a/o people are afraid to start because they don't know the right thing to do, This gives them the first step

[@harshbarj]

Some of us have grown out of this mentality! I myself ride no different than the dutch would. I ride a European city bike in normal clothes with NO safety gear (i.e. no helmet). I make traffic pass me safely by not giving them enough room in the lane to pass unsafely. After 7 years of riding like this I have yet to be hit and don't expect to.

[@teundilles]

Those things are regulated by each state individually.

[@jackieau123]

Lol awesome

[@JareNijkamp]

no saddle bag with extra tube tire levers and tool. gonna suck if ya get a flat. can even pick this stuff up from dollar stores now

[@vincentdeguard4726]

JairNijkamp Indeed...no excuse, likewise lights.

[@04smallmj]

Vincent de Guard You need lights in bright daylight because?

[@vincentdeguard4726]

04smallmj The same reason modern cars have "daylight running lights"...on a cycle flashing front lights attract attention for drivers as does "day-glow"/hi-viz tops. One has to "stand-out" from the background as much as possible.

[@shechshire]

+04smallmj If you're going to be riding on the road, having lights could save your life from distracted drivers. Also, thin 700c tires like her's pop very easily so it's either buy expensive protective tires or bring tubes, a pump, a tool for removing the tube, and gloves so you don't get your hands full of grease.

[@bartvandewalle4253]

Flashing lights attract more attention, but make it harder to estimate the distance someone is. That's why in the Netherlands, flashing lights are still forbidden (or at least, not enough to have the mandatory lighting).

[@Grist]

Of course, Robert! Thanks for asking. Let us know what your students think of the video.

[@sortedtales]

....I agree with you - you're absolutely coming from the right place. I disagree with helmet laws and I hope for a tidal wave of cyclists - the humble bicycle has the potential to put the human race back on the right track. But the reality is - at least in Toronto, cycling can be treacherous. (search 'Rob Ford on cycling' ...this is what we're up against). I get doored almost weekly (but I give myself enough room). Last week I hear "get that effing bike off the road". It's insane.

[@uniworkhorse]

Watch at 2x speed it's still understandable

[@alexinator96]

I live in Honolulu so traffic is awful. Beware of drivers at ALL times even if you have the right away. Especially on crosswalks off the highway. Some people just love to drive fast and be pricks. Beware of areas that you HAVE to drive in the bicycle lane. If you get caught on the sidewalk in those areas you can get a ticket. Just like Waikiki in Honolulu.

[@ZKrall]

song sounds like a british Parquet Courts..