How to Not Die While Bike Commuting 🪦

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0:00 - Beginner Bike Commuter Mistakes to Avoid
0:20 - 10. Not Checking Your Bike
1:17 - 9. Not Wearing a Helmet
1:46 - 8. Always Riding On the Shoulder
3:35 - 7. Not Checking Blind Spots
3:47 - 6. Being Distracted
4:36 - 5. Commuting During Rush Hour
5:08 - 4. Trusting Navigation Too Much
7:15 - 3. Not Knowing Where You're Going
8:33 - 2. Looking at Cars Instead of Drivers
9:43 - 1. Acknowledging Road Rage
11:28 - Sponsor: Wabi Cycles
#fixedgear #bikecommute

[@ricecakeFTW]

"You're on a bicycle. You already look dorky." Me: putting on my helmet

[@MichaelSheaAudio]

I'm glad you acknowledged that we live in a car dependent society in North America, as well as other places. The biggest danger to cyclists is cars. Cycling isn't dangerous, cars are dangerous, which means we should do our best to separate the two, and/or start to reduce the space and power that cars have over public roads.

[@tansytansy]

true, same thing in Russia, unfortunately. hope it gets better as people get smarter in the future lol

[@jsampson3672]

american city planning is terrifying 6:38

[@andy-xz2uk]

this is why i always ride in the middle, i don't give a shit if they keep honking at me 😂😂😂

[@wr0te0ff68]

I take the honks as encouragement

[@danieltesfaye8517]

@@wr0te0ff68The same with tailgating. I try to get them to bite the dust while I grow the gap and smoke them,

[@TBrownProductions]

I fear we are never getting fixie points back

[@thedailycyclist9295]

I know, been watching Zack for years, finally built up my first fixed gear and cant get roasted!

[@event4216]

fixie points are for people who depend on opinion of others....real cyclists ride whatever they've built up, what's working for them and what they like. I guess Zach is already there and just some stubborn fans can't get this fact.

[@wr0te0ff68]

​@@event4216 I completely agree but also sometimes it's fun to look at and poke fun/admire people's bikes.

[@event4216]

@@wr0te0ff68 Fun is legal, can't argue with that)

[@TBrownProductions]

@@event4216 lmao its not about being a -REAL- cyclist or not and Its not about getting the validation of others, it's about having a fun showcase of our fellow riders bikes. it's just about having fun with slight roasts.

[@woodenstick6968]

Hey. Seriously, this video is far more better than GCN.

[@docouchi7929]

GCN are for snobs with $10k bicycles

[@Nostalgiaforinfi]

Their fixed video with no foot retention 🤣

[@SaHaRaSquad]

That's not a very high bar

[@jasonparrish5204]

My best commuting tip is get the most obnoxiously bright lights you can find.

[@richardbently7236]

I swear by blue light, i always thought drivers were just aholes and just drove by within a foot of me. Ever since I switched to a blue light no one comes close, everyone passes me with space.

[@tansytansy]

@@richardbently7236 you reckon that's because of the association with the police lights? overall a cool observation but i'm confused

[@richardbently7236]

@@tansytansy I think it works just because blue lights are more noticeable/distracting. Green and Red Lights can fade into the background.

[@agrmbl]

Getting high-vis backpack helps a lot too. Grey/black backpacks are a bad idea for commuting.

[@richardbently7236]

Make eye contact, look at their mirrors and when passing cars that are not moving notice the direction of their front wheels to know where they want to go.

[@boriente]

Yesyesyes

[@pinoygal6232]

Merge out of the bike lane, behind cars, or get in front of them, never side-by-side at busy intersections. In the parts of the world where people drive on the right side of the road, a car turning right over a cyclist going straight/ right, is the most common accident scenario.

[@nyohaku]

1- limit riding in the dark and in storms. 2- wear bright clothing. 3 - quality grippy tires. 4 - fixed gear gives better traction and a sense of your speed 5- travel the same speed as cars in the inner city. 6- have an “emergency”brake ready (aka knee-saver). You can survive on the street 30 years, then collect Social Security. This.

[@tesmith47]

Better traction on a fixie??? Not sure of that

[@nyohaku]

@@tesmith47 it works for me, although I’m not sure why. Maybe because you are constantly feeling your rear wheel traction since you’re not braking from the rims or disks.

[@BiggCliph]

I’m about to purchase my first non-Walmart bike next week! I’m so excited to start commuting once I get my stamina up. I’m hoping I can find a better route to work because the most easily accessible one is on a 60mph road. A little nervous about that tbh!

[@tay-lore]

Build those leg engines!!! Good on ya! And definitely try to find a better route. There's gotta be another way to get there

[@steverussell8767]

Congratulations on the bike & the commute start! The good will outweigh the not so good; you will love it. You will find a better route. Exploring possible routes on weekend mornings in low traffic can help. You will definitely build up a library of alternate routes that will be less traveled. Some good comments here, using front & rear light at all times, bright clothing. For me plenty of hand signals including to following traffic and oncoming traffic at intersections, pointing, that I am going straight through. Keeping my speed "low" in heavy traffic has reduced my less than near misses by half vs last year (though I do miss the thrill of the old days...). Take care

[@korcommander]

I'm gonna be honest, they have some pretty decent bikes now. Check out the Ozark trail ridge 29 or the explorer g1

[@Aka.Aka.]

@@korcommander I have the explorer G1 and it's awesome!!!!

[@korcommander]

@@Aka.Aka. I'm right there about to buy even though I already have 2 bikes. I got a Schwinn junction myself and basically rebuilt it as a 9 speed.

[@iluvmyroom]

Born and raised here in Taipei, Taiwan. I’m SHOCKED you survived here during the pandemic. Love your channel btw.

[@farhanyudaputra6422]

if zach's city ever decides to build bike infrastructure, he should def get to be involved

[@drwigglechin]

My favorite thing about riding is finding interesting safe routes to new places. I drop pins on the maps to remember these paths in the future too.

[@notl33t]

originally, i thought this video was a little too harsh--but actually this is a very realistic, experienced take on keeping yourself as safe as possible.

[@Kevin_geekgineering]

very nice video, I 100% agree on all points, especially on finding paths and roads that are safer instead of using stupid google map, those navigation routing algorithm are designed for cars and they have no idea how dangerous they could be for bike commute,

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

Great indepth tips!

[@FirstLast-ml7yf]

Always take the lane to get out of the door zone, if you can. That means USE A REARVIEW MIRROR. And aggressive daytime running lights to relieve left cross scenario of opposing traffic turning left into you.

[@mattsmith7772]

Eye contact is everything! Don’t assume they actually see you, but use it to see if they’re distracted or their likely next move.

[@KosNeh]

I needed this video the other day, my untuned wheel buckled and locked into my fork and i went over the bar 😂

[@Cycleordie0879]

OUCH!! hope you didn’t break anything, stay safe out there

[@KosNeh]

@@Cycleordie0879 i need new rims since it's too bent to be aligned, and now im scared to use my bike HAHA

[@bknapp9728]

Hope you are OK. Getting back on the bike can be difficult too.

[@pinoygal6232]

-Been there, done that. No more quick release for me.

[@jonathangapay1724]

Great tips. I route my "roadie" route like that. Through small barangay roads between towns, avoiding main roads if possible. They tend to be quieter and there are less cars.

[@thesouthbaybikerider]

Great points…! Thank You!

[@alex-cg6hq]

bought a wabi thanks to your sponsoring and I have been having the time of my life every day when I ride it.

[@Horus-Lupercal]

Lol sucker.

[@juanar_97]

Not sure if people drive more carefully in residential areas. FortNine made a video stressing that people are less aware when they drive in those areas because habituation makes the driving experience more automatic than conscious. I drive both motorcycle and bicycle and I'm almost sure that if this applies to motorcycles, it must apply to bicycles as well, since the latter are arguably less visible than the former for a car driver.

[@docouchi7929]

3:19 I almost got in a fight with an idiot that honked and cursed at me, and in return I threw the bird… dude parked ahead waited for me, and wanted to rumble, I took out my heavy bike lock and cursed him off, he got back in and carried on … but you have to be loud when your riding In traffic

[@TheInfectous]

and if he had a weapon what was your plan? just be hospitalized/killed? is your ego really that important to you?

[@MisterSal9895]

In my city almost every vehicle has tinted mirrors so I don't bother trying to look at the driver.

[@jrnamida5470]

Thank you for this video, I find street riding can be crazy lots of time. Car and truck drivers do not expect you to be on a bicycle next to them...

[@jonathanporter5223]

For navigation, Google Maps has the option to choose a method of transportation, including riding a bike. It will avoid major highways/roads, and lean more towards bike paths or back roads, catering to a more bike friendly commute.

[@petkogeorgiev2103]

That's only supported in certain places. In other places (like my entire country) bike option does not even appear in the UI. It's probably because they don't want to risk recommending you take a certain path with your bike if they're not 100% sure it's safe.

[@godismeme272]

Trieye Rowing 💯 ❤

[@lilngin4704]

Zach what do you think about 90s mtb. A lot of people that kind of faded from the fixed gear scene sort of switched to 90s mtb suddenly lol.

[@davidbee9563]

My best tip is to behave like a car. When stopped in a line sit in the middle behind the car in front. Don't pass on the right at each light just to make the cars pas you again one block later.Move over before you turn left and make it clear what you are doing. Keep a line away from the curb and parked cars. If there is another parked car ahead don't give up a lane. Allow some room to react and trust your instincts if you sense danger. Communicate when possible but act when necessary. Avoid interaction with angry aggressive drivers. Most bullies are cowards but some are not. I had bubba in a pick up honk at me on a side street when he had to wait. Nearly took out an oncoming car passing me then stopped at the next 4 way stop and stand up half out of his truck swearing at me. As soon as he passed I slowed down to put some distance between us and waited for him to move on. Just let him look the idiot he was. The best way to annoy angry people is to be nice to them. Wave then wish them a good day. It will ruin their morning and keep you calm. Otherwise, cooperate when you can. At a 4 way stop, suggest the other person to go so you don't have to stop completely. Be decisive and make it clear what you are doing, then do it. Finally, do a reality check regularly. Aggressive riding can intimidate others but you are not super man. You will get squished like a bug if things go wrong. Live reasonably dangerously, but not mindlessly. I have lived over 50 years in a city of now 400 000 plus people with poor planning and little good cycling spaces. I ride where most people will not. Once commuting for over 10 years daily in all weather, including snow in winter, on the main road north/south. The intersection nearest to me has more traffic and accidents than most. I still enjoy riding fixed gear bikes and most days are uneventful.

[@MrHxCforever]

What front basket is that?

[@drizzleprism5826]

Was that Wicker Park footage?

[@felicetanka]

I lift my left hand with forearm perpendicular to ground as the car comes up to pass me, as a courtesy. This signal is also the signal for right turns.

[@Aka.Aka.]

1. have brakes

[@milesthomas1075]

I’ve crashed many times and I just don’t wear helmets. Don’t do what I do

[@bknapp9728]

My helmet has saved serious head injury for me multiple crashes.👌

[@Horus-Lupercal]

Stupid.

[@centipedekid9824]

Don't ride in NYC

[@Ferrichrome]

Driving in NYC is quite scary as well, at least on a bike you have a level of mobility to where you can’t get stuck like with a car. Going on a bike ride there soon and I’m interested to see what it’s like. Probably quite terrifying and beautiful at the same time, if it’s anything like Philadelphia and other cities I’ve ridden in.

[@ForGlory1]

I'm in nyc for the 5 Boro bike tour. It's the E bikers I'm more afraid of than cars

[@tay-lore]

Don't drive in NYC

[@damianmoca6718]

@@ForGlory1same in montreal

[@docouchi7929]

I’ve seen a chick on an E-scooter lose control and clip a cyclist before …

[@90210blackman]

Great video. I guess cycling in a different country would be different than cycling in America. Because over here in England, when it comes to road rage, if the cyclist raises his hand to say sorry (even if it’s not their fault), drivers calm down and it de-escalates the situation. I listen to music but that’s what I have mirrors for. To see behind me. It’s not blaring in my ears. I need to be able to hear a fast moving emergency vehicle behind me. But music helps. If you can drive a vehicle and listen to music then why can’t you do the same on a bike?

[@kobeldc3760]

The title alone is extreme

[@Nostalgiaforinfi]

Dying is too

[@vibe305]

I do wanna wear a helmet but sadly its so expensive in my country

[@sillygoosethe3rd52]

Bump for chicago

[@jamesjenkins8373]

CARBON FOR LIFE!!!

[@sempi8159]

No plastic bikes

[@tay-lore]

Carbon for 1 year! Then more carbon every year for the rest of your life...

[@jamesjenkins8373]

@@sempi8159 that’s right, there isn’t any difference between carbon fiber and plastic

[@sempi8159]

@@jamesjenkins8373 carbon cannot be recycled. It immediately turnes into hassardous waste once damaged. The main component of carbon fiber is resin. Resin is plastic. Carbon bikes are plastic trash.

[@Pianist203]

Seriously wear the helmet. I never thought I would crash on open road, and yet I just did by simple steering mistake. Front wheel off the pavement, and you know the rest. Accidents happen. Thanks for the helmet my head didn't touch the pavement except a slight scratch on a cheek.

[@davideoman1000]

Step 1: Live in a place that cares about cyclist lives so they have good bike infrastructure In all seriousness, great tips!

[@robmckee5295]

My son goes to SacState.

[@tay-lore]

Cars are stupid...

[@SedatedGhostwriter]

Point 8. Agreed, and this is an indicator of poor infrastructure planning by prioritizing high risk, low vulnerability road users (e.g. cars) instead of low risk, high vulnerability road users (pedestrians and cyclists).

[@Double.Tapp.]

Hey do a fish n chip

[@Poctschorn]

3:22 And if they see me, they're PROBABLY not going to hit me. I really hate to agree with this one

[@kcdiazWTV]

Its nuts to be listening to music during a bike commute.

[@Hollowed_Media]

Man. I wish I could afford a decent bike

[@suzanneslattery219]

So much death in this video 😮! Jk, good info for all cyclists!

[@Noah-vp4zo]

did bro just doxx himself?

[@Feli_Heli_]

Love when people flip me off even when we're right next to signs that say cyclists can take the lane :)

[@Horus-Lupercal]

Have you considered getting an interesting bike? :^)

[@psychoaiko666]

Nope not gonna happen, I am dutch, I will not ever wear a helmet.

[@Horus-Lupercal]

Stupid.

[@xerxes4779]

I hate wearing a helmet, it looks dorky. I look like a mushroom 🍄

[@Horus-Lupercal]

You'll look lamer in a hospital bed with brain damage.

[@Joser167]

Looking like toad from Super Mario > Brain damage. It's weird to me how fmsome people are so weird about appearance.

[@sir_jerhyn]

I've been riding with music for years! In the rain I'll take them off while delivering.

[@andy-xz2uk]

same, makes it more enjoyable

[@thecatsonholiday5932]

Who wants to see my bike?

[@bknapp9728]

San Antonio streets have become increasingly dangerous for cyclists.

[@MisterSal9895]

Why? I visited there and it seemed nice to cycle over there.

[@bknapp9728]

@MisterSal9895 the Greenway trails all around town are awesome! We are fortunate to have them. However, the cyclist fatalities are increasingly more frequent for bicycles on the road.

[@MisterSal9895]

@@bknapp9728 I see

[@korcommander]

Getting hit by a car at a billion miles an hour, a helmet is just a device to prolong your suffering.

[@alexcurran186]

saved my life. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ Good luck out there.

[@mannyorozco842]

Once you break a helmet or two you’ll realize it’s easier to replace than a skull.

[@korcommander]

@@mannyorozco842 If you look at the data, you'll realize that helmets make no difference in mortality while riding for transportation. The number one factor on whether you get iced on a bike is the time you spend riding around cars. A helmet won't save you if you're dragged under a vehicle, pinned between 2 objects, or are slammed against a rock and having your liver burst. I do wear helmets but only when I'm doing something inherently dangerous like mountain biking.

[@refard]

@@korcommander Why should soldiers wear an armoured vest when a bomb would kill them right??11!

[@korcommander]

@@refard Because armored vests aren't there to to protect you from bombs. They're there to protect you from shrapnel and bullets. Hell, if you're within 5 meters of a grenade nothing can really save you. You can have all the armor in the world, the concussive force will still kill you.

[@johnharvey1356]

I never wear a helmet.

[@Horus-Lupercal]

Stupid.

[@iwatchyoutube523]

Some of these tips are ok, but the entire approach is anti bicycle. Weird take from a bike influencer.

[@refard]

the US is anti bicycle

[@TheInfectous]

You dying in the hospital: "but... I had the right of way" Sorry but I'm not going to be the accident statistic that influences policy makers to push bike lanes a few years sooner than we'd otherwise get them nor should anyone advocate for anybody else to compromise their safety just to prove a point. That's stupid.

[@iwatchyoutube523]

@@TheInfectous I don't give a hoot how you ride your bike. Nobody is arguing about who has the right of way. More sensible infrastructure leads to less deadly situations for cyclists. Some of these tips are ok. You don't need to die in the hospital or the road to advocate for better designed cities. That's stupid.

[@user-te4px3qk7l]

Genuine curiosity: what tips did you interpret as anti-cyclist?

[@staticdisaster]

Stop wearing huge backpacks LoL - it's dumb to have money and *not* buy a rear bike rack and a pannier. I guess you look cool carrying that uncomfortable 10lbs on your back.

[@mysticsamus]

gets very sweaty too!

[@krzysztofkolodziejczyk4335]

1. don't commute on a fixie. 2. if you must commuting on a fixie install at least front brake. 3. but really don't commute on fixie. use it for fun, and proper bike for work.

[@scentlessapprentice7643]

Why would I not commute on a fixed gear? Its not inherently more dangerous, if anything it gives you better control of your speed.

[@steverussell8767]

You have a good point. But; fixed gear, for me, involves constant looking, anticipation, confirmation of being seen, speed control, always having an out (a hard right turn at low visibility intersections). It has made me a better, more constantly aware trad bike rider. No doubt, a good deal of energy goes into avoidance, it seems so busy out there now that it is hard to fast-move in the urban environment.

[@Pianist203]

Yep, don't commute on a fixie, commute on a proper fixed gear bike. 👌