Today was day one in my new goal of riding my bike to work. I loved it! I found myself smiling for absolutely no reason as I was riding down the street just because it was so fun! I decided since I lost my parking spot at work that riding a bike would be better than paying to park downtown. 3 months of parking in the garage = the cost of my new bike.
Since I know nothing about bikes I decided to get one from The Bike Factory. The Charlottesville Bike Factory is tucked away right off 29 over by Snap Fitness and Giant. They’re really helpful and I felt like they knew what they were talking about. I picked a mountain bike since it seemed like the best fit for what I need. It’s lightweight and easy for me to carry up the steps when I get to work. And relatively inexpensive!
Perfect timing to start biking because google just released bike maps to their directions feature!
I need to read up on the traffic laws that apply to bicyclers. I know there is no helmet law, but what about at intersections when you’re stopped with cars and there isn’t a bike lane? Does the bike pull to the front beside the cars? Or am I supposed to wait in the line like I am a car?
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I never ride on streets, but here’s a good resource on Virginia bicycle laws.
http://www.virginiadot.org/programs/bk-laws.asp
Some interesting highlights:
Bicyclists are not permitted to wear earphones in both ears while riding a bicycle.
Bicyclists must signal their intentions to stop or turn.
Bicyclists may make left turns as either motorists or pedestrians do.
[Albemarle County requires that] Every person fourteen years of age or younger shall wear a protective helmet whenever riding or being carried on a bicycle.
Bicyclists must stop when they are in an accident involving death, injury, or property damage.
Bicyclists must not attach themselves or their bicycles to any other vehicle on the roadway. (Sorry, no Back to the Future style getaways.)
Every bicycle ridden between sunset and sunrise must have at least one white headlamp with the light being visible at least 500 feet to the front.
Very exciting Kelly! These are some helmets that are made to not look like helmets http://www.yakkay.com/Covers.aspx.
“lost my parking spot at work” sounds bad. In truth, we moved offices and the new office did not offer parking spaces. Are there not places on the mall to lock up bikes?
I think Charlottesville started a Bike Mentor program where they pair you up with someone who teaches you the rules of the road. You sound like a perfect candidate. Happy riding, Kelly.
http://www.transportationchoice.org/media.html
Love that you are biking to work. I think you have inspired me to do it
@daniel sorry! I didn’t mean to sound unappreciative of my old parking spot, our new office is cooler, I don’t mind not having a parking spot! and yes, there are plenty of places to park on the mall, I would just rather carry it up to the office, so it doesn’t get stolen. I just know too many people that have gotten a bike and almost right away it’s stolen. Just off the top of my head…the watsons and shields had bikes stolen right off their front porches, and they were locked to something.
@al thanks! that’s super helpful.
@jim thanks for the link!
@Cramer Photo Love it! maybe we can give Charley treats when she gets here if she doesn’t yank you off your bike? I’m so excited to have motivated you.
@francineeeey thanks for this! That’s really cool. Charlottesville is such a neat town! We miss you here!