As of May 15, Thunder Bay bike lanes officially opened, allowing residents to use allocated space on the street to bike to their destination. Biking can be a wonderful alternative to cars and buses, allowing one to stay in shape, take in the fresh air and enjoy the sights Thunder Bay has to offer.
For beginner or experienced cyclists, using bike lanes can seem like a daunting task. Before using the bike lanes, there is plenty to be mindful. Riders need to be aware of their personal safety, rules of the road and bike maintenance just to name a few. Fortunately, the Thunder Bay Public Library (TBPL) has plenty of resources to offer in this respect.
Before taking out your bike for the first time, it is recommended that a general inspection be performed to make sure everything is in working order. For a detailed approach to bike maintenance, check out Leonard Zinn’s Zinn & the Art of Road Bike Maintenance. This comprehensive how-to guides the reader from basic yearly maintenance to overhauls of drive trains and brakes.
Another easy to use, organized guide is Fred Milson’s, Complete Bike Maintenance: For Road, Mountain, and Commuter Bicycles. This exhaustive guide focuses on everything from basic maintenance to complex repairs. With step-by-step photos, this is a must for anyone looking to update or repair their bikes.
A terrific guide for young riders is Biking by Paul Mason. With great appeal to a young audience, Mason explores a variety of topics ranging from getting started to basic skill set, bike safety, health and fitness, all the way to bike stunts and tricks.
For those looking to start biking as a form of exercise, Bike Your Butt Off! A Breakthrough Plan to Lose Weight and Start Cycling (No Experience Necessary!) is a 12 week weight loss program that helps novice cyclers stay in shape while putting the gears to the grind. With topics ranging from rules and safety of the road, to nutrition, and proven training plans, this guide will without a doubt instill appreciation of the health benefits that come with cycling.
If you are looking for improvement or inspiration as a cyclist, look no further than seasoned rider Willard Peveler’s The Complete Book of Road Cycling & Racing. This multi faceted book is a must for recreational and competing riders. Peveler’s approach will help the reader improve their performance, with focuses on maintenance, fitness, nutrition and skill.
For further information on safe cycling, on May 27th Eco Superior will be hosting a safe cycling program at the Mary J. L. Black Branch Library at 7:00 pm. In addition, be sure to check out the City of Thunder Bay Active Transportation promotional and educational material Web site for more details on cycling in the city.
Petar Vidjen
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