Anyone rode across the country on bicycle?

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BlindedByR

Did you go out AND back on bike? What routes did you take? the south? Cali coast? the Rockies? I am planning and training to do it in a couple of years? Any tips? Feel free to email me.
No links please. I've done alot of research already. Personal experiences and feelings only.

Answer
I rode from Vancouver, British Columbia to Northern Ontario. I took the Trans-Canada highway in 1998. I didn't really train, or know how to ride a bike at the time, but somehow I managed. Training is definitely good, because a few years later, I rode a stretch in the Rockies with training and was amazed how "easy" it was.

Are you planning on doing a supported trip or are you going to carry your own stuff? Supported would be easier, but carrying your own stuff is more admirable. I did that.

Some tips:
- Pack as light as you can, after you've lightened your load, lighten it again and THEN, put back some underwear.
- Always check your tires and brakes before you ride, some smart asses may disengage your breaks when you leave your bike locked up in a small town
- Carry pepper spray for rural dogs and keep it handy (never had to use it, but it was good to know it was there)
- Put sunscreen on your forehead and face/jawline if it's sunny, otherwise by the end of the trip you will have tan lines from your helmet and straps and look like an idiot.
- EAT! EAT! EAT! You will always feel like you've had enough, but you haven't. Eat more. Eat all the time.
- Eat right. No fried foods, they'll ruin you. Eggs are pretty bad too. For me, red meat and ice cream were really beneficial. The best meal for energy and endurance was oatmeal in the morning. Bagels are good staples. Trail mix was useless. Kind of heavy, bulky, hard to eat, taste really gets to you, and not enough fast energy.
- If you think you might have to do the #2, wait until you go before you ride. Riding with full bowels is excruciating.
- I will assume that you've researched what tools and parts to carry. Remember too, depending on where you're riding, you can often buy stuff as you need it.
- Have enough water! I put triple cages on my bike AND strapped water bottles on the rack. You can not always be sure that there will be water available. You might encounter an outhouse instead of a washroom facility at a park.
- Carry chemical bug repellant (I tried to go natural, not good). Also a small bottle of citronella oil that can be sprayed is useful. Citronella oil doesn't last long, but if you spray a cloud around you, it will give you enough time to put on the DEET before the horse flies and mosquitos eat you up.
- Buy a tiny portable radio, emphasize TINY, and bring it with you. You will need this to catch weather forecasts.

Most importantly, enjoy the scenery, enjoy the people you meet and the towns you encounter. I saw way too many people trying to ride as fast as they could and they missed out on all of the experiences along the way.

How many ride a bicycle at night?

Craig M

Do you follow the correct safety rules and if not why?

http://sportales.com/cycling/dark-rider/

Answer
I commute by bike & ride at night often and all year long (including snow)

I wear appropriate clothing, my shoes, gloves, shoes, Camelback, and helmet all have reflective material on them. I have a red flasher under my seat, and 2 on my Camelback. I have a JetLite headlamp that's as bright as a car's light.

I see cars without their lights on all the time. If the driver forgets to turn his light on, reflectors are useless. That's why flashers & lights are very important.

If anyone hits me and says they didn't see me, they are either drunk or legally blind & shouldn't be on the road.

Even with these precautions, I have cars buzz me & cut me off all the time.

I also get annoyed by people I see every night riding wearing dark clothing, no lights or reflectors, and no helmet. They're invariably riding on the sidewalk, against traffic, and running stop lights.

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Should I travel in a car or bicycle which is safer?

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boxstercas

Travel in a car 6 miles with a bad tie rod end and very bad wheel bearing (wheel will fall off, lock up causing crash, with no insurance) or should i ride my bicycle @ 20mph down the 35mph road with out a helmet? Which is safer?

Answer
Probably the bike is safer, simply because there aren't things to break that would hurt you. (I'm assuming the bike is in good shape.) A 35 MPH road is a fairly decent road for riding.

Of course, the more interesting question of whether riding in a car versus a bike in terms of safety is hard to objectively study, mainly because it's difficult to obtain quality data on the number of miles traveled by bike out there. Certain (not too reliable) studies have suggested that travel by bike is between equally safe up to 10X as dangerous as travel by car. Of course then there are the issues about how skilled the rider is, and health benefits, and so on that are ignored in the analysis.

Is being allergic to bicycles a serious enough topic to ask about here in Y!A?

Super Midg

A few minutes ago, a user posted an answer telling me to ask question that really matters.
Don't you think that being allergic to bicycles matters? It can have serious consequence. I get two-tyred all the time with no energy to do anything.

Answer
Thats tool bad.I am not afendered by such questions.He's just trying to put a stick in your spokes.He should get a handlebar on life & realise that you can't helmet if you are allergic.He should rack off & mind his own beeswax.

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Whats the best thing you've bought with a dollar this year?

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tambourine

I suppose it doesn't have to be this year, but i'm looking for things that are from a store. If you got something prior to this year or something from a yard sale for a dollar you can include that too.

Answer
This year I bought a tomato plant that ended up growing huge and has probably given us twenty pounds of tomatoes so far and it's still going strong.
Last year I bought a bicycle helmet at a special sale through the fire department. My brother was going mountain biking and borrowed my helmet. He fell and hit his head on a rock. That helmet saved his life. (Of course we had to throw the helmet away after that but it had served it's purpose.)
A few years back my nephew bought a rat for a buck, taught it all kinds of interesting things and won a science contest that helped him get into the college he wanted to go to.
I've got a family member that bought a house for a dollar from a church that wanted the building moved off of it's campus. When the town reviewed the permits they found the house was on the historic register which not only made it more valuable but also dictated that it could not be moved. The family member donated the building back to the church and was able to get a tax credit for charitable donation of almost $20,000. (Too bad that family member is already rich.)

im just getting started mountain biking and i was wondering if the ellsworth truth was a good bike?

Jake

Answer
Heck yeah the Ellsworth Truth is a good bike! Check out reviews online (mtbr.com bicycling.com etc), you'll see how Ellsworth riders love thier bikes.

Ellsworth are not cheap though, they cost a bit more than your average mountain bike. They are serious bikes and if you can afford it, why not? Just save some of that money for bike gear like a good helmet (never go cheap on head protection), padded bike shorts, gloves, socks and shoes.

Good luck, stay safe and have fun.

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What is a good, reasonably priced motorcycle helmet for a beginner?

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trickyredc

I am just starting to get into motorcycles and am going to buy a helmet soon. I want one that is DOT and Snell approved but I am unsure of the good brands in this world. Any suggestions to helmets that are good quality but won't absolutely break the bank? Appreciate the help.

Answer
The big motorcycle magazines do an article every year or two where they buy a bunch of helmets and submit them to an independent testing lab and report on the results. What they find is that all helmets protect about the same, you pay more for features and comfort. In fact the best are often the cheapest, ABS helmets (though they're also the heaviest).

The article always has some kind of graphic to show what percentage of impacts come from what directions, and (I guess not surprisingly) about half of the impacts come from the front. So a full-face helmet is best. A half-helmet is like locking two doors on a four-door car.

Now the next thing will get a lot of people mad at me. About 95% of accidents are falls. You don't run into a wall or off a cliff, the bike falls over. You might be going 70 mph, so you'll slide a ways, but the fall itself is almost always the same, a five-foot fall. The DOT helmet is designed for this intensity of impact. It's designed for street riding. Snell helmets are designed for racing, where you have bigger impacts, so the foam in the helmet is a lot stiffer. And it may not protect even as well as a DOT helmet on the street. OTOH Snell helmets must be certified by a lab while DOT is basically on the 'honor system'.

What bike should I get for my first motorcycle if I drive a lot on the highway?

Jeff P

I'm going to be getting a motorcycle in the next week and I would like to know which bike would be the best for me to get. I have to drive on the highway and the speed limit is 65 and a lot of the people go atleast 70-75 so I just want to make sure that the bike would be able to handle that. I haven't had a bike before so I would like to get something that looks nice and is both beginner friendly and can still hold it's own. Thanks!

Answer
I like the small, lightweight, nimble, fuel-saving, yet fast, good-looking Ninja 250.

I cruise at 70-75 all of the time.

Right now is now a good time to find a good used motorcycle at a great price... wrong time of year, but a used bike is what you need if this is your first.

If you buy this bike from a dealer - DO NOT GET THE EXTENDED WARRANTY - you don't need it on this bike, and if you find this one with the additional warranty paid for, check into canceling it and getting some money back, I did!

Remember - the day you buy the bike is the day you need to have all of your protective gear in hand. Helmet, gloves, proper footgear, protective jacket & pants. It only takes one fall to wish that you were wearing them that day, so don't ride without proper gear. (I've replaced two helmets so far and it wasn't because they got old.)

Get some instructions from someone experienced on how to ride, then take the Safety Course!

Check out the website I've noted here, there's a lot of good info there. And by the way, you do not have to spend a fortune on a helmet. Check out the video noted below for the Scorpion 400 and get the additional dark smoke visor, it's great!

Be safe and "let the good times roll".

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Which of the following statements is true?

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Lily

A. Children being carried on or riding bicycles should wear properly fitted bicycle helmets.
B. All children three years of age or younger must use a restraint device when riding in a motor vehicle.
C. Over 70 percent of the deaths in car crashes could be prevented by using crash-tested child restraints.
D. Infant carriers or children's car seats must be used for children up to five years of age and younger.

Answer
true
true
true
and true

Where can I find an infant helmet for atv safety?

Girlz

I am trying to not only find a helmet for my infant but also a safety harness or something to make it safer for her where can i find this?

Answer
I don't believe that any company out there makes a helmet for an infant, short of a bicycle helmet that may fit. There is no company that makes a safety harness for infants, or a harness/seat belt of any kind for an ATV. Reason being, what if you need to bail off because you lose control? I know I would not want to be strapped to an ATV. I have only had to "ditch" once and if I hadn't, it probably would have killed me if I was strapped to it. To be candid, if you lost control and had to ditch would you want the infant strapped to it...pretty good chances your infant would be crushed, especially if you are looking at a roll-over or tumble situation. Many states have laws against passengers on an ATV unless it designed for that purpose (Polaris makes one for example) or vehicles like the Yamaha Rhino.

Long story short, you are looking out for your infant. If you are going "putting around" with her, get a small bike helmet unless the child has a large head, then you should be able to find a small helmet at a motorcycle shop. They make helmets for the little ones that race in the 50cc class, but those kids are normally about 5. Next option is get something like a Yamaha Rhino. You do not want to strap your child to the ATV.....Righting a rolled ATV isone thingg, but not with a crushed child attached to it. Sorry, I know it is not the answer you are looking for, but it is the truth.

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How can I teach myself to ride a bike?

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...

I'm 25 years old and I never learned to ride a bike.

Putting it simply, my dad never took my training wheels off. I had an ex bf try to teah me but he had me running into fences and cuts & bruises is not a good look for girls.

Nevertheless I really want to learn to add to my fitness routine. At work all the co-workers laughed at me in disbelief that I still don't know how to ride...But, whatever I want to teach myself.

Any suggestions?

(Please serious answers only)

Answer
take bike to
gently sloping grade

sit on bike

take feet off of ground
and roll down hill

this teaches you the mastery of
balance
....which is the secret
of riding a bike

http://www.helmets.org/kidteach.htm
http://www.sheldonbrown.com/teachride.html
http://bicycling.about.com/od/beginningcycling/a/teachtoride.htm

http://www.pedalmagic.com/?gclid=CNu55IP0yYsCFR86Sgodv2t6Ew
http://news.com.com/1606-2_3-6065966.html

What are the current regulations for Quads in Washington State?

Q. I would like to know the regulations for children under 13 for quads. Do they have to wear helmets, what are the size restrictions, what are road restrictions, eye protection, and licensing and certification restrictions? Any info will help i'm thinking about taking my family riding and need to know, thank you.

Answer
RCW 46.37.530
Motorcycles, motor-driven cycles, mopeds, electric-assisted bicycles â Helmets, other equipment â Children â Rules.

(1) It is unlawful:

(a) For any person to operate a motorcycle or motor-driven cycle not equipped with mirrors on the left and right sides of the motorcycle which shall be so located as to give the driver a complete view of the highway for a distance of at least two hundred feet to the rear of the motorcycle or motor-driven cycle: PROVIDED, That mirrors shall not be required on any motorcycle or motor-driven cycle over twenty-five years old originally manufactured without mirrors and which has been restored to its original condition and which is being ridden to or from or otherwise in conjunction with an antique or classic motorcycle contest, show, or other such assemblage: PROVIDED FURTHER, That no mirror is required on any motorcycle manufactured prior to January 1, 1931;

(b) For any person to operate a motorcycle or motor-driven cycle which does not have a windshield unless wearing glasses, goggles, or a face shield of a type conforming to rules adopted by the state patrol;

(c) For any person to operate or ride upon a motorcycle, motor-driven cycle, or moped on a state highway, county road, or city street unless wearing upon his or her head a motorcycle helmet except when the vehicle is an antique motor-driven cycle or automobile that is licensed as a motorcycle or when the vehicle is equipped with seat belts and roll bars approved by the state patrol. The motorcycle helmet neck or chin strap must be fastened securely while the motorcycle or motor-driven cycle is in motion. Persons operating electric-assisted bicycles shall comply with all laws and regulations related to the use of bicycle helmets;

(d) For any person to transport a child under the age of five on a motorcycle or motor-driven cycle;

(e) For any person to sell or offer for sale a motorcycle helmet that does not meet the requirements established by this section.

(2) The state patrol may adopt and amend rules, pursuant to the Administrative Procedure Act, concerning standards for glasses, goggles, and face shields.

(3) For purposes of this section, "motorcycle helmet" means a protective covering for the head consisting of a hard outer shell, padding adjacent to and inside the outer shell, and a neck or chin strap type retention system, with a sticker indicating that the motorcycle helmet meets standards established by the United States Department of Transportation.


RCW 46.09.117
Operation by persons under thirteen.

(1) Except as specified in subsection (2) of this section, no person under thirteen years of age may operate an off-road vehicle on or across a highway or nonhighway road in this state.

(2) Persons under thirteen years of age may operate an off-road vehicle on a nonhighway road designated for off-road vehicle use under the direct supervision of a person eighteen years of age or older possessing a valid license to operate a motor vehicle under chapter 46.20 RCW.
RCW 46.09.040
Use permit prerequisite to operation.

Except as provided in this chapter, no person shall operate any off-road vehicle within this state after January 1, 1978, unless the off-road vehicle has been assigned an ORV use permit and displays a current ORV tag in accordance with the provisions of this chapter: PROVIDED, That registration and display of an unexpired ATV use permit shall be deemed to have complied with this section.

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How can you distinguish Bicycle helmet with a Motorcycle helmet?

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Lizabeth Y

What is the exact difference between the bicycle helmet and a motorcycle as my neighbors son wants to drive a motorcycle with his bicycle helmet.I need to know any information .and if anyone can help regarding .it will be helpful.since i just want to let her know that its not safe and she needs to stop him by giving her the full information.

Answer
we should intelligently consider the proper helmet for the right sport, and enforce our decisions on the youth who can suffer these injuries.If they don't take care of simple things.There are helmets made especially for various activities. Bicycle helmets that are great for riding a bike for pleasure are not adequate for motorcycle riding. There are specially made helmets for motorcycles that encompass more of the head. Complete helmets that cover the ears are also necessary for dirt bikes, pocket bikes, and scooters. Many have face masks with eye protection included.

What kind of bicycle helmet should I buy?

jamie68117

I'm not really sure how much money my dad wants to spend on one. Probably no more than $50, but I'm not sure.

I tried on an adult helmet that we already had, (I'm guessing a men's one) but it was too big!

I think it'd be nice to get a helmet that has a little hole for a pony-tail, but it's not the end of the world if it doesn't have one.

I live in Omaha, NE, so we have quite a few bike shops, as well as a bunch of sporting goods stores.

I know we don't want to buy one off the internet. Should I go to a bike or sporting goods store, or just go to target or wal-mart?

Is there really a big difference between $25 helmets and $50 helmets?

OH and if an adult helmet was too big, should I get a youth size? Or a women's size? Or what?

I don't want it to be super ugly either. I'm a 16 year old girl so if it looks really ugly I probably won't have any motivation to wear it.
OH and I ride about 6 miles on a paved trail each time I ride, and I go about 4-5 days a week.

Answer
Any helmet you like and fits will work. They are all tested and approved meeting govt. standards. At 16 you will need an adult helmet. Some models offer universal fit, 1 size fits all. I don't like those. Find a model you like with s,m,l sizing. An exact fit is achieved by using the extra pads that come with most helmets. You should be able to find quite a few under $50.

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Do I really need to replace my bicycle helmet?

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CuriousRob

I've heard that after one accident, you should replace your bicycle helmet because any trauma to the helmet creates "microscopic" stresses that compromise its ability to protect your head. This sounds like a lot of voodoo hoodoo by bicycle helmet manufacturers who want to sell more helmets.

My helmet is several years old, and has sustained plenty of traumas, from a fall or two, to dropping the helmet on a hard surface, to everyday wear and tear. The thin, plastic casing has even completely come off the styrofoam frame, and I've simply glued reflective stickers to the styrofoam and continue to wear it. The plastic covering was SO thin that I have a hard time believing it was ever anything but merely cosmetic.

Come on...are the helmet manufacturers being alarmist just to sell more of their product? Isn't any bicycle helmet just a piece of styrofoam and straps? Do I really need to get a new one?

Answer
If the plastic covering has fallen off your helmet, it should be replaced. The covering is there for a very good reason. If you fall, the smooth plastic allows the helmet to slide on the pavement. Without it, the foam has much more friction and can cause injury if it "sticks" to the pavement. If you have fallen, each time your head hits something the foam compresses, absorbing energy and helping to protect your head. Once the foam has compressed, it can no longer absorb energy if you fall, increasing the chances of head injuries. It is time for a new helmet. Better quality helmets have the thin plastic bonded to the foam, which makes the structure stronger and more durable.

How much is a ticket for not wearing a bicycle helmet in California?

Felipe

I was riding my bike to school without a helmet and I was given a ticket. The officer told me that I would be fined $50 and I would receive a ticket in the mail in 3 weeks. I finally received it and the fine said $197. I went online to the official website of California, SKIP DOWN TO PART E. So what is the deal with this huge fine, when it clearly states a ticket cannot be or $25?

(a) A person under 18 years of age shall not operate a bicycle, a nonmotorized scooter, or a skateboard, nor shall they wear in-line or roller skates, nor ride upon a bicycle, a nonmotorized scooter, or a skateboard as a passenger, upon a street, bikeway, as defined in Section 890.4 of the Streets and Highways Code, or any other public bicycle path or trail unless that person is wearing a properly fitted and fastened bicycle helmet that meets the standards of either the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) or the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), or standards subsequently established by those entities. This requirement also applies to a person who rides upon a bicycle while in a restraining seat that is attached to the bicycle or in a trailer towed by the bicycle.

(b) Any helmet sold or offered for sale for use by operators and passengers of bicycles, nonmotorized scooters, skateboards, or in-line or roller skates shall be conspicuously labeled in accordance with the standard described in subdivision (a) which shall constitute the manufacturer's certification that the helmet conforms to the applicable safety standards.

(c) No person shall sell, or offer for sale, for use by an operator or passenger of a bicycle, nonmotorized scooter, skateboard, or in-line or roller skates any safety helmet which is not of a type meeting requirements established by this section.

(d) Any charge under this subdivision shall be dismissed when the person charged alleges in court, under oath, that the charge against the person is the first charge against that person under this subdivision, unless it is otherwise established in court that the charge is not the first charge against the person.

(e) Except as provided in subdivision (d), a violation of this section is an infraction punishable by a fine of not more than twenty-five dollars ($25).

Answer
Your fine is $25. However, California places all sorts of assessments upon fines, which raises the cost of a $25 fine to close to $200. (If the officer had been right that the fine was $50, that would have cost almost $300.) However, if you can honestly declare in court under penalty of perjury that you have never been cited for this offense before, the charge must be dismissed.

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What type of motorcycle should I start out with?

top rated bike helmets kids image

Tanner

I am wanting to get a motorcycle this summer and I don't know what would be best for me. I haven't ridden an actual motorcycle before (but have with my dad on his with him controlling it). I can see myself on various kinds of motorcycles and enjoying them. I can see myself on cafe racers, sporty motorcycles, enduros, rat bikes, and also standard motorcycles. The reason i think I would like a cafe racer is because they have that history with them that I find amazing and I like the look of them too, I can see myself on a sport motorcycle like a cbr 250 or a ninja 250 because I have heard that they are really fun to ride. I like how enduros can go off road but they tend to be expensive (or at least that I don't find any decent priced ones). Rat bikes(: I love how they have personality but they tend to be hard to come by that I actually like. I'm only 17 and I would like to point out that I do not like the idea of american chopper looking motorcycles or touring motorcycles. I want a motorcycle that won't make me look like another kid on a motorcycle. I'm thinking about racing some friends on it and I would like to add in a possibility of doing it off road too. I think I would be using it for some fun in lively towns most but not stunts. I wish to learn how to drift on a motorcycle too like in supermoto or moto rally kinds of ways but I want to avoid enduros as much as possible. I will also be using this for my primary commuting vehicle too. If you have any suggestions please help me out on this because I need an expert of some level of help deciding.

Answer
The first thing you have to do is make up your mind. Do you want to drag race? track race? go off road? race off road? commute? Each of these forms of riding require a different style of motorcycle. No one bike will do them all.

If you are thinking of "racing your friends" on public roads, just stop now and never get on a bike. Not only is street racing quite illegal (you tend to lose your license when the police catch you), but you give respectful riders a bad name, and your crashes cause OUR insurance rates to increase. Buying a race class bike, Like a CBR600, r6, etc makes you what we in the motorcycle community call a squid, which is not a compliment. It means you are just a child on a motorcycle, who is on WAY more bike than they can safely handle, and who also tends to ride like a jackass and get hurt or killed.

That being said...

The best bikes for beginners, and especially younger riders, are sub 600cc single or twin engine motorcycles.
Sport / standards include the ninja 250 ,cbr250, ninja 500, gs500.
Cruisers include the Shadow 600, shadow 750, vulcan 900
Dual sports / enduros are not as popular these days, but a street legal honda xr250, klr250, or classic enduros make great learning tools. Their insurance is the cheapest of the bunch too, which is something you should check before buying any bike.

About your age, keep in mind that until you are 18, you cannot legally own or insure a motorcycle, or any vehicle for that matter, it will have to be your parents bike with you being insured on their policy until you are 18. Just food for thought.

If you are serious about a motorcycle being your primary means of transportation, you should consider what kind of storage comes on the motorcycle you choose. You will need a place to store your helmet, armor jacket, cloves, some basic tools, and any odds and ends you pick up while running errands and such. This is where bikes like the klr250, or klr650 shine. Many second hand ones can be found with weatherproof storage in the form of saddlebags and top cases. I recommend locking luggage, so that your things can be secure when you are away from your bike. Keep in mind you will need a full set of quality rain gear for inclement weather, and you will be caught in inclement weather. Rain hurts above 40mph and I will leave it at that.

Based on what you mentioned, I would recommend a dual sport for your first bike. They are relatively cheap to buy, maintain, insure, and are quite durable. The capability to go on and off road keeps you from getting bored too.

If that isnt your style, a ninja 250 is the most proven starter bike in the united states. Tens of thousands of riders have learned to ride on them and the are one of the most economical bikes on the road.

For your commuting purpose, a cruiser is hard to beat. I used my cruiser with a windshield and saddlebags for 1 year in college and can attest to the practicality of them as your main method of transportation.

Please rate my english paper. I just would like to get some opinions?

Clyde

Its suppose to be a paper about a place that has defined me. Its for an english-101.

Throughout my life there have been places that defined me as a person. The house I lived in during my childhood is an example of one of these locations. I lived in the suburbs in a house with a giant backyard. The backyard was roughly an acre. It has so much clarity in my mind; itâs very easy to remember the long days I spent in that giant backyard as I was growing up. As a youngster this backyard had many effects on me. I formed strong family morals and values as well as enjoying many different influential events.
So many memories stem from this one location. I first learned to ride my bike in this backyard. The entire backyard was one giant slopping hill, and I would climb, with my bike to the top, and roll down. Although for no particular reason I was scared to put my feet down on the pedals. If you happened to catch me riding my bike down the hill at that time you would see a child with a big helmet on, speeding down the hill, with his heels high in the air and braking sharply before he reached the fence. It was quite a humorous site according to my mother.
I was very content with just gliding down this hill. It was rather bumpy as I remember, and one would get a sore bottom after a long day of riding bike. Eventually I learned the art of riding a bicycle (pedaling and all) thanks to a very perseverant dad. My father spent many evenings with me in the back throwing a football back and forth until the sun was barely breaking the horizon and the sky was turning orange. I was the quarterback on the team that he coached, so it was a very nice bonding experience.
He also constructed a tree house for my sister and I to use up all our energy playing with. My sister and I also had many bonding moments associated with this tree house. We would spend long days playing in it with friends and family. Every boy needs his own tree house; a place where he can escape and go to his own world. There was plenty of that when neighborhood friends would come over and we would pretend that we were firefighters.
My dad had put in a long firefighter pole for us to slide down. Any given evening you could look out and see kids running around in their own world dousing the raging fires in the backyard. Along with the tree house there was a giant limestone rock in the backyard. This giant limestone rock contained fossils of small crustaceans and plants. It was always a baffled me. I perhaps played more on this giant rock than I did in the tree house.
That backyard and the experiences that come with it mean a lot to me. I forged good family values and morals along with memories that I constantly find myself daydreaming and reminiscing about. I learned to ride a bike, made many lifelong friends, and spent a lot of time with family in this backyard. All these different experiences helped define me as a person. I drive by that old house every once in awhile on my way to a friendâs house. The tree house is gone but I always have a spark of emotions and a flood of memories every time I see it.

Answer
What do you mean by rate it?
Out of ten or something?
Or do you want actual english grammar and proof-reading feedback?
Or our personal opinion about whether this story is boring or interesting?

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In California, what is the penalty for getting a citation for not wearing a bicycle helmet when I'm 16?

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Anonymous

today me and my friend pulled over by a cop because we weren't wearing our bike helmets, and he gave us both citations. he said that we would get a letter in the mail from the court telling us what we would do, and for us to show the ticket to our parents. what happens? what is the penalty? what is the court going to make me do?

Answer
To answer your question:
Youth Bicycle Helmets: Minors
California Vehicle Code 21212. (a) A person under 18 years of age shall not operate a bicycle, a nonmotorized scooter, or a skateboard, nor shall they wear in-line or roller skates, nor ride upon a bicycle, a nonmotorized scooter, or a skateboard as a passenger, upon a street, bikeway, as defined in Section 890.4 of the Streets and Highways Code, or any other public bicycle path or trail unless that person is wearing a properly fitted and fastened bicycle helmet that meets the standards of either the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) or the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), or standards subsequently established by those entities. This requirement also applies to a person who rides upon a bicycle while in a restraining seat that is attached to the bicycle or in a trailer towed by the bicycle.
(b) Any helmet sold or offered for sale for use by operators and passengers of bicycles, nonmotorized scooters, skateboards, or in-line or roller skates shall be conspicuously labeled in accordance with the standard described in subdivision (a) which shall constitute the manufacturer's certification that the helmet conforms to the applicable safety standards.

(c) No person shall sell, or offer for sale, for use by an operator or passenger of a bicycle, nonmotorized scooter, skateboard, or in-line or roller skates any safety helmet which is not of a type meeting requirements established by this section.

(d) Any charge under this subdivision shall be dismissed when the person charged alleges in court, under oath, that the charge against the person is the first charge against that person under this subdivision, unless it is otherwise established in court that the charge is not the first charge against the person.

(e) Except as provided in subdivision (d), a violation of this section is an infraction punishable by a fine of not more than twenty-five dollars ($25).

The parent or legal guardian having control or custody of an unemancipated minor whose conduct violates this section shall be jointly and severally liable with the minor for the amount of the fine imposed pursuant to this subdivision.

(f) Notwithstanding Section 1463 of the Penal Code or any other provision of law, the fines collected for a violation of this section shall be allocated as follows:

(1) Seventy-two and one-half percent of the amount collected shall be deposited in a special account of the county health department, to be used for bicycle, nonmotorized scooter, skateboard, and in-line and roller skate safety education and for assisting low-income families in obtaining approved bicycle helmets for children under the age of 18 years, either on a loan or purchase basis. The county may contract for the implementation of this program, which, to the extent practicable, shall be operated in conjunction with the child passenger restraint program pursuant to Section 27360.

(2) Two and one-half percent of the amount collected shall be deposited in the county treasury to be used by the county to administer the program described in paragraph (1).

(3) If the violation occurred within a city, 25 percent of the amount collected shall be transferred to and deposited in the treasury of that city. If the violation occurred in an unincorporated area, this 25 percent shall be deposited and used pursuant to paragraph (1).

Added Ch. 1000, Stats. 1993. Effective January 1, 1994.
Amended Sec. 6, Ch. 674, Stats. 1996. Effective January 1, 1997.
Amended Sec. 1, Ch. 475, Stats. 2002. Effective January 1, 2003.

http://www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/vctop/d11/vc21212.htm

some further info...for future reference:

Bicycle deaths by helmet use, 1994-2005

No helmet Helmet Total*
Year Num % Num % Num
1994 776 97 19 2 796
1995 783 95 34 4 828
1996 731 96 27 4 761
1997 785 97 23 3 811
1998 741 98 16 2 757
1999 698 93 42 6 750
2000 622 90 50 7 689
2001 616 84 60 8 729
2002 589 89 54 8 663
2003 527 85 57 9 619
2004 602 83 87 12 722
2005 673 86 76 10 782

What are the laws in California of using a Scooter of 108cc engine?

SolidSnake

I want to buy a 2010 Honda Elite 110 which has a 108cc engine.
I am wondering what are the laws of owning and riding that scooter.

Also additional: Do you need to buy insurance, and pay another fees?

Answer
See link below.

"A motor-driven cycle is a motorcycle whose motor displaces less than 150 cubic centimeters."

"Motorcycles, Motor-Driven Cycles, Motorized Bicycles/Mopeds (Section 406(a) VC ) - A helmet meeting Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 218, self-certified by the manufacturer and displaying a 'DOT' emblem must be worn by all riders of motocycles, motor-driven cycles, and motorized bicycles/mopeds."

"Motorcycle, motor-driven cycle, motorized bicycle/moped (Section 406(a) VC)

Must obtain an M-1 or M-2 endorsement on a driver's license.
M-1 allows the driver to operate a motorcycle, motor-driven cycle and moped
M-2 allows for operation of a moped or motorized bicycle only.
To obtain an M-1 or M-2 endorsement, the driver must:
Pass the appropriate written exam
Pass riding skills test (DMV will accept certificate of competence from an approved novice motorcyclist training program instead of skills test, such as the California Motorcyclist Safety Program).
If the individual is under 21 years of age, mandatory successful completion of a Basic Rider education course approved by the CHP is required, such as the Basic Rider course available through the California Motorcyclist Safety Program."
I am certain you will need insurance.
Good Luck

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Good first street bike for expierenced dirtbike rider?

bike helmet size 8 image

Matt

I'm 5'8 and weigh around 150lbs. I've been riding dirtbike since I was a kid to present. I currently ride a yzf250. What would you reccomend for the street.

Answer
There is a huge difference between trail riding and street riding. On the trails you don't have soccer moms pulling out in front of you or cutting you off with large SUVs. About the only thing your trail riding is going to do for you is that you will already understand the shifiting and the clutch. You also know how to balance the bike. These skills the average beginner learns in the first week of riding.

Buy something used and inexpensive for a starter bike.

Look for something old but not too old. You don't want something so old that it is a junker, but not something so new that you'll feel bad if you lay it down.

Look for something in the 500 - 800 CC engine size. This will be powerful enough so you don't get bored too soon, but not so fast that you will be afraid of it.

Look for a standard or cruiser bike for your first bike. They are more forgiving and usually have less power than a sport bike with the same size engine. Although cruisers are heavier than other bikes they have the lowest center of gravity and are easy to balance considering their weight. Stay away from the sport bikes for your first bike as they require more skill.

Going with a sport bike for your first bike is like getting a Formula 1 race car for your first car, not a good idea. Any decent sport bike can go from zero to deadly faster than you can say "Oh Sh**". Also used sport bikes tend to be more abused.

Consider the fit of the motorcycle. People come in all sorts of different shapes and sizes. So do motorcycles. When selecting a motorcycle consider how well it fits your body. Ask yourself how well you can put both feet flat on the ground. Ask yourself how well the seating position feels. Do you have to reach too far to the handlebars? Riding hunched over can get uncomfortable very fast. Is the foot peg location comfortable? Does the bike feel too big or too small? An uncomfortable motorcycle won't be much fun to ride for any amount of distance. However, a bike that fits you well will be lots of fun.

In general, cruisers will have a shorter seat height than most other bikes. You may want to consider this if you are a short person.

Avoid buying over the Internet. I would never buy a motorcycle sight unseen. You could very easily end up paying too much for junk. Always do a visual inspection and test ride before buying a motorcycle. When you go to look at the bike, bring a helmet. If you do not have your motorcycle license yet, bring a friend with a motorcycle license and 2 helmets.

Watch the classified section of your local news paper. Some locations have shopper magazines with used motorcycles in your area. Reasonably priced used bikes are out there. Be patient. Don't buy too quickly, but if you find one you like, buy it right away. Unfortunately, as the price of gas rises so will the price of used motorcycles. If you find a good starter bike, don't hesitate as they can sell quickly.

Don't get hung up on any particular brand. All of the name brands are about the same. Pay more attention to the bike's condition. If any one brand were really superior to all other brands, this would be the only brand bike on the road. In addition, if any brand bike was really inferior to the other brands, nobody would buy them and the company would be out of business.

Learn on this bike. Make your mistakes on it. You will make mistakes. Nearly all new riders will lay their bike on its side at least once. Would you rather make your mistakes on an older bike or your nice shiny expensive new bike?

The most important thing you should do when getting your first bike is to take a motorcycle safety course.

After you have been riding a while and gain some experience, you can sell your starter bike and get the one you want. If maintained properly and not abused, you won't lose too much money on your starter bike. Put the money from the sale towards the bike you really want. By this time, you will have figured out what style bike best suits your riding style and needs.

If you settle on a sport bike for your next bike, avoid the used ones. Young riders think they are racers on racing bikes and tend to beat the crap out of them so they are likely to be more abused. So if considering a sport bike, consider something new.

I know I used variations of this answer before. However, I feel this is good advice.

Use your head while riding. Remember, Stupid Hurts.

Have fun - Ride safe

What is a great first motorcycle? I want something along the lines of a classic style 500-800cc.?

anna

I like the styling of the Harley Iron 883 all black. But I'm not sure what the ideal price range for a first purchase is. Anything around 8 grand seems a bit out of my range. Had looked at an 82 Kawasaki LTD before and liked the styling of that too, but wasn't knowledgeable about it's performance.

Answer
Buy something used and inexpensive for a starter bike.

Look for something old but not too old. You don't want something so old that it is a junker, but not something so new that you'll feel bad if you lay it down.

Look for something in the 500 - 800 CC engine size. This will be powerful enough so you don't get bored too soon, but not so fast that you will be afraid of it.

Look for a standard or cruiser bike for your first bike. They are more forgiving and usually have less power than a sport bike with the same size engine. Although cruisers are heavier than other bikes they have the lowest center of gravity and are easy to balance considering their weight. Stay away from the sport bikes for your first bike as they require more skill.

Going with a sport bike for your first bike is like getting a Formula 1 race car for your first car, not a good idea. Any decent sport bike can go from zero to deadly faster than you can say "Oh Sh**". Also used sport bikes tend to be more abused.

Consider the fit of the motorcycle. People come in all sorts of different shapes and sizes. So do motorcycles. When selecting a motorcycle consider how well it fits your body. Ask yourself how well you can put both feet flat on the ground. Ask yourself how well the seating position feels. Do you have to reach too far to the handlebars? Riding hunched over can get uncomfortable very fast. Is the foot peg location comfortable? Does the bike feel too big or too small? An uncomfortable motorcycle won't be much fun to ride for any amount of distance. However, a bike that fits you well will be lots of fun.

In general, cruisers will have a shorter seat height than most other bikes. You may want to consider this if you are a short person.

Avoid buying over the Internet. I would never buy a motorcycle sight unseen. You could very easily end up paying too much for junk. Always do a visual inspection and test ride before buying a motorcycle. When you go to look at the bike, bring a helmet. If you do not have your motorcycle license yet, bring a friend with a motorcycle license and 2 helmets.

Watch the classified section of your local news paper. Some locations have shopper magazines with used motorcycles in your area. Reasonably priced used bikes are out there. Be patient. Don't buy too quickly, but if you find one you like, buy it right away. Unfortunately, as the price of gas rises so will the price of used motorcycles. If you find a good starter bike, don't hesitate as they can sell quickly.

Don't get hung up on any particular brand. All of the name brands are about the same. Pay more attention to the bike's condition. If any one brand were really superior to all other brands, this would be the only brand bike on the road. In addition, if any brand bike was really inferior to the other brands, nobody would buy them and the company would be out of business.

Learn on this bike. Make your mistakes on it. You will make mistakes. Nearly all new riders will lay their bike on its side at least once. Would you rather make your mistakes on an older bike or your nice shiny expensive new bike?

The most important thing you should do when getting your first bike is to take a motorcycle safety course.

After you have been riding a while and gain some experience, you can sell your starter bike and get the one you want. If maintained properly and not abused, you won't lose too much money on your starter bike. Put the money from the sale towards the bike you really want. By this time, you will have figured out what style bike best suits your riding style and needs.

If you settle on a sport bike for your next bike, avoid the used ones. Young riders think they are racers on racing bikes and tend to beat the crap out of them so they are likely to be more abused. So if considering a sport bike, consider something new.

I know I used variations of this answer before. However, I feel this is good advice.

Use your head while riding. Remember, Stupid Hurts.

Have fun - Ride safe

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What kind of bicycle would best fit my lifestyle?

bicycle helmet quality image

mipy

I am looking to buy a bike, preferably a BMX although I do not do tricks, but I would like to cruise around the city with my pals. I don't really want to spend over $120, but I do want some quality. Haro? Redline? Mongoose? Also, does spray painting the frame of a bike totally mess it up? Thanks everyone! :)

Answer
BMX bikes are TERRIBLE for actually going anywhere. They're only good for tricks. Why are they terrible? They're completely designed for tricks, with a saddle that doesn't get in the way during tricks (not fit for riding comfortably), bars that come high for more controls during spins (you'll be stuck upright in the wind, good luck getting over 15mph or so), etc. You'll be standing up to pedal the whole way (uncomfortable for extended periods) and it'll just be a generally unpleasant experience. If you end up sitting on the saddle, you'll be one of those funny guys I see commuting with their knees hitting their chin on the upstroke of the pedal stroke, hah.

if you simply want to trot along at a casual pace with friends, get a cheap beach cruiser, which might be the only thing you can afford with $120.

If you actually want to *go* places, and go places quickly, you want a road bike. Vintage road bikes can be had for cheap, within your budget, but you'll be put over your budget with accessories (helmet: 20, lock: 20, lights for night riding: 20, random parts you'll need for old bike repair: 20ish). Plus you need to know what you're doing when you're shopping for used bikes.

I pass BMX/cruiser guys all the time on my 1987 Japanese road bike I picked up for $100 on craigslist, in need of about $30 worth of repair. Sometimes, I see those I pass start sprinting in some manly, testosterone-driven spur of the moment competition, but there's no way they ever catch up to me on my road bike with thin, high pressure, slick tires (less rolling resistance).

Also, you said you want 'quality.' There's no way in hell you're getting that with $120 worth of department store bike. Either spend a few weeks learning about bikes, and then buying a used one that'll suit you, get a friend to help you find a used one to suit you, or go to your local bicycle shop (LBS) and tell them your requirements. Your LBS is going to be your best friend if you go in with enough money.

How do bicycle helmets work?

Forgetful

There is a "shell" and a "liner" in a bicycle helmet, right? what is the purpose of those things? Is the shell supposed to stop it from breaking or is the liner supposed to be crushed?
Simple language please.
thanks!!!!!

Answer
There are variations depending upon the quality of the helmet and the purpose... for example, some DH helmets are practically MX helmets now but, in general...

Bike helmets have the liner and shell as you've mentioned, the liner actually does the majority of work in saving you from a fall. The shell is really just there to prevent things like stick and such on the tral from penetrating the liner and stabbing you in the head, or to keep the liner from coming apart on hard impacts. The liner is what handles the energy transfer that prevents you from sustaining severe injury. When you take an impact, the liner is supposed to get crushed... in doing so, it converts the kinetic energy (the energy of an object in motion) of the impact into thermal energy (heat) as the liner is crushed. Remember, energy can never be created or destroyed, it can only change forms... The type of material used in the liner and the overall quality of the helmet determine just how effective it is but that's the basic principle in ALL helmets actually. Most common helmets use an EPS liner, Expanded PolyStyrine, and are good for just one serious impact... Once the liner has been crushed, it no longer has the capacity to be crushed much further to allow for the conversion of energy needed to protect your head. Some other helmets use materials that allow the energy conversion to take place repeatedly and only need to be replaced if the shell material is compromised... these are typically MX helmets or very high-end downhill helmets.

Also, it's worth noting that essentially all bike helmets pass the same certifications so there isnt a whole lot of difference in protection between a $40 helmet and a $140 helmet... Most of the extra money that you pay goes into what was spent on R&D to figure out a way to incorporate more vents into the helmet without lessening the protection offered.

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what thinds do i need to have and consider on buying and driving a scooter in CA Los Angeles?

bicycle helmets los angeles image

Justin F

im driving a car to work, school and gym and i think i can save some time(for parking hunting and traffic time) and gas also my work and school is only 10-15 miles from my house.

Answer
Operation of Motorized Scooters: Prohibitions
21235. The operator of a motorized scooter shall not do any of the following:

(a) Operate a motorized scooter unless it is equipped with a brake that will enable the operator to make a braked wheel skid on dry, level, clean pavement.

(b) Operate a motorized scooter on a highway with a speed limit in excess of 25 miles per hour unless the motorized scooter is operated within a class II bicycle lane.

(c) Operate a motorized scooter without wearing a properly fitted and fastened bicycle helmet that meets the standards described in Section 21212.

(d) Operate a motorized scooter without a valid driverâs license or instruction permit.

(e) Operate a motorized scooter with any passengers in addition to the operator.

(f) Operate a motorized scooter carrying any package, bundle, or article that prevents the operator from keeping at least one hand upon the handlebars.

(g) Operate a motorized scooter upon a sidewalk, except as may be necessary to enter or leave adjacent property.

(h) Operate a motorized scooter on the highway with the handlebars raised so that the operator must elevate his or her hands above the level of his or her shoulders in order to grasp the normal steering grip area.

(i) Leave a motorized scooter lying on its side on any sidewalk, or park a motorized scooter on a sidewalk in any other position, so that there is not an adequate path for pedestrian traffic.

(j) Attach the motorized scooter or himself or herself while on the roadway, by any means, to any other vehicle on the roadway.

Added Sec. 5, Ch. 722, Stats. 1999. Effective January 1, 2000.
Amended Sec. 8, Ch. 755, Stats. 2004. Effective January 1, 2005.

does anyone know any safe routes for bicyclists?

alina z

My dad loves riding bicycles. On august 7 2009 my dad got in accident while riding his bike. He is recovering from the accident and is ready to ride bikes again. But he ride his bike where there is traffic and people. So if anyone knows where there are safe bike routes near Los Angeles i would appreciate it.

Answer
Glad he's recovered and ready to get aboard again.

There should be a bike route map for the LA area. This would show where the bike lanes are, and maybe the trail systems. Check with the city street department about this. Or, a local bike shop.

There is no totally safe place to ride where vehicles and bikes mix.

Your dad should be wearing jerseys that will catch the eye of motorist. Bright orange, yellow, or white are good. A slow moving vehicle sign on the back of the bike is hard to miss. He should be obeying all traffic laws and ride predictably. And wear a helmet.

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dirt bike helmet visor where to buy one?

best bike helmet with visor image

jrdrager

Where can i buy a dirt bike helmet visor, preferably red, i was riding today and a rut came out of no where and i landed face first, breaking the visor. So i need a new one, prewferably silver red or black or all. Thanks!
i dont care if the colors dont match, new helmets are $60+ bucks so yeah

Answer
Dude!!! Cycle Gear.....look in the clearance area.... Polly $10.00

How can I keep cool under a bike helmet?

xxdismantl

I always make sure to wear a helmet. The only thing is, I ride to work every day and by the time I get there, my head is all sweaty, my bangs are wet, and my hair is destroyed. (The fact that it is typically over 80 degrees doesn't help either). Normally this wouldn't matter to me, but I have to look presentable for the customers where I work. Any tips on keeping your head cool and your hair intact?

Answer
Buy a better helmet - one with better ventilation!

http://www.giro.com/us_en/products/women/helmets/skyla.html - with a visor
http://www.giro.com/us_en/products/women/helmets/transfer.html - without visor

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Where can someone find bicycle helmets made from recycled materials?

bicycle helmets safety image

starling_h

I'm working on a grant to help a non-profit organization set up a bike safety rodeo and in order to be eligible for the funds we need to find safety equipment made from recycled materials (i.e. bicycle helmets, safety vests, cones, flags) I'm having a hard time finding manufacturers who provide these things. Online sites would be great because then I can print off the products and prices. Thanks!

Answer
Louis Garneau used to have 10% recycled materials in his helmets, Not sure about nowadays but won t hurt to check into them.

heres a cool one>http://www.nytro.com/product_p/22044.htm

How much does a ticket for not wearing a bicycle helmet cost in NC?

I am 14 and i just want to know how much a ticket is for not wearing a bicycle helmet cost, cuz i`ll ride my bike down the road a bit then just come back and forth, and if a cop car comes by, will he give me a ticket, a warning or go by? I know a helmet is for safety and all, but you see people riding a bike without a helmet alot.

Answer
Most of the time they will just let you go off on a warning (if they even say something to you) but if they continue to see you riding around with no helmet after multiple times of warning, they can give your parents one. Usually in neighborhood areas they won't even bother you, it's usually when you are riding on main roads they get concerned. It's younger children and motorcyclist they are more strict with. The cost all depends, most of the time for something like that, as long as your parents provide you with a helmet after the ticket is issued, the judge will just throw it out and dismiss the case.

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What is the invoice price of a 2011 Kawasaki Ninja 650R?

best bike helmets 2011 image

Luis T

I would like to know so I can haggle a little better when I go to buy. And if you could tell me the formula on how to get an invoice price as well. Please and Thank you.

Answer
5% less than MSRP. Dealerships make almost nothing on the sale of the bike. They make money on all the crap in the store, and the service for the donks that don't know which end of the screwdriver hurts the most.

So, you can go in with guns blazing or a detailed spreadsheet, but they'll shake their head and laugh. Buy two bikes, or get a new helmet, and look to get a discount on those. Accessories are a 30% markup.

How smart is someone who buys a Harley?

Bob Dole

Above average. Less than average. What is your opinion?

Answer
One look at a nice middle aged couple decked out like costume shop bikers and walking down main street in broad daylight thinking they are badass will give you your answer. Or that half helmet or beenie, black of course, they all wear, another clue. Saw a big fat old lady on the back of a harley last year in fluffy pink slippers and purple sweat pants....another clue. All the guys who buy a brand spanking new harley and immediately pay $10K+ to have a bunch of engine work done on it to squeeze out another 10 horsepower, smart? Chrome skull turn signals? Mufflers that you can hear long after you are too far away from the highway to hear 18 wheelers any more. Motorcycles attached to big trailers. Trailering a bike to a motorcycle convention. Paying more for a 10 year old bike than it cost new....anyone pay attention to the housing bubble? $7k for a 40 hp 2011 antique. $36,500 for a 75hp 2011 antique.

Not saying these people are stupid. But they certainly have strange priorities. I think it is more like rubes on the midway. Madison avenue knows how to play with peoples heads.....kind of scary. But personally I think we are all being grifted all day long. Most of business and politics is carnies trying to get one over on the rubes.....us. The harley thing is just one of the funnier scams.

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which is the best aero helmet?

bicycle helmets lazer image

Hugo

hello, i would like to buy an aero helmet but idk which one is the best for 70.3 and full ironmans....
the money is not a problem, i just want to know which one is the best and why?
i saw a few ones: Giro-Selector, Lazer-Tardiz, Rudy Project- Wingspan, bell-jevelin, etc. be free to share your experience
thanks

Answer
Some of the manufacturers have round helmets some are oval. It is very important to find which fits your head best. Giro and Bell will fit the same as they are made by the same company and seem to be more oval (as most people are). Lazer seems to fit a rounder head shape well. Rudy Project fits smaller sizes.

Once you are in an aero position on a TT bike your head is the largest least aerodynamic part of your body so there is a speed benefit to an aero helmet. $300 worth? I'm not convinced enough of that to buy a new helmet at that price. It seems those that can afford a $6000 (and up) TT bike have no problem with buying the helmet.

The Rudy Project has the most venting. The Lazer Tardiz is very aero as is the Bell. The Giro is a tad less then the Bell -- According to Bicycling Magazine. I like the golf ball dimples.

If you aren't riding a TT bike forget the aero helmet because even with clamp on aero bars you won't be in the proper riding position to gain aero benefits. For half the price of one of these you can get a very lightweight, 70% as aero, equal cranium protection helmet.

Don't forget the visor. Sometimes the visor is extra. Get a clear visor and use glasses for the lighting conditions. The visor is part of the aero performance.

Shop used! As long as you try it on first you can't go wrong. Look at the year of manufacture on a sticker inside and don't buy one 5 years old. Inspect a used helmet carefully for any signs of impact damage -- a skuff that won't rub off, a dent in the styro foam inside, gouges or scratches. Don't buy a helmet you suspect has taken an impact. If you find one used it should be 1/3 to 1/2 price.

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Is it hard to get a motorcycle license?

bike helmet 9 months image

SilverMac

With gas prices going real high in the 50 states driving a car seems like costly, so many people are getting scooters and motorcycles as an alternative. For scooters you don't need a license but motorcycles you need a license. My dad and a friend told me getting a motorcycle license is really harder than getting a car license. Is it true?
If it is, how can I get a cycle license without much trouble?

Answer
I found this Q while searching for info on the motorcycle road test since I also have opted to purchase a motorcycle for the exact same reason (the high cost of gas ) so I will share my experiences thus far.

I researched a lot of scooters and they were not really what I was looking for since you are limited to 35MPH and lower roads (in Virginia) and found the Yamaha TW200 fat-tired bike would suit my needs (I like to call it an off-road all-terrain scooter that gets 75MPG :)

I purchased it about 2 weeks ago w/o a license and added it to my insurance for just barely over $200/yr, they said I had a max of 30 days to register it and acquire a license for it. Since I got it brand-new the dealer is taking care of the state registration and license plates so that is a convenience.

So I headed over to my state's dmv driver services web site http://www.dmv.state.va.us/webdoc/citizen/drivers/index.asp and there were several helpful links under "Motorcycle License" to get me started. Apparently I need to add the "M" class designation to my current automobile drivers license or get a seperate motorcycle license.

To obtain either of those I must:
-pass a vision test,
-take and pass the motorcycle knowledge exam
-get a motorcycle learner's permit and hold it for 30 days
-pass the motorcycle road test

If I enroll and take the VA Rider Training program and pass I can dispense with the motorcycle learner permit / 30 day requirement, so I called to register however the next available class is in mid-December!

So I went down to my local DMV office and passed the vision test in less than 5 seconds, and took the motorcycle knowledge exam which was 25 questions, I got 4 wrong and passed (I think if you get 5 or more you fail), I just skimmed over the Motorcycle Operator Manual (a pdf file) and didn't take the sample exam at all. After paying $3 I got my motorcycle learner's permit which I have to hold for 30 consecutive days (if you are 19 and younger it is 9 months!), which have some restrictions like no passengers, supervised / escorted by a licensed motorcycle operator over 21 from a separate vehicle, require helmet and eye/face protection.

Since I have owned an off-road cycle before the basics are no problem, despite the fact it has been 20+ years since I have ridden (I was a teenager when I had my Honda CR-80) after jumping on the TW200 the clutch, brakes and 1-down 4-up were very familiar and I drove away after a single practice circle around the dealer parking lot.

The only downer is the the learner permit requirement, it's a bit of restriction until I can ride fully on my own so if possible obtain it *before* you purchase yours or perhaps your state does not have such a requirement and you can take your motorcycle road skills test without one. In my case the 30-day permit is less painful than waiting months until the next available state-sanctioned training class.

I anticipate I will go the 30days and pass the road skills without any problem, once that is done I need to go back to my local DMV office and pay the $10 for a new d/l with the M class status and I am all set.


cheers

Baby in a bike seat- what's the youngest age?

Mrs. Kelly

I want to get a bike seat for my baby so she can ride with me. What is the minimum age she can be to ride/wear a helmet? Anyone know?

Answer
Obviously a child can't be on a bike until they can safely wear a helmet.

http://www.helmets.org/little1s.htm
Nobody we have met in the injury prevention field recommends taking an infant of less than 12 months in a bicycle child seat, trailer, sidecar or any other carrier. Nobody. And we do not either.
New York state law prohibits it. The US Consumer Product Safety Commission thinks it is dangerous to take a child under one year on a bicycle, and here is their rationale:

Maurice Keenan, MD, from the American Academy of Pediatrics [21], requested that a minimum age of 1 year be reflected on the label for helmets intended for children under age 5. This would better convey the message that infants (children under age 1) should not be passengers on a bicycle under any circumstance.

The Commission agrees with the commenter that children under 1 year of age should not be on bicycles. Children are just learning to sit unsupported at about 9 months of age. Until this age, infants have not developed sufficient bone mass and muscle tone to enable them to sit unsupported with their backs straight. Pediatricians advise against having infants sitting in a slumped or curled position for prolonged periods. This position may even be exacerbated by the added weight of a bicycle helmet on the infantâs head. Because pediatricians recommend against having children under age 1 as passengers on bicycles, the Commission does not want the certification label to imply that children under age 1 can ride safely.

Source: 16 CFR Part 1203 Safety Standard for Bicycle Helmets; Final Rule, page 11726

That explains why you will not find a child helmet on the market sized for a tiny tot. You certainly do not want to ride with a bare-headed child, and in some places it is illegal. In fact, several states have laws against taking children under one year of age on a bicycle, even with a helmet.

Parents love their babies and love their bicycles, so it is natural to want to put the two together. That thought occurs to every bicycling parent, generally before the child is born. We see messages on the Internet indicating that some parents do put their children in baby seats of one design or another and take them along on trailers starting as young as five weeks. Others use a baby backpack. At slightly older ages, people use front or rear-mounted child seats. A few (mostly in the UK) use sidecars. Each has its advantages and disadvantages. A disclaimer: our purpose here is to cover the risks, so you know what you are getting into. We are hearing more these days about undiagnosed brain injuries, with symptoms too subtle for doctors to detect, but very real to families. And that comes to mind whenever someone asks us about babies and biking. We worry about your six-week-old entering the first grade six years from now with a small but detectable mental handicap. That is alarmist; this is an alarmist page.



http://www.ibike.org/education/infant.htm
Infants: Child Seats Vs. Trailers Vs. Backpacks Vs. Third-wheel Cycles

The primary determinant of when an infant can join his or her parents on bike rides is the strength of the the child's neck. Because of the jostling and the additional weight of a helmet (8-10 oz.), this is a few months after a baby can first hold their head up. Note: Some jurisdictions have laws requiring passengers on bicycles to be at least one year old.

Usually by age 12 months parents can start checking with the child's physician to see if they have the neck development to safely go for a bike ride. Most toddlers' neck and shoulder muscles can tolerate the weight of a helmet and absorb shock from bumps in the road at 1 years old.

We know of no comprehensive study on the best method to carry an infant on a bike and there are risks associated with all of them.. Here are some factors to consider:

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