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Bike Hack: DIY Bike Light

When it’s dark outside, riding without a white front light can get you a ticket, but more importantly, it’s super dangerous. Sometimes cars aren’t looking for bicycles on the road, so when you are riding without a light at night, it makes it even harder for them to notice you.

Bike-specific lights aren’t necessary to accomplish this (although they are nice and can be found in the Bike Kitchen) you can use an existing smaller flashlight you might have lying around.

  • Find a smaller flashlight that works and isn’t too large to put on your handlebars (don’t prevent yourself from braking or turning)
  • Using an old intertube, cut two small circles in it, about 3 inches apart
  • Stretch the intertube under your handlebars and place the flashlight in the holes
  • Make sure the flashlight is held on tight and will face forward while riding
Being visible while riding at night is extremely important to avoid collisions with cars, other bicyclists, pedestrians and inanimate objects.

Happy Friday!

We’ll see you tonight (and tomorrow) for the SLO Granfondo!

Know the Board: Branden

What do you do to pay the bills? I manage the accounting department at Better Business Financial Services.

What kind of riding do you do? How often? I commute to work daily (unless I’m bogged down with work or can’t get to sweaty before a meeting)…I also enjoy long distance touring for vacations, and I love training rides for competing in triathlons. 

What do you think the most important thing the Coalition has done in SLO County? The Coalition has definitely transformed the cycling community, working behind the scenes in the best interest of our community. I don’t think the public realizes how much the Coalition does to make everyday alternative transportation easy. Anything having to do with cycling or walking, we are a part of.

What advice do you have to encourage others to get on their bicycles? Shut up and ride! 🙂 The first step is actually getting on your bicycle and being comfortable. That means riding around your neighborhood, taking baby-steps. I also inform people of our bicycle confidence workshop, giving students the tools necessary to be informed cyclists, breaking down the barriers.  

What’s your favorite thing about bicycles? Self propelled freedom. 

Describe your favorite bicycle memory… My favorite cycling memory is between riding up Alpe d’Huez during the 2011 Tour de France, or my journey down the coast from Canada to Mexico… People ask me what I thought about for two months? Nothing. Typically when I’m on my bike I don’t think about anything, I listen to the road beneath me, and concentrate on nothing. 

If you had to name your favorite bicycle, what would you name it? Gwendolyn

Anything else you want to share? I want to thank our existing membership for everything they have done for the organization, without them the Coalition couldn’t be where it is today. My personal goal is to have every person who is cares about cycling, walking, the environment, and alternative transportation become a part of the Coalition.  

Happy Friday!

Volunteer!

The Coalition has a few volunteer chances in October, and with our regularly scheduled programs. New sign-ups are online to make it even easier for you to get involved!

Next up is the SLO Bike Rodeo on Saturday October 8th from 10:00 – 2:00. We hope to see you there!

Bike Hack: Bottle Cap Headbadge

Everyone wants their bike to be unique, having a custom headbadge is an extremely easy way to make this happen! The folks at the Bicycle Escape have a series of bottle cap headbadges to do just that.

Happy Friday!

Bike Hack: Cork Barends

Sometimes bartape doesn’t want to stay on securely the way you want it to. Luckily that cork from your previous bottle of wine can come in handy to provide an easy fix!

  • Wrap the bartape as you normally would, stuffing the end of it into your handlebar
  • Use the cork as a plug to keep the tape in place
Got a bike hack you are proud of? We’d love to share it with the world (and will of course give you credit for your idea!).