Biking
Bicycling is an alternative way to get to work or to your carpool pick-up point, run errands, or go on family outings. Many people find commutes less than 5 miles to be an ideal distance for bicycling.
Why Should you Bike?
- Bicycling is an inexpensive way to travel. According to the AAA, people who commute by bike save between $2,000 and $5,000 each year! Bicycling is also one of the healthiest ways to get around, and is a great way to explore places you've never been before. Riding your bike is inexpensive, it relieves traffic congestion and it keeps our air clean.
Never biked before?
- Visit our online matching service and find a neighbor or co-worker to ride to work with you. Biking with friends is fun. Friends who ride to work can give you tips on routes, safety, and parking. If they live near you, ask if you can ride with them for the first few days while you get used to your route and traffic patterns.
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- Share the road. Don't assume motorists can see you.
- Ride on the right, but not too close to parked cars. Drivers might open a car door without seeing you.
- Never ride against traffic.
- Follow signs, signals, and pavement markings.
- When turning left, merge with left-turning traffic or walk your bike across as a pedestrian if traffic is heavy.
- Inform others of turns by using hand signals. These are the same as motorists' hand signals except that for turning right you can use your right arm and point.
- Slow down and yield for pedestrians.
- Be predictable. Avoid sudden swerves.
- Common sense, courtesy, and caution are the three C's of good cycling.
- Watch the road. The American Automobile Association suggests using an accident avoidance technique called "SIPDA": scan, identify, predict, decide, and then act.
You can view cycling tips and a free bike map of the best biking routes in Monterey or Santa Cruz Counties.
Resources:
Bicycling Monterey: This is a great resource for tourists and residents alike!
A Few Tips to riding on the road:
