Welcome to WNY Bikes

ABC’s of Bicycle Care: 

A is for AIR: Check the air pressure, spin the wheels, and make sure the tires are not worn out.

B is for Brakes: Check to make sure coaster brakes will stop the bike by spinning the back wheel and applying the brake. If the bike has hand brakes check to see that the levers don’t hit the handlebars when squeezed. Lift one tire up at a time and spin it; squeeze the levers to see if the tire stops. The brake pads should be clean, straight and contact the rims properly.

C is for Crank, Chain and Cogs: Grab the crank arms and try to wiggle side to side. There should be no movement. Spin the pedals and cranks to see if the chain drives the rear wheel. The chain should look like metal not rust or black gunk. If the bike has gears check to make sure the gear levers and derailleurs (gear-changing mechanism) work to shift the chain between gears.

Seat Height: Remember you should not be able to be flat footed touching the ground when on the seat. The heel-toe method:

1) Sit on the bicycle with both feet on the pedals, 

2) Prop yourself up (hang onto a wall, use a trainer, or ask a friend to help)

3) Pedal backward until: The bottom pedal is in the 6 o’clock position The top pedal is in the 12-'o’clock spot 

4) Place your heel on the low pedal and your leg should be fully extended 

5) Go for a ride. When you spin the pedals, your leg should have a slight bend (25 - 40 degree knee angle) while in the bottom position 

This is just an approximate starting point, and you can make adjustments up or down, from this position.

Know your Hand Signals: 

Turning Left – Left arm straight out to the left 

Turning Right – Right arm straight out to the right or Left arm bent 90% upwards at the elbow

Stopping - Have your hand out and down to your left

Slowing Down – have your hand down to your left and waving back and forth

NEW YORK STATE BIKE LAWS!!

1) All riders must ride as far right of the road to allow cars to pass, Must follow the flow of traffic using bike lanes, shoulders, near the curb or edge of the roadway unless preparing to make a left turn.

2) On all Main and Secondary Roads no more than 2 riders next to each other. unless passing  on the left.

3) All Bikes must be equipped with working brakes

4) From Sunset to Sunrise all bikes must be equipped with reflectors and Bike Lights

5) Use of more than one earphone are illegal.

6) Ages 14 and under are required to wear a bike helmet

7) Most Town and Cities restrict riding bikes on sidewalks unless you are under the age of 14 yrs old

8) Bikes must be Equipped with a bell or other device to be heard within 100ft

9) Follow all Stop signs and Red lights. 

Be Aware of your surroundings. 

Keep a look out for cars exiting driveways and parking lots.

Watch out for people exiting their cars. 

Watch out for Pedestrians, if coming up behind them left them know you are passing them.

Know the Rules of the Road for Motorist when passing cyclist:

1. Exercise due care, all drivers should exercise due care to avoid colliding with cyclist.
2. The operator of a vehicle overtaking, from behind, a bicycle proceeding on the same side of a roadway shall
3. pass to the left of such bicycle at a safe distance until safely clear thereof

All motorists must drive on the right side of a roadway, except When passing a cyclist,   pedestrian, animals, or obstructions in the roadway

1. if a motor vehicle driver fails to yield to a pedestrian or bicyclist who has the right of way, the driver shall be subject to a civil penalty of not more than $100
2. vehicle causes contact with the pedestrian or bicyclist, and thereby causes physical injury, the driver shall be subject to a civil penalty of not more than $250
3. No person shall open the door of a motor vehicle on the side available to moving traffic, and until it is reasonably safe to do so and can be done without interfering with the movement of other traffic, nor shall a person leave a door open on the side of a vehicle available to moving traffic for a period of time longer than necessary to load or unload passengers.

WNY Bikes wants to wish you a safe and fun summer, get out and ride. In WNY there are many bike trails and bike lanes for all to enjoy like the Outer Harbor, along Lake Erie from Canalside to Tonawandas, Niawanda park, Cheektowaga and Lancaster rail to trails and many more. Both the Outer Harbor and West Seneca have bike parks with pump tracks. Many local bike groups offer community group bike rides all over WNY from road riding to teaching youth mountain biking. Check out WNY Bikes on Facebook to learn about these rides. 

There are many benefits of riding your bike especially with your family. It enables you to spend quality time together, It is healthy for you and your loved ones, getting the kids off the couch and away from electronics. It has been proven to help reduce stress. Helps to get to know your neighborhood and meet others in your neighborhood. Explore other area getting around faster then walking yet you are able to see so much you miss out on when driving in a car.