Bicycles

Riding a bicycle is a fundamental part of childhood. But for adults, it is a great way to get outside, catch some fresh air, and stay in shape. However, as bicyclists share the public roads they often endanger themselves and the vehicle operators nearby by not following the legal guidelines applied to them. Luckily there are steps you can take as a driver to keep yourself and any cyclists on the road safer.

Steps for Safe Driving Near Bicyclists

Thousands of bicyclists are injured every year through tragic interactions with vehicles on the road. As a driver there are a number of steps you can take to keep those you share the road with safe. These include:

· Use caution when near a child on a bike, as young riders do not always have full control over their bike and are more prone to falling.
· When passing a cyclist, leave plenty of room. Act in the same manner as if you were passing a car. This leaves some room in case you misjudge your distance from the individual and also helps you avoid the risk of startling the individual.
· Do not cut off bicyclists when making turns. They may be going faster than you realize and will be unable to stop, possibly coming into contact with your vehicle.
· Always look for oncoming cyclists before opening your door onto the street.
· Avoid following cyclists too closely. They may make sudden changes to their movement or may fall and you must give yourself time to react to that change.
· Do not unnecessarily honk your horn at cyclists. It can startle them and cause them to be injured.
· Be aware of any cyclists attempting to turn. They have the same right to turn as other vehicle but may need more consideration.
· Always check for cyclists before pulling off the curb to avoid a dangerous and tragic collision.

By following these steps you are better able to protect your wellbeing and the safety of others on the road.

If you have decided to buy yourself a mountain bike, then you will need to get one that suits you perfectly. This will help to make your rides more fun and enjoyable. Mountain bicycles nowadays come in all shapes, colours and sizes, making it suitable for everyone, kids and adults alike. Knowing the right type of bike for you can be hard, but basically it depends on your riding preferences and where you live.

As mountain bicycles have different categories, you need to decide what you will use the bike for. The type of such bicycles available are Cross country (or XC), Trail bikes, Free ride, and Downhill bikes. First thing you need to consider is the how you want to ride. Will you be spending your time riding smooth trails, climbing mountain, doing stunts, going downhill or just to have fun and chill?

Look at where you live, if you want to be climbing mountains or dirt biking, but there are only smooth pavements in your area or simple nature trails in your area of the woods, then there is no point for you to get a downhill bicycle. Unless you plan to commute to an area to do downhill biking, then maybe you can get a downhill bicycle. But how many times are you willing to commute? It takes a bit of thought so that you do not end up buying a bike you can’t use properly. You should consider getting trail bike as this bike is made as a cross between an XC and a downhill bike.

The XC bike is lighter and does not require much pedalling effort but might not be the most comfortable bike or the best bike for rough terrain. The Free ride bike on the other hand is great for hard trails, stunts and jumps. They can get you up a hill, but it will not be an easy task because of their weight, but the Free ride bike is a tough bike. Probably the most undiscovered bike is the downhill specific bikes. These bikes are built solely for the purpose of racing downhill. It will not be an easy task to get up the mountain with this type of bike, but once you are at the top, this bike will be the fastest way to get you down regardless of how hard the trail would be.

The trick to get the best bike for you is to be honest about what it will be used for. If you want to use it to lose weight, why get an XC? If you are just going to the store, why get a downhill bike? Make sure that you know where you will be using it as well. There is no point in buying a bike that is not practical for your usage, right? If you are going to use it for school, your terrain would be asphalt and the streets, so you will need a bike that can comfortably get you to your destination with minimal effort.

How to Draw a Bicycle
Cycle is perhaps one of the oldest and cheapest modes of transportation. It is not only environment friendly, but it also assures health benefits to the riders. Most children own a bicycle right from the time they are toddlers. As they grow, their bicycles keep getting bigger and more advanced. I assume most households would have a bicycle. Therefore, place one before you and start sketching.

You will require the following art tools:
1. Pencil
2. Paper/ canvas
3. Colors (optional)
4. Paint brush (optional)
5. Ruler

Drawing a Bicycle: We are drawing a men’s bicycle facing right.

Basic Framework
• Tires: Draw two circles, two to three inches apart from each other.
• Wheel Hubs & Gear System: Draw two small circles, one in each tire for the wheel hub and the third near the rear tire for the gear system (the slot from where the wheel chain functions).
• Bicycle Rods:
- Rear: Draw a slanting line extending out of the gear system, finishing a little above the rear tire.
- Centre: Draw another inclined line towards the front tire, forming an irregular ‘V’ shape. Sketch a horizontal line to join both the slants forming an inverted ‘A’ shape.
- Front: Extend a diagonal, starting from the front wheel hub. It should be parallel to the rear rod.
• Gear Slot: Draw a slanting line from the rear wheel hub to the wheel chain slot. Form another inclined line above it to join at the rear rod of the cycle. This should resemble a ‘V’ shape, tilted at a sixty degrees angle towards the right.
• Paddle, Saddle & Handle Bar: Give the cycle a sturdy paddle at the wheel chain, a secure saddle on the rear rod, and a sporty handle bar.

Double up all the lines to give it depth and dimension.

Enhancements
• Spokes: Draw several lines in between the tires. Too many lines would make it look crowded. Therefore, ensure adequate spacing between the spokes.
• Tires: You may outline the inner and outer circles of the tires with a black pen and fill in the tube with a dark gray to give it a realistic touch. Form some thread markings too on the tires.
• Basic color: You can choose from a variety of shades. You may want to paint it in red or pink for a soft touch or dark purple, blue, or maroon for a sporty masculine touch.
• Handle Bar: Form brake cables and a bell on one side of the handle bar.
• Gear system fender: Form an irregular oval, extending from the gear system to the rear wheel hub. Color it in a striking contrast to the basic scheme.
• Wheel fenders: Form curved lines above both the wheels. Double up these lines and give it a color.
• Distinctive markings: You can personalize your bicycle by sketching unique symbols.
• Accessorize: You may add a little utility basket under the handle bar or sketch a back stand above the rear tire to hold books or other objects.

Annette Labedzki received her BFA at the Emily Carr College of Art and Design in Vancouver, B.C. Canada. She has more than 25 years experience. She is the founder and developer of an online art gallery featuring original art from all over the world. Please visit the website at http://www.Labedzki-Art.com It is a great site for art collectors to buy original art. Artists can join for free and their image upload is unlimited.

For More Information

By taking safety measures into consideration as your navigate the streets, you are not only making the way safer for all but are also avoiding any potential involvement in a tragic vehicular accident. If you would like to know more about road safety and car accident law, visit http://www.wpalmerandassociates.comtoday.

Now that you have taken the time to read this post, take the time and read my many other posts, am sure you will find what you need