How to Safely Ride a Bicycle With Shoe Connectors
Have a professional install the shoe clips or connectors., Beware of sudden stops., Place foam pipe insulation over the top bar (the one between the seat and the steering wheel) until you become adept at disengaging your shoes and recognizing when...
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Have a professional install the shoe clips or connectors.
You will need to purchase your bicycle shoes at the same time (to install the shoe part of the clips into), unless you already own a pair.
Do not leave until you have engaged the clips and disengaged the clips.
You don't want to find yourself stuck in them.
Have the professional adjust the clips so that they are firm, but easy to disengage (by twisting your feet). -
Step 2: Beware of sudden stops.
The greatest danger faced by a bicyclist using shoe connectors is the sudden (unexpected) stop.
If the shoes are still connected to the pedals, the rider will fall over, hitting the cement with his legs and having the bicycle then land on his legs (which hurts even worse).
Hopefully, he will not fall over in traffic.
It is vitally important that when any potentially dangerous situation arises that the rider disengages from his clips. , It will lessen the impact of falling over. , Riding on a sidewalk, especially an unfamiliar one.
Going through gravel, or uneven terrain.
In heavy traffic.
When pedestrians (especially children) are nearby.
Going through water (water can conceal potholes and other dangers).
Very steep terrain, especially if you are going very slow.
Anytime traction is lacking.
Anytime you feel your bicycle is unsteady. -
Step 3: Place foam pipe insulation over the top bar (the one between the seat and the steering wheel) until you become adept at disengaging your shoes and recognizing when you may might need to make an emergency stop.
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Step 4: Disengage your clips from your pedals anytime you are near these hazards (you can still keep pedaling): Intersections.
Detailed Guide
You will need to purchase your bicycle shoes at the same time (to install the shoe part of the clips into), unless you already own a pair.
Do not leave until you have engaged the clips and disengaged the clips.
You don't want to find yourself stuck in them.
Have the professional adjust the clips so that they are firm, but easy to disengage (by twisting your feet).
The greatest danger faced by a bicyclist using shoe connectors is the sudden (unexpected) stop.
If the shoes are still connected to the pedals, the rider will fall over, hitting the cement with his legs and having the bicycle then land on his legs (which hurts even worse).
Hopefully, he will not fall over in traffic.
It is vitally important that when any potentially dangerous situation arises that the rider disengages from his clips. , It will lessen the impact of falling over. , Riding on a sidewalk, especially an unfamiliar one.
Going through gravel, or uneven terrain.
In heavy traffic.
When pedestrians (especially children) are nearby.
Going through water (water can conceal potholes and other dangers).
Very steep terrain, especially if you are going very slow.
Anytime traction is lacking.
Anytime you feel your bicycle is unsteady.
About the Author
Deborah Simmons
Enthusiastic about teaching home improvement techniques through clear, step-by-step guides.
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