Bike paths come in all lengths and types, from two or three mile paths in a city park, to long-distance trails that lead into the country. They also come in varied surfaces such as paved, crushed limestone, gravel and dirt. They are a great way to get out and enjoy your time on a city bicycle without having to worry about traffic. With so many different types of bike paths, you should be able to find one or two in your area that is perfect for your type of riding. A city bike is appropriate for bike paths with a mix of comfort and agility. You can even get a bike customized with the features you love. While you won’t have to worry about vehicular traffic on a bike path, except when crossing intersections, you will have to watch out for the following other users of the trail:
- Other bicyclists
- Walkers
- Dog Walkers
- Runners
- Skate boarders
- Birdwatchers
Understand the Rules
Everyone who uses the bike path should understand the rules of that particular trail. The rules are usually placed at trail heads, posted on community websites and reinforced along the trail. Minor differences might exist from trail to trail, but most rules are fairly universal. Walkers should never hog an entire portion of the trail. They should walk as far as practical on one side of the trail, usually the right side, and walk no more than two abreast. They should also keep an eye out for faster users behind and in front of them. The same general rules apply for runners, skate boarders and anyone enjoying nature. Dogs should be leashed and under control at all times, and owners should always pick up after their animals. Bikers are usually the fastest traffic on a trail, so they will pass a lot of users on a busy day. This is usually done on the left, and it can be beneficial to let someone know when you are passing them, by either ringing a bell an saying “on your left.” When looking for the best bicycles for men, it is wise to consider your favorite bike path and your style of riding. If your preferred route is smooth and paved, a good hybrid bike gives you a combination of speed and comfort. If you spend more time on a dirt or crushed limestone trail, then might want to look into cruisers, comfort or commuter bikes. Electric bikes are also being used more and more on bike paths.
Get Comfortable
Once you have learned the rules of bike paths, and have pedaled on them a few times, you will get comfortable with the flow of traffic. When you switch from one bike path to another it is always a good idea to spend a few minutes to read the posted rules and recommendations. This ensures a safe and enjoyable ride. It’s always good to have a bike that is fitted to your size. When looking for bikes for women you will have many good options. Choose the color and style that works best for you, or customize to get a bike that is all your own.
