Bicycles

To obtain a bicycle:

? Inherit your predecessor’s—easy.

? Ask colleagues about second-hand bikes or recommended shops.

? Go to the police. They periodically empty their impound lots by selling abandoned/lost/stolen bikes through silent auction. Contact your town’s ward office for dates and times.

? Buy new at a bicycle shop or home goods store.

To curb theft:

? Register your bike, old or new, with the local police or at any bicycle shop. In theory, this will help identify your stolen bike should it be recovered.

? Buy an extra lock.

? Insure your bicycle, particularly if it’s a mountain bike. Available for new bikes only and can be arranged at the shop when you buy it.

Safety and the long arm of the law

? It is illegal—technically—to cycle while using a mobile phone, umbrella or with more than one person. Everyone does it, but you have been warned!

? It is legal to cycle on the sidewalk.  Sometimes the streets are safer, sometimes they’re not.  Do what everyone else is doing.

? Cars often park or even drive on the sidewalk too. Be aware of opening doors!

? Slow down and take caution when riding past driveways and small side streets. Drivers rarely look for cyclists.

?Use the bell.  If you are going around a blind corner or coming up on someone from behind you should alert that you are coming.

? Always use a light after dark.