Urban Riders : BICYCLE COMMUTING IN THE VALLEY

It’s economical. It’s good for the environment. And it’s pretty rare. A scant 1% of Los Angeles-area residents have given up their cars for commuting by Bicycle, Transportation officials say.

But some local governments are hoping to improve that figure. Several bike trails are proposed and some already approved for construction. Moreover, some companies are promotingcycling to help comply with air-quality laws that require businesses with more than 100 employees to reduce the number of people who drive to work.

One company’s approach: Prudential insurance in Warner Center provides racks, showers and lockers on site and some managers allow bikes in the office. Employees who purchase a bike and ride to work 10 times a month for three months are reimbursed for half the cost of their bike and also receive free membership to the company gym.

But progress is gradual. About 30 of the company’s 1,400 employees cycle to work.

* Helmet

* Gloves: Padded palms help reduce road shock

* shirt and / or Windbreaker. Bright colors and reflective tape help make cyclist more visible to drivers.

* Cycling shorts: usually made of Lycra. Padded crotch makes for more comfortable ride * Pannier rack and pannier: Holds clothes and other belongings. Garment-size models keep suit or dress wrinkle free. Some convert to backpack or briefcase .

* Water bottle

* Headlight: Halogen is excellent; rechargeable is a good idea

* Taillight: Flashing type makes cyclist more visible.

* Reflectors: Should be on spokes, pedals and front and back of bike.

* Touring cycling shoes: Stiff sole improves comfort and efficiency. Most running shoe soles are to soft.

* Rearview mirror: Attach to handlebars. Smaller models attach to glasses or helmet,

Getting Around the Valley Bicycle trails, routes and lanes in the San Fernando Valley.

Class I: Path for bicycles separated from motorized vehicles.

Class II: Bike lane on roads, usually designated by painted line and signs. Motor vehicles are permitted to use bike lane to make turns and to park, where it’s allowed.

Class III: Bike route shared by bikes and motor vehicles, designated by signs.

new Routes to Work

Some bikeways that have been funded and are in the planning stage:.

* Los Angeles River Bikeway: Class I path eventually may connect the valley with downtown Los Angeles. Construction set to begin on a portion between the Pasadena Freeway and Riverside Zoo Drive.

* Valley Metrolink Station bikeways: Glass II lanes planned in areas around Chatsworth and Glendale Metrolink stations.

* Santa Clara River bikeway: Class I path under design will will run 14.5 miles east to west along full length of Santa Clarita. City plans to have 26 miles of trails by 1995.

* Pacoima / Sylmar Metrolink bikeway: Class I bike path would link Sylmar / San Fernando Metrolink station, San Fernando Civic Center, a middle school and a park / residential area. Design work is under way.

* Ventura Freeway corridor bikeway: Class II bike lanes paralleling the freeway in Los Angeles, Calabasas, Agoura Hills and Westlake Village.

Getting in Gear

* Cross-terrain or “hybrid” bikes are popular for commuting. They’re lighter and more responsive than mountain bikes and air pressure in tires is lower than road bikes, providing a smoother ride.

Head: Play it Safe

* Be predictable. Ride in a straight line and use hand signals.

* Always ride with traffic.

* Obey traffic signs and signals.

* In slow traffic, ride in middle of traffic lane.

* Keep eyes on the road, scanning for obstacles, people and hazards.

* Don’t weave between parked cars.

* Remember cars are allowed to enter bike lanes to make right turns, but no more than 200 feet before turn.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

* Los Angeles County bike maps can be obtained by calling the Metropolitan Transportation Authority hot line at (213) 244-6539.

* Call Caltrans for information on renting bike lockers at park-and-ride lots, (213) 897-0235. A $10 deposit on key is required, refundable upon return.

Sources: Caltrans, Metropolitan Transportation Authority, Bicycle Institute of America, Eccosport.