City Biking 101: What are some tips on biking in Philly?

September 11, 12:53 PMSouth Philly Community ExaminerMaria Verlengia

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The Lower Moyamensing Civic Association (LoMo) hosted a bicycling workshop on Wednesday, September 9th, at the Fumo Family Library at 2437 South Broad Street in South Philly. Edward Mage and Ben Scheinfeld, bike ambassadors with the Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia, presented the workshop.

“Bicycling is becoming pervasive,” said Todd Schwartz, vice president of LoMo.

Mage and Scheinfeld said that cycling is cheaper, healthier, easier on the environment, faster, and more efficient. Cyclists also have more freedom and control.

“It’s just how I’ve always gotten around,” said Scheinfeld. “It’s really fun and relaxing. My favorite thing is that it’s fun.”

Mage became a serious cyclist to lose weight. “It becomes part of your mindset.”

Mage and Scheinfeld recommended choosing a bike that allows the rider to stand with their feet flat on the ground when not in the seat. A seated rider should be able to touch only one toe to the ground.

“Comfort is the key thing,” Scheinfeld said. It shouldn’t hurt to ride.

Although helmets are not legally required in Philadelphia, Mage and Scheinfeld strongly recommended them. They said a properly fitting helmet should not wobble or feel loose. One piece of equipment that is legally required during evening hours is a red light on the back of the bike and a white light on the front. A blinking red light is especially effective.

Other equipment cyclists should tote along include a tire pump, tire gauge, patch kit, inner tube, and, of course, bike locks.

“I recommend a two point locking system,” Mage said. He demonstrated by locking both the frame and back wheel of a bike with a U-bar lock and then using a cable lock to secure the front wheel to the frame. At the very least, cyclists should lock their back wheel because it is more expensive to replace.