Bicycling can be intimidating. Whether on trails or in the city, try group biking. It has advantages: it may be safer than riding solo, it’s an opportunity to network, and see the sights around Western New York.
If you’re looking to connect with other bicyclists, shops, or even leave with a new ride, check out Western New York’s bike swaps. The next annual event will be held on Sunday, April 7 th at Resurgence Brewing Company on Chicago Street . The Swap is the best place to buy gently used parts, sell parts or bikes you may not use anymore, or even just talk bikes with fellow riders. This family-friendly event begins at noon and goes until 4pm. It’s a great place to keep up on current bike safety tips, trail recommendations, and bike maintenance. Check out the WNY Mountain Biking Association page for more information on buying and selling bicycles and parts at the event. If you have unused bicycles or parts you wish to donate, the association will take them after the event has ended. Their page also posts the biggest and best bicycle meet-ups and trail riding groups. It’s an easy way to make cycling friends and ride in numbers on trails and around the city. See our blog about upcoming group rides for more information.
The birds are coming out and so are cyclists across New York State. Spring is making its way to Buffalo and it’s time to tune-up your wheels.
A cool article in the Wall Street Journal last week triggered this quick blog. We all know that bicyclists have a few necessities. Some are for safety and some even required by New York law. Did you know that a “bike bell” is required by the New York VTL §1236? If you need one, look at the Spurcycle Bell, at Spurcycle.com, or at Amazon.com, for $32 and up. A helmet is required for those through age 14, according the VTL 1238(5), unless otherwise required by the locality you are in. See, giro.com, for a Giro Register, designed with an extra internal liner which can minimize the amount of rotational forces your head experiences in a crash. There are, of course, many options in this category. But we recommend them for all riders no matter the age. Along with each of the items in this blog, The Wall Street Journal also recommended a bike helmet mirror that is kind of cool looking and very adjustable. See, Safe Zone Helmet Mirror — Efficient Velo Tools (EVT) . (WSJ, 4/1/23, Off Duty, D15) Bike locks are worthwhile, too, if you worry about your bike being stolen from the local bike rack. So, for a really good lock, try The Kryptonite New-U New York, sold at REI.com. It’s very sturdy and a solid deterrent to taking your bike. But, if you want a “bike alarm” and want to track your bike if it is stolen, see, US.Knog.com, for the “Knog Scout”. This is a bike alarm and finder. Of course, there are many bike products on-line and in the bike stores similar to these. Find what you need and bike safely!
Last Friday, with the assistance of The Lounsbury Adaptive Ski Program at Holiday Valley, I made a positive difference in someone’s life.
If you are looking for a winter activity but skiing and snowboarding isn’t for you, snowshoeing and Cross Country skiing are a great winter alternatives. No matter your skill level, experience all that WNY has to offer in the colder months and at one of the abundance of places the region has to offer.
The bicycle accident lawyers at The Small Law Firm have collected the top ten rules of bike riding. We assist clients in the Niagara Falls, NY region.
The Buffalo Triathlon Club is alive and well. This past Thursday night, twenty riders embarked on a 16- mile time trial from Tonawanda Creek in North Amherst. Riders were released and sprinted to the finish. The time trial is a part of the triathlon training for these triathletes - male and female between the ages of 25 and 65. The training bikes being used by the athletes vary. A few ride hybrid style bikes; some are on traditional road bikes; and others are riding high-end carbon fiber triathlon racing bikes with built in aero bars in a forward leaning position. Wheel sets vary from deep dish rims to fully covered wheels. The helmets vary, too. Some Star Trek looking and some that you’d see on most riders. All wear moisture wicking bike shirts, some sleeveless and some not. And the shorts are form fitting - all the purpose of reducing wind resistance and improving comfort. It’s a conglomeration of athletes who all love the sport, training, and camaraderie. Small Law hosted dinner, Small Talk on New York Bike Law, and giveaways to a few lucky winners. Small Law can be reached at www.BuffaloBicycleAtty.com or via instagram at @smallawbba.