To Ride and Survive in the City of Angels

Top Ten Tips To Survive Your Ride in Los Angeles

I recently came across an article in The Red Bulletin entitled Battle: Los Angeles about Don Ward or "Roadblock" and the Wolfpack Hustle (@WolfpackHustle).  I suggest reading the article, but wanted to share the tips for riding, which I modified and enhanced.

1.) Use the right equipment. Do not get a mountain bike. Wear a helmet.
     - Check out these downtown bike shops for help:
        RYD Bikes on 342 W. 9th
        El Maestro on 806 S. Main
        DTLA Bikes on 425 S. Broadway
        Orange 20 Bikes in Silverlake
        Bicycle Kitchen in Silverlake

2.) Use powerful LED red blinking lights at the front and rear of your bike at day and night.

3.) Use thorn resistant tires and check your equipment often.

4.) Get a Ulock and use it!

5.) You must be visible and predictable to drivers.
     - Learn to ride straight in the proper lane position
     - Stay out of the door zone, which is 4 to 5 feet from parked cars
     - Use hand signals to communicate with drivers
     - Do not make any sudden moves and learn to anticipate changing conditions

6.) Learn the streets and how they connect to where you want to go (add the Metro to the mix)
     - Check out Googlemaps and and Ridethecity.com 

7.) Adventure with friends. There is safety in numbers.

8.) Invest in good fuel for your body. Become a vegetarian (article recommendation I endorse).

9.) Drink lots of water.

10.) Savor the struggle.

Courtesy of Antranik.org

For night rides, check out Midnight Ridazz (@MidnightRidazz).