Life in the Bike Lane: Staying Safe on Two Wheels in Wabash County

By: Chelsea Parson, a Liking for Biking Ride Leader

There are few things that feel like flying more than riding your bike. It’s the combination of wheels turning, the breeze blowing back your hair and the world going by in colorful blurs to the left and right of you.

But, with great power as this, comes great responsibility. When you decide to live life on two wheels, there are a few rules you need to keep in mind before you hit the road:

1. Wear your helmet. This is an obvious one. We’ve been told since preschool to always wear our helmets and even if you’re a grown adult the sentiment still stands. The feeling of looking goofy in a helmet is still a better feeling than a concussion after a simple bike fall. Choose wisely.
2. Share the road. As a biker you are, technically, in control of a moving vehicle. Therefore when you are on roadways made for both bikes and cars, you need to do as the drivers do. That means biking in the same direction as traffic (not against traffic like many do while running or walking), observing all traffic laws (stop signs, red lights, right of ways, etc.) and ride along the outer edge of the road when at all possible. Keep in mind that we are all trying to get somewhere and we all have the right to do so safely. 
3. Be aware. Regardless of if you are on Wabash River Trail or traversing the county roads, you need to keep your wits about you, especially if you ride alone. Keep an ear open for oncoming traffic, passing bikers, and anything else that may lead to a collision or injury. Keep an eye on the road for loose gravel and sand. (These can bring down even the most skilled bikers if not careful!)
   1. And when you see something, say something. When biking in a group, shout it out when you hear a car coming from behind or when you notice things on the road that could pose a danger.
4. Use your hand signals. These can be tricky to remember, but they are an important tool to let your fellow travelers (by bike or by car) know where you’re headed.
   1. Left Turns = Left arm extended straight out to the side
   2. Right Turns = Right arm extended OR left arm bent upwards at a 90-degree angle (like a one-armed hand signal for “It’s Good!” in football)
   3. Stop or Slow Down =  Left arm downward (Also helps to shout it you are slowing down or stopping when possible to get other riders’ attention)
5. Don’t be that guy. We’ve all seen them. The bikers who act like they own the road and expect drivers to “go around” them or follow them on a 15 mph parade because they’re riding in the middle of the lane or swerving left and right as they ride. If you’re riding along a road two or three deep, move into a single file line along the outer edge of the road until the cars pass. Again, I beg you, DON’T BE THAT GUY.

Now that you’ve got the rules of the road down pat, let’s get you geared up and ready to ride like a pro. Here are some of the essentials for bike riding (and a couple of add-ons that may “gear up” your bike riding experience!)

1. A bike. (Duh.)
2. A bike helmet. (Remember, looking goofy is better than looking concussed!)
3. A water bottle. (Stay hydrated!)
4. Bike shoes. (For those who want to “step up” their bike game.)
5. A bike bag. (For snacks, phones, and what else you may need along the way.)
6. Some cool biking shades. (Shades this cool will make you forget all about looking goofy in a helmet.)

The best part about all of this gear? They can be bought right at Alley Cat Outfitters located at 100 Berry St, Wabash, right along the Wabash River Trail! 

Ready to roll? Then pump up your tires, snap on your helmet, and mark your calendar for May 3, when Liking for Biking will begin for the 2025 season! Wheels roll at 9 AM almost every Saturday from May to August. CLICK HERE for 2025 Ride Schedule.

We hope to see you there!