In this December edition of NYCycles, you'll find:

- Sheltered Bike Parking Comes to NYC
- Seven Tips for Winter Riding
- Teach Your Child to Ride a Bike

New Bike Routes
2007 Cycling Map

And tools to make your ride safer and easier:
Road and Bridge Closures
Free Helmets
Request a Bike Rack
Report a Problem

Quick Bit:

New York Magazine extols the "sleek public bike-parking shelter" the NYC DOT has created in partnership with CEMUSA, our street furniture vendor. The first five will be rolled out this winter, with an additional 32 to follow shortly.

We knew that we could do better, but finding an immediate source of funding for sheltered bike parking was a challenge. So we got creative. We decided to tap into a pre-existing program, our Coordinated Street Furniture Franchise with the CEMUSA, to provide the first generation of sheltered bike parking for New York City cyclists.

DOT has asked CEMUSA to install and maintain 37 Sheltered Bicycle Parking Structures. These structures will do more than just provide parking - they send a message that the city supports and promotes cycling as a way to get around.

The Sheltered Bicycle Parking Structure is identical to our attractive, new bus shelters, but with the glass panels removed. Each structure will contain stainless steel bike racks to accommodate 8 bicycles. There will be no advertising on the structures. Instead, the ad panels will be used to display the annual NYC Cycling Map and the "Look" Public Service Campaign.

The following five shelters are in the process of being completed, one in each borough:
* East 17th Street at Broadway, Manhattan
* East Kingsbridge Road at Briggs Avenue, Bronx
* Dekalb Avenue at Flatbush Avenue, Brooklyn
* Jackson Avenue at 50th Street, Queens
* St. George Ferry Terminal, Staten Island

The remaining 32 shelters will be installed by the end of 2008.

2. Stay Warm
Brrr! It's cold out there. Nothing like a good ride to get your blood flowing and warm you right up. Prepare for your ride by layering several lighter layers of clothing. Wear something that will wick away moisture next to your skin. It doesn't have to be anything fancy, wool does a great job. Top off your ensemble with a wind-proof jacket. That way you can shed some layers as you warm up.

Wind-proof gloves are a great investment for folks who plan on cycling all winter long and if you ride far or in especially cold temperatures, consider getting thicker socks or booties that can keep your feet warm on your pedals.

Finally most bike shops sell balaclavas (kind of like a hat with a turtleneck attacked) or helmet covers to keep your head and ears warm.

3. Keep your chain free of salt/dirt/sludge
Cleaning and lubing your bike chain should be as routine as maintaining proper tire pressure. You don't have to do it every time you ride, but if you're riding in wet, snowy conditions you'll want to do it often. If you're a casual rider, you probably don't want to go to the hassle of taking your chain off your bike, soaking it and scrubbing it. Don't worry! You can use a degreaser and a stiff brush to scrub the dirt and grit from your chain, wipe it down with a chamois and then apply a bit of drip or spray lube. If this sounds too complicated or too messy, your local bike shop would also be happy to help!

4. Tires and Fenders
Always maintain proper tire pressure to prevent flats. This is especially important in cold and wet weather, partly because flats are more prevalent in these conditions and partly just because who wants to be caught out with a flat tire in the middle of winter?

Fenders are a great investment this time of year. They help keep the salt, dirt and sludge previously mentioned off of your clothes.

5. When in doubt, go slow
The NYC Department of Sanitation works all winter long to remove snow and ice from the roadways and here at DOT we have a great team that goes out and removes snow and ice from the East River Bridge bicycle paths and walkways. Still, it is worth it to ride especially carefully during these winter months, slow down and be on the lookout for icy patches. If you see a street or path that needs to be cleared, report it to 311.

Teach Your Child to Ride a Bike
Parents or grandparents can bring their children and their bikes and helmets to this free, fun event, and they'll be amazed at how easily their children learn how to ride a two-wheeler. Recommended for ages 5 and up.

WHAT: An easy, hands-free, crash-free, and low-stress way for parents to get their children rolling on two wheels. This Bike New York class teaches the basics of balancing, starting, stopping, and steering a bike. More than 600 kids and their parents learned this method of riding in 2007.

WHO: Children with their parents, grandparents, or other guardians.

COST: Free. Pre-registration required at www.BikeNewYork.org.

WHEN/WHERE:
Saturday, January 5, 1:00pm - 3:00pm

George Cromwell Recreation Center, Staten Island
Pier 6 at Murray Hulbert Avenue, near Bay Street and Hannah Street

The Center, recognizable by its tall smoke stack with the NYC Parks leaf logo, is located about half a mile south of the St. George Staten Island Ferry terminal.

DOT staff will be present to assist with helmet fittings and distribute free helmets to those who need them.

This event is co-sponsored by Bike New York and the NYC Department of Parks & Recreation.

Street Smart Cycling: Be wary of parked cars. Motorists can unexpectedly open doors. Be particularly careful if you see a motorist in the car. Ride in a straight line at least three feet away from parked cars.

Quick Tip: This holiday season give the cyclists in your life something they can really use! Stock up on bike lights, reflective bands, stickers, bells for your friends who are riding in darkness. These inexpensive gifts are a great way to show your friends and co-workers you care and encourage them to start off the new year safely.

Forward this email to a friend and tell them to sign up for our monthly updates: http://www.nyc.gov/dotnews