The R I D E - How to get around the Gold Coast without a car and not get killed
95 D A Y S 20 H O U R S 21 M I N U T E S 07 S E C O N D S
I ride. A lot.
and that is completely my choice.
It all started a few years ago, I was living in London at that time, you may have heard that London is a pretty expensive city, and sharing a one bedroom flat with a guy that society would describe as my boyfriend, can get little pricey sometimes.
I have never been a fan of public transport, just because get stuck in traffic on a double-deck monster, without the option of jumping off at any desired time and increase chances of picking up somebody else's virus give me a sort of anxiety. Without mention, the cost of a bus pass or travel card in the beautiful Capital City, which it's around £80 a month.
When I was living in Italy I used to ride a Vespa, loved it, but London's weather is a little bit too harsh for a scooter. People do it, and I really admire the thermic skills of their body.
And yet again, an expensive mean of transportation.
Skateboard and rollerblades where out of my spectrum of options, 'know your limits' they say, 'stay alive' I say.
The bike seemed to be the last and only reasonable choice.
So I got my first second-hand bike for £60, it was a pretty standard mountain bike, with a basket and bad breaks. And I LOVED IT.
Riding wasn't only a necessity anymore, it was a way of life, it was cheap, efficient and independent.
Since then I had 3 more bikes, my second one was a beautiful sturdy hybrid bike, perfect for the London's roads, not many ups and downs, but a very uneven path, I felt safe on my wider wheels.
For pure love and passion, I also bought a 1966 vintage mixte, beautiful in her cruisy way. (Oh yes bikes for me aren't a thing, a mere object, they're much more and so I give them names and treat them with great respect).
My current bike is a beautiful mid 80s road bike, you can read his story here.
You can see me riding up and down on the Gold Coast highway, the Esplanade or Christine Ave. From Coolangatta to Southport, I have ridden almost everywhere, and most of my friends told me that I am crazy, that it isn't safe, that it is too hot, too far, too scary, but the truth is that riding can be perfectly safe, and I want to share with you my golden rules for a safe ride, and those rules come from real experience.
And most of all: riding is FREE: no parking fees, no petrol, cheap service, cheap maintenance and completely eco-friendly.
As I promised, for your safety sake, here's the handbook for a SAFE RIDE:
1. always, ALWAYS, wear a H E L M E T.
A helmet will save your life, literally. It doesn't matter if it is a 30-second or 30-minute ride. You have to plan the inevitable.
2. ride on a C Y C L E L A N E.
I do agree, there are never enough Cycle Lanes in this world, choose to ride on one of those rare fluorescent carpets of concrete will make you more visible and protected.
3. keep your L I G H T S O N.
trust me on this, drivers have their very own way to show respect for riders, so let's give them an extra help and make yourself more visible keeping your front and rear lights on at all times.
4. be P R E D I C T A B L E.
There aren't many occasions for me to actually advise people and tell them to be predictable, but on this occasion, I am telling you to be.
In most push bikes, rear light it is not connected to breaks, which means whoever is behind us cannot really understand when we're breaking or speeding up, so make sure you are on the side of the road and where possible keep your speed and distance consistent.
5. be R E S P E C T F U L.
In several cities, riders are allowed to ride on certain pathways (i.e. the Gold Coast), in some others it is highly illegal (find yourself riding on a pathway in London and you can be charged with a £50 fine). But if you do ride on a pathway, check the sign and be respectful of your fellow pedestrian. Keep calm and ride slow. And don't forget that kids can be very unpredictable, so you'll have to pay extra attention to them.
6. follow the R U L E S.
on the road, you'll have to consider yourself as a vehicle. You put yourself and others in danger when jumping a red light, not stopping at a zebra crossing or not respecting priorities at the roundabouts.
If you don't care why would they?
7. use your H A N D
as I said in rule No.4, cars, on most occasions, do not really pay attention to you or your bike. Although they can easily kill you, they think that their agenda is more important than yours, you're just another annoying slow thing on the road.
In order to help them to get wherever they need to go, without going to jail, it's important to tell them where we are going, so use our hand and arm to indicate the direction.
The best way to do so (in my experience) it is extending your arm out diagonally, and move your hand up and down. Doing so, you will attract their attention and avoid to lose a limb or punch a pedestrian.
8. P R O T E C T yourself
The helmet is not the only gear that we can wear to protect us in case of impact, there are lightweight jacket and tracksuit that have foam sewed in, that can come quite handy if we want the extra protection and feel safer.
9. S E R V I C E your wheels.
this is the first thing that you want to do if you buy a second-hand bike. Go to a bike shop (here on the Coast I give my bike only to the guys at Mike's Bikes) and ask them to run a quick service, it will cost you around $30-$50, more if you need a fix.
Depends on how much you ride, remember to pump your wheels, and service your bike at least every time you feel something isn't right and you don't feel confident to do it yourself.
In some suburbs, during the weekend, you can attend free bike service offered by the more experienced riders.
10. go F L O P P Y.
In the eventuality of a fall, just go floppy.
It can happen, and instead of avoiding the thought, BE READY FOR IT.
It's important that you know how to fall in order to limit the damage. I am not talking about a car crashing into you, that's another matter. But in case you lose control of the bike or balance and unless you know you can avoid the fall, just let go. Check the space around you and where your body is going to and let your body be soft, drop your shoulder and ready for the impact.
Every fall is different, this is based on my own experience, there is not a general rule, but this helped me on several occasion even on a scooter.
11. keep your P H O N E in your pocket.
roads become dangerous in the moment we are not paying attention to them.
Your beloved phone can become the worst of the weapon against your own life.
Riding not Instagramming is the best way to stay safe.
12. watch for the W E A T H E R
whether it is hot or cold, make sure you know the forecast in case showers are expected, or heat wave is coming. My advice is to avoid strong wind, heavy rain and hot weather.
Here in the Gold Coast, it gets pretty hot during summer time, so if you decide to ride between 11am and 3pm make sure you have plenty of water, dressed in white or light colours and wear sunscreen. And if you ever feel dizzy pullover and rest in the shade. If heavy rain starts, find shelter somewhere and wait until it decreases.
If you are looking for more info and safety rules check on the Gold Coast website, you can also find info for free cycling workshops and have the opportunity to learn how to fix your own bike.
And last but not least, now that the Commonwealth Games are approaching there are loads of information that you can use to make your ride as pleasant as possible.
I wrote this handbook with the intent of encouraging others to approach the road safely, please always remember to check street signs and local legislation.
I ride. A lot.
and that is completely my choice.
 |
| @my_life_according_to_me.g |
It all started a few years ago, I was living in London at that time, you may have heard that London is a pretty expensive city, and sharing a one bedroom flat with a guy that society would describe as my boyfriend, can get little pricey sometimes.
I have never been a fan of public transport, just because get stuck in traffic on a double-deck monster, without the option of jumping off at any desired time and increase chances of picking up somebody else's virus give me a sort of anxiety. Without mention, the cost of a bus pass or travel card in the beautiful Capital City, which it's around £80 a month.
When I was living in Italy I used to ride a Vespa, loved it, but London's weather is a little bit too harsh for a scooter. People do it, and I really admire the thermic skills of their body.
And yet again, an expensive mean of transportation.
Skateboard and rollerblades where out of my spectrum of options, 'know your limits' they say, 'stay alive' I say.
The bike seemed to be the last and only reasonable choice.
So I got my first second-hand bike for £60, it was a pretty standard mountain bike, with a basket and bad breaks. And I LOVED IT.
Riding wasn't only a necessity anymore, it was a way of life, it was cheap, efficient and independent.
Since then I had 3 more bikes, my second one was a beautiful sturdy hybrid bike, perfect for the London's roads, not many ups and downs, but a very uneven path, I felt safe on my wider wheels.
For pure love and passion, I also bought a 1966 vintage mixte, beautiful in her cruisy way. (Oh yes bikes for me aren't a thing, a mere object, they're much more and so I give them names and treat them with great respect).
My current bike is a beautiful mid 80s road bike, you can read his story here.
You can see me riding up and down on the Gold Coast highway, the Esplanade or Christine Ave. From Coolangatta to Southport, I have ridden almost everywhere, and most of my friends told me that I am crazy, that it isn't safe, that it is too hot, too far, too scary, but the truth is that riding can be perfectly safe, and I want to share with you my golden rules for a safe ride, and those rules come from real experience.
And most of all: riding is FREE: no parking fees, no petrol, cheap service, cheap maintenance and completely eco-friendly.
As I promised, for your safety sake, here's the handbook for a SAFE RIDE:
 |
| @my_life_according_to_me.g |
1. always, ALWAYS, wear a H E L M E T.
A helmet will save your life, literally. It doesn't matter if it is a 30-second or 30-minute ride. You have to plan the inevitable.
2. ride on a C Y C L E L A N E.
I do agree, there are never enough Cycle Lanes in this world, choose to ride on one of those rare fluorescent carpets of concrete will make you more visible and protected.
3. keep your L I G H T S O N.
trust me on this, drivers have their very own way to show respect for riders, so let's give them an extra help and make yourself more visible keeping your front and rear lights on at all times.
4. be P R E D I C T A B L E.
There aren't many occasions for me to actually advise people and tell them to be predictable, but on this occasion, I am telling you to be.
In most push bikes, rear light it is not connected to breaks, which means whoever is behind us cannot really understand when we're breaking or speeding up, so make sure you are on the side of the road and where possible keep your speed and distance consistent.
5. be R E S P E C T F U L.
In several cities, riders are allowed to ride on certain pathways (i.e. the Gold Coast), in some others it is highly illegal (find yourself riding on a pathway in London and you can be charged with a £50 fine). But if you do ride on a pathway, check the sign and be respectful of your fellow pedestrian. Keep calm and ride slow. And don't forget that kids can be very unpredictable, so you'll have to pay extra attention to them.
6. follow the R U L E S.
on the road, you'll have to consider yourself as a vehicle. You put yourself and others in danger when jumping a red light, not stopping at a zebra crossing or not respecting priorities at the roundabouts.
If you don't care why would they?
7. use your H A N D
as I said in rule No.4, cars, on most occasions, do not really pay attention to you or your bike. Although they can easily kill you, they think that their agenda is more important than yours, you're just another annoying slow thing on the road.
In order to help them to get wherever they need to go, without going to jail, it's important to tell them where we are going, so use our hand and arm to indicate the direction.
The best way to do so (in my experience) it is extending your arm out diagonally, and move your hand up and down. Doing so, you will attract their attention and avoid to lose a limb or punch a pedestrian.
8. P R O T E C T yourself
The helmet is not the only gear that we can wear to protect us in case of impact, there are lightweight jacket and tracksuit that have foam sewed in, that can come quite handy if we want the extra protection and feel safer.
9. S E R V I C E your wheels.
this is the first thing that you want to do if you buy a second-hand bike. Go to a bike shop (here on the Coast I give my bike only to the guys at Mike's Bikes) and ask them to run a quick service, it will cost you around $30-$50, more if you need a fix.
Depends on how much you ride, remember to pump your wheels, and service your bike at least every time you feel something isn't right and you don't feel confident to do it yourself.
In some suburbs, during the weekend, you can attend free bike service offered by the more experienced riders.
 |
| @my_life_according_to_me.g |
10. go F L O P P Y.
In the eventuality of a fall, just go floppy.
It can happen, and instead of avoiding the thought, BE READY FOR IT.
It's important that you know how to fall in order to limit the damage. I am not talking about a car crashing into you, that's another matter. But in case you lose control of the bike or balance and unless you know you can avoid the fall, just let go. Check the space around you and where your body is going to and let your body be soft, drop your shoulder and ready for the impact.
Every fall is different, this is based on my own experience, there is not a general rule, but this helped me on several occasion even on a scooter.
11. keep your P H O N E in your pocket.
roads become dangerous in the moment we are not paying attention to them.
Your beloved phone can become the worst of the weapon against your own life.
Riding not Instagramming is the best way to stay safe.
12. watch for the W E A T H E R
whether it is hot or cold, make sure you know the forecast in case showers are expected, or heat wave is coming. My advice is to avoid strong wind, heavy rain and hot weather.
Here in the Gold Coast, it gets pretty hot during summer time, so if you decide to ride between 11am and 3pm make sure you have plenty of water, dressed in white or light colours and wear sunscreen. And if you ever feel dizzy pullover and rest in the shade. If heavy rain starts, find shelter somewhere and wait until it decreases.
If you are looking for more info and safety rules check on the Gold Coast website, you can also find info for free cycling workshops and have the opportunity to learn how to fix your own bike.
And last but not least, now that the Commonwealth Games are approaching there are loads of information that you can use to make your ride as pleasant as possible.
I wrote this handbook with the intent of encouraging others to approach the road safely, please always remember to check street signs and local legislation.
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