Willard Book-A-Bike

How to borrow:

Be at least 18 years old, or have signed consent from a parent/guardian
Borrower is suggested to provide and wear your own helmet
Fill out a lending agreement at the Willard Branch
Borrow bike!

Safety: Rules of the Road

BE PREPARED

Ride a bike that fits you—if it’s too big, it’s harder to control the bike
Ride a bike that works—conduct a visual bike check prior to your ride
Wear equipment to protect you and make you more visible to others, like a bike helmet, bright clothing (during the day), reflective gear, and a white front light and red rear light and reflectors on your bike (at night, or when visibility is poor)
Ride one per seat, with both hands on the handlebars, unless signaling a turn
Carry all items in a backpack or strapped to the back of the bike
Tuck and tie your shoelaces and pant legs so they don’t get caught in your bike chain
Plan your route—if driving as a vehicle on the road, choose routes with less traffic and slower speeds. Your safest route may be away from traffic altogether, in a bike lane or on a bike path

HELMETS

Every bike ride begins with putting on a required helmet. But it’s equally important that you ensure a proper fit so your helmet can best protect you.

Size can vary between manufacturers. Follow the steps to fit a helmet properly. It may take time to ensure a proper helmet fit, but your life is worth it. It’s usually easier to look in the mirror or have someone else adjust the straps.

For the most comprehensive list of helmet sizes according to manufacturers, go the Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute (BHSI) website.

VISUAL BIKE CHECK

Before every ride there is an easy way to make sure your bike is in good working order before hitting the road, dirt path or wherever you travel — it’s called an ABC Quick Check. Learn the steps and some additional tips to consider when riding an electric assist bike (also known as an e-bike).

Air: Be sure you have enough air in your tires

Brakes: Look to see that your brake pads are not worn

Chain and Cranks: Pull on your cranks to see that they are not loose and look to see that the chain is not rusted, and it is free of gunk it is important to perform a simple visual bike safety check. This is known as the “ABC’s” (air, breaks, and chain) check to ensure that the bike is in proper working condition and safe to operate.

Quick Release: Make sure all quick releases are closed

Check: Take a slow brief ride to check that your bike is working properly

For helpful instructions on how to perform this please refer to our “How to Operate your bike.” This video was produced with the generous support of DoorDash.

Puedes encontrar este video en español aquí: https://youtu.be/yP6R3lxwXME

AVOID CRASHES

There are two main types of crashes: the most common (falls), and the most serious (the ones with cars). Regardless of the reason for the crash, prevention is the name of the game. There are things you can do to decrease your risk of a crash. First, know some of the latest bicycle safety facts:

Bicyclist deaths are highest during the summer months between June and September.
Nearly three quarters of all bicyclist deaths occur in urban areas.
Failing to yield the right of way is the highest factor in fatal bike crashes, followed by bicyclists not being visible.

Ride responsibly and remember: All states require bicyclists on the roadway to follow the same rules and responsibilities as motorists.

DEFENSIVE DRIVING

Be focused and alert to the road and all traffic around you; anticipate what others may do before they do it. This is defensive driving—the quicker you notice a potential conflict, the quicker you can act to avoid a potential crash:

Drive with the flow, in the same direction as traffic.
Obey street signs, signals, and road markings, just like a car.
Assume the other person doesn’t see you; look ahead for hazards or situations to avoid that may cause you to fall, like toys, pebbles, potholes, grates, train tracks.
No texting, listening to music or using anything that distracts you by taking your eyes and ears or your mind off the road and traffic.

DRIVE PREDICTABLY

By driving predictably, motorists get a sense of what you intend to do and can react to avoid a crash.

Drive where you are expected to be seen, travel in the same direction as traffic and signal and look over your shoulder before changing lane position or turning.

Avoid or minimize sidewalk riding. Cars don’t expect to see moving traffic on a sidewalk and don’t look for you when backing out of a driveway or turning. Sidewalks sometimes end unexpectedly, forcing the bicyclist into a road when a car isn’t expecting to look for a bicyclist. If you must ride on the sidewalk, remember to:

Check your law to make sure sidewalk riding is legal;
Watch for pedestrians;
Pass pedestrians with care by first announcing “on your left” or “passing on your left” or use a bell;
Ride in the same direction as traffic. This way, if the sidewalk ends, you are already riding with the flow of traffic. If crossing a street, motorists will look left, right, left for traffic. When you are to the driver’s left, the driver is more likely to see you;
Slow and look for traffic (left-right-left and behind) when crossing a street from a sidewalk; be prepared to stop and follow the pedestrian signals; and
Slow down and look for cars backing out of driveways or turning.

DRIVERS: SHARE THE ROAD

People on bicycles have the same rights and responsibilities as people behind the wheel of a vehicle.

SIGNALING

You should always let others know when you are turning, changing lanes or stopping. Communicating your intentions not only makes your ride safer, but it is also required by law in the United States.

Left Turn: Fully extend your left arm out to the side

Right Turn: Fully extend your right arm out to the side or bend your left arm up at a right angle with your hand flat.

Slowing or Stopping: Extend your left arm out at a right angle with your hand open

SCANNING

Scanning is simply the act of looking over your shoulder. Scanning successfully is a key part of riding anywhere—it’s an easy and safe way to communicate your intentions to others and it also shows you what is happening behind you.

At first, it will be difficult to scan and maintain a straight line. A tip that may keep you from pulling the bike is to remove the hand, from the direction you are scanning, from the handlebars.

Yield to bicyclists as you would motorists and do not underestimate their speed. This will help avoid turning in front of a bicyclist traveling on the road or sidewalk, often at an intersection or driveway.
In parking lots, at stop signs, when packing up, or when parking, search your surroundings for other vehicles, including bicycles.
Drivers turning right on red should look to the right and behind to avoid hitting a bicyclist approaching from the right rear. Stop completely and look left-right-left and behind before turning right on red.
Obey the speed limit, reduce speed for road conditions and drive defensively to avoid a crash with a cyclist.
Give cyclists room. Do not pass too closely. Pass bicyclists as you would any other vehicle—when it’s safe to move over into an adjacent lane.

For helpful instructions on how to perform this please refer to our “Signaling and Scanning” video.

Puedes encontrar este video en español aquí: https://youtu.be/le6Ii2_ISeA

IMPROVE RIDING SKILLS

No one learns to drive a vehicle safely without practice and experience; safely riding your bike in traffic requires the same preparation. Start by riding your bike in a safe environment away from traffic (a park, path, or empty parking lot).

Take an on-bike class through your school, recreation department, local bike shop or bike advocacy group. Confidence in traffic comes with learning how to navigate and communicate with other drivers, bicyclists, and pedestrians. Review and practice as a safe pedestrian or bicyclist is great preparation for a safe and enjoyable ride.

Rules:

Borrowers must have a current, valid library card to use equipment
Helmets are required
All riders must have a signed LENDING AGREEMENT on file
All adult riders, ages 18 and older, with the intent of borrowing an electric bike must have a signed ELECTRIC BIKE LENDING AGREEMENT on file
Parent/guardian must be present when signing any and all program documents
Bikes and equipment are to be borrowed only during normal business hours at Huron County Community Library, Willard, OH
All equipment must be returned 15 minutes before closing
Bikes and equipment may not be borrowed overnight
Riders may be held responsible for any damages over $50 in cost
Bikes and equipment not returned by the agreed upon time will be treated as theft
Borrowers must report any damage or malfunctions to staff immediately
When left unattended, equipment must be locked and secured
Borrowers are responsible for stolen or lost equipment
Borrowers must stay with Huron County limits when utilizing a bike
Borrowers must obey Willard Book-A-Bike program rules
Borrowers must obey traffic laws and bike path rules and courtesies
Borrowers are encouraged to have fun!

How to operate an E-bike:

Using an electric bike (e-bike) can be a thrilling and eco-friendly way to get around. Here's a short guide to help you get started:

Familiarize Yourself with the Bike: Before riding, take a moment to understand the bike's features. Locate the power switch, control panel (if applicable), brakes, gears, and battery.
Safety Gear: Always wear appropriate safety gear such as a helmet, reflective clothing, and gloves. Safety first!
Power On: Turn on the e-bike by flipping the power switch, usually located on the battery or the handlebar. If there's a control panel, familiarize yourself with its functions.
Pedal Assist vs. Throttle: Understand how your e-bike operates. Some e-bikes offer pedal assist, meaning the motor kicks in when you pedal, while others have a throttle that allows you to control the motor's power directly.
Start Riding: Begin pedaling gently to get a feel for the bike's assistance level. Gradually increase your speed and adjust the assistance level or throttle according to your comfort and terrain.
Braking: Use the brakes as you would on a regular bike. Be mindful that e-bikes, especially those with higher speeds, may require a slightly longer braking distance.
Battery Management: Monitor your battery level using the indicator on the bike's control panel (if available) or by periodically checking the battery itself. Plan your rides according to the battery capacity, and recharge when needed.
Maintenance: Regularly maintain your e-bike by keeping it clean, checking tire pressure, and ensuring all components are in good working order. Follow the manufacturer's guidelines for battery care and storage.
Obey Traffic Laws: E-bikes are subject to the same traffic laws as regular bicycles. Obey speed limits, signal your intentions, and ride defensively.
Enjoy the Ride: Whether you're commuting, running errands, or simply exploring, enjoy the convenience and fun of riding your e-bike while minimizing your environmental impact.

Remember, like any new skill, riding an e-bike might take a bit of practice to get comfortable with. Take your time, stay safe, and have fun exploring the world on your electric bike!

How to operate bike fix-it station:

Using a bike fix-it station can be a convenient way to perform basic repairs and maintenance on your bicycle while on the go. Here's a short guide to help you use one effectively:

Inspect the Tools: Approach the fix-it station and inspect the tools available. Typical tools may include a bike pump, tire levers, Allen wrenches (hex keys), and sometimes screwdrivers or wrenches.
Secure Your Bike: Position your bike securely next to the fix-it station, ensuring it won't tip over or fall while you're working on it. Use the bike stand or nearby railing if available.
Identify the Issue: Assess the problem with your bike. Common issues that can be addressed at a fix-it station include flat tires, loose bolts, or minor adjustments to brakes or gears.
Use the Tools: Select the appropriate tool for the repair you need to perform. For example, if you have a flat tire, use the tire levers to remove the tire, then the pump to inflate it to the correct pressure.
Follow Instructions: If you're unsure how to use a specific tool or perform a repair, check for instructions provided at the fix-it station. Many stations have diagrams or QR codes that link to online tutorials.
Make Necessary Adjustments: Tighten loose bolts, adjust brakes or gears, and perform any other necessary maintenance tasks to get your bike back in working order.
Dispose of Waste: If you've used any disposable items like wipes or gloves, be sure to dispose of them properly in nearby trash bins.
Test Your Bike: Once you've completed the repairs or adjustments, give your bike a quick test ride to ensure everything is functioning properly.
Leave the Station Clean: Take a moment to tidy up the area around the fix-it station, putting tools back in their designated spots and ensuring the area is clean for the next cyclist.

By following these steps, you can effectively use a bike fix-it station to perform basic repairs and maintenance, keeping your bike in top condition for your rides.

Willard Book-A-Bike

Willard Book-A-Bike

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Willard Memorial Library