PopSugar

Urban Cycling Tip: Invest in a Bike Bell

FitSugar — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 12:00:49 -0700

When passing someone in a bike or multi-use path it's important to yell out "on your left" and slow down. I always make a point to do this but sometimes my voice doesn't carry very well. A simple solution to my problem was investing in this cool bike bell.

When I was little I had a bike bell but I thought it was just a cool accessory - now it's a major piece of safety equipment. The bell's classic ringing sound is loud enough to warn oncomers but isn't obnoxious. It was also incredibly easy to mount on my bike. (If you're not into a bell look for a bike horn instead.)

Since using a bell I've noticed that most people respond kinder to me than when I yell out, perhaps because it comes off as being less aggressive. To play it safe though I use a combination of both if it seems the bell isn't enough.

Are Bikes Fashionable?

FabSugar — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 04:00:08 -0700

The Sartorialist certainly thinks so . . .

Source

G by Guess's Super-Rad Custom Beach Cruiser

FabSugar — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 09:00:22 -0700

G by Guess just unveiled its eco-orange beach cruiser, and it has me contemplating getting a new bike. OK, I probably won't, but if I could, I would totally pounce on this one. I adore the retro design, white-painted rims, and leather grips. Even better, you can choose one of six sticker options for a customized touch. "Offering our custom beach cruiser minimizes our impact and provides a fashionable and environmentally friendly form of transportation,” said Paul Marciano, CEO of Guess? Inc.

Did I mention Guess is giving away this cool bike? All you you have to do is stop by any G by Guess location from Sept. 9-12, and sign up to win! Bikes are also available for purchase for $329.50 for a limited time at GbyGuess.com.

Do You Rent Bikes on Vacation?

FitSugar — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 08:00:07 -0700

It's the peak of tourist season in San Francisco, and the streets are full of adventurous travelers riding around on rented bikes. I admire people who want to stay active on vacation, and bicycling is a great way to explore a new city. Do you ever rent bikes while traveling?

Fab Finding Follow-Up: Fab Bike Gang

FabSugar — Thu, 28 May 2009 14:00:22 -0700

Bike-to-Work Week took place recently - did you participate? Even if not, I asked you all to put together comfy cute outfits for fun. I started you off with this Aerie Zip-Front Active Bra ($30) because it will help, ahem, secure things. Let's see what you all created!

Look #1, created by hil34, is so cute, I want to wear it even when not biking.

Freestyle Bolsa Chica Women's Action watch	Converse Specialty Metallic All Star Low Sneaker
Women's Eagle Lightweight Hoodie - American Eagle Outfitters	Tanks�\|�Tops�\|�Designer Clothing�\|�NET-A-PORTER.COM
Adidas by Stella McCartney Performance woven shorts	Women's aerie f.i.t. zip-front active bra ($30)

To see the rest, read more.

Look #2, created by Zivanod, incorporates funky. I like.

Infinity Watch	Charlotte Russe - Peace Sign Ring
Clava Racing Bowler - Blue	Mark's Work Wearhouse Runner
Ashley Classic Fit T-Shirt	Women's Roots Original Sweatpant	Women's aerie f.i.t. zip-front active bra ($30)

Look #3, created by maria212134, is stylish but comfortable. Cool watch.

adidas 'Wooser Collection' Watch - Acrylic & Resin - Nordstrom	adidas Originals Eau Rouge W by at Zappos.com
Women's Clothes: Women's Active Zip Jackets: Hoodies & Jackets Activewear \| Old Navy	Women's Clothes: Women's Racerback Jersey Tanks: Tanks & Bras Activewear \| Old Navy
So Low Side Tie Shorts	Women's aerie f.i.t. zip-front active bra ($30)

Match the Celebrity Kids to Their Wheeled Rides!

LilSugar — Thu, 28 May 2009 07:00:59 -0700

Warm weather and breaks from school mean it's time to dust off the bike, scooter or any wheeled toy and take it for a spin. Celebabies are no different than our own babes when it comes to getting speed under their feet. Take our quiz and see if you can identify which tinseltown tots took to the streets.

Question 1 of 10

Which little rebel was ready for a ride on his new tricycle also sporting a new helmet?

Blast Back From the Past: Big Wheels

LilSugar — Wed, 27 May 2009 05:00:45 -0700

As a child of the 80s, I fondly remember Big Wheels. Seated just inches off the ground, lil rascals tore down the sidewalks pretending they were Ponch and John from CHiPs.

Introduced at the 1969 Toy Fair, The Big Wheel was a staple in many American homes by the late 70s. Made of plastic, they were cheaper than traditional tricycles and considered to be safer, due to their thick wheels and inability to tip over. By the mid-80s, the company that produced them had gone out of business and the original Big Wheel was no longer making the rounds. Today, the Original Big Wheel ($35) has been reintroduced by a new manufacturer and is winning over a new generation of riders. Though the current version does not have the hand brake that allowed the trike to spin in an awesome circle like the previous one did, it looks similar and is sure to bring back a flood of memories for the parents buying it for their tykes.

Come Fab Finding With Me: Fab Bike Gang

FabSugar — Mon, 18 May 2009 03:50:22 -0700

Bike-to-Work Week was last week - did you participate? Even if not, let's put together comfy cute outfits for fun. Stay away from denim or any other confining pieces and focus on stylish sportswear. Sound like a plan?

I'll start you off with this Aerie Zip-Front Active Bra ($30) because it will help, ahem, secure things.

Let's go Fab Finding. Be sure to come back and tell me your Fab Finds are up, or just tag your Fab Finds with Fab Bike Gang.

Now, you can build outfits by creating a list of clothing items. We have everything you need to build outfits, and you can use your Fab Find bookmarks, too. This is an even better way to put together an entire outfit when you are completing your Fab Finding missions.

Learn what a Fab Find is and how to make one. And here is a more detailed explanation of bookmarks from geeksugar.

To see some of my favorite online stores, read more.

Banana Republic
Bluefly
eLuxury
J.Crew
Jildor Shoes
Live Natty
Neiman Marcus
Net-a-Porter
Pink Mascara

Bike Safety 101: Get Your Wee One Riding

LilSugar — Fri, 01 May 2009 08:00:24 -0700

Pump up those tires and strap a helmet on your tot, today marks the the first day of National Bike Month! One of the most popular physical activities for kids, the health benefits of biking are second to none. In addition to keeping children outside and in shape, biking helps develop lil ones' hand-eye-coordination and sense of balance. Even the littlest ones in the family can share in the benefits, but it is imperative to start them off safely. Bike safety skills should be taught the first time a wee one sits on a trike and insisting a helmet be worn is an easy way to set the standard.

According to Safe Kids USA, "Each year, more than 130 children die from bicycle-related injuries, and more than 280,000 are treated in emergency rooms. Properly fitted bike helmets could reduce the risk of bike-related brain injuries by 88 percent; however, only 15 to 25 percent of cyclists ages 14 and under usually wear a helmet."

To ensure that your kids are as safe as can be on their bikes, Safe Kids recommends:

Make sure the helmet fits and your kids know how to put it on correctly. In a crash, the risk of head injury is doubled if the helmet is worn incorrectly. A helmet should sit on top of the head in a level position, and should not rock forward and backward or side to side. The helmet straps must always be buckled but not too tightly.
Remember bike helmets are for biking. Kids should not wear bike helmets on the playground (where the straps can get caught on equipment and cause injury) or for activities that require specialized helmets (such as skiing or football).
Know the law. In 19 states, the District of Columbia and more than 140 local jurisdictions, children under 16 are required by law to wear a helmet while riding a bike. In some jurisdictions, the helmet law also applies to scooters, inline skates and skateboards.

For additional bike safety tips, read more.

Make sure the bike itself is the right size for the child. There should be 2-4 inches of clearance between the bike frame and the child’s groin when the child’s feet are flat on the ground. Also, make sure the bike is in good repair - reflectors are secure, brakes work properly, gears shift smoothly, and tires are tightly secured and properly inflated.
Ride on the right side of the road, with traffic, not against. Stay as far to the right as possible.
Use appropriate hand signals.
Respect traffic signals, stopping at all stop signs and stop lights.
Stop and look left, right and left again before entering a street or crossing an intersection. Look back and yield to traffic coming from behind before turning left.
Adult supervision of child cyclists is essential until you are sure a child has good traffic skills and judgment.
Cycling should be restricted to sidewalks and paths until a child is age 10.
Children should be able to demonstrate riding competence and knowledge of the rules of the road before they cycle with traffic.
Children should not ride a bicycle when it is dark, in the fog or in other low-visibility conditions.
If riding at dusk, dawn or in the evening is unavoidable, use a light on the bike and make sure it has reflectors as well.
Wear clothes and accessories that incorporate retroreflective materials to improve your visibility to motorists.

Source

Strollin': Taga Gets New Mamas Moving

LilSugar — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 09:00:32 -0700

There's always an excuse to get out of exercising - especially when there's a new baby in tow. The Dutch, who take their bicycle riding rather seriously (check out their balance bikes) and are known for their innovative stroller design (think about the Bugaboo), are at it again with the Taga - a combination high-end stroller and bicycle. Though the Taga has yet to make its American debut, we wonder if it will be a hit when it gets here. The unique design easily converts from a regular stroller to a bicycle carrier and even to a double-seat stroller, making it easy for mom to exercise with the kids!