Dear Just Be: I would like to ride my bike more, any suggestions on trails?

Riding your bike is a great way to get exercise, save money and help the environment. The state of Colorado has some fantastic trails as does the Denver metro area. In the metro area you can take trails to ride for fun, or take them to get to work. Bicycle Colorado has some great maps for you to use when planning your route. Check out their website for a trail near you.

To get to the trails you can ride to them from home or you can drive to them with your car. If you choose to ride your bike to the trail, you will need to share the road with motorists. The following code is important to keep in mind anytime you are riding on the streets as opposed to on a trail. The 3-2-1 Courtesy Code is a simple guideline that helps cyclists create goodwill and positive sharing of the road with motorists. 3 stands for three feet to pass, 2 stands for abreast when clear, and 1 stands for single file to allow for passing. Share this information with others. Motorists and cyclists need to learn how to share the road. Also keep in mind and share with fellow bicyclists that we have all the rights and duties applicable to the driver of any other vehicle and can be penalized for violating traffic laws.

Trails also carry safety guidelines to follow. For starters always ride on the right side of the trail. You need to follow traffic control signs and markings on trails. If you need to pass someone on the trail do it on the left, and only when the trail is clear of traffic. More importantly, give an audible warning before overtaking other trail users such as ringing your bike bell or loudly and clearly call out "passing." You should also use hand signals to indicate turns and stops. Again, ride single file so that other users may pass safely. And, slow down when the trail is crowded, and travel at speeds that are safe and appropriate to trail conditions.

For more bicycle safety trips and tips for riding trails visit Bicycle Colorado