Biking to class is a great way to save time, get some exercise, and reduce your carbon footprint on campus. However, some danger and risk come when riding a bike in crowded campus areas with pedestrians, cars, and other bikers. To stay safe, it is essential to understand the variables involved in biking around campus and staying protected. Here are seven must-haves that will help keep you safe and on track while biking around campus.

1. Always Wear a Helmet

It might go without saying, but wearing a helmet is the most critical thing you can do to prevent an injury while biking. Accidents can happen at any moment, whether you’re onyour way across campus or the city. A helmet could distinguish between a scraped elbow and a catastrophic injury. Make sure your helmet fits properly and is certified.
Things can get overwhelming between classes and trying to maintain a healthy lifestyle.If you struggle to keep up with your academic workload, you can buy dissertation UK from a reliable writing service. By delegating some of your assignments to trusted professionals, you free up time to focus on personal safety and perform excellently academically.

2. Use Proper Lighting and Reflective Gear

If you bike around campus early or late at night, ensure you are visible. If you have lights mounted on your bike's front and rear, this helps others see you. Reflective equipment can also help drivers and pedestrians see you. Many of these accidents happen because others do not see the cyclist. The more visible you are, the safer your ride will be.

3. Follow Traffic Laws

Riding a bike does not allow you to behave like you want. You need to follow the road laws to be safe and ensure the safety of others.

These are some of the rules to stick to:
● Stop at Signals: Come to a halt at red lights and stop signs, like you were driving a car, to avoid accidents at junctions.
● Ride in the Flow of Traffic: Bike with traffic, not against it. Doing otherwise increases confusion and the chance of a collision.
● Hand Signals: Give hand signals when you’re turning so that drivers and othercyclists know when you plan to make a turn.
● Stay In Designated Lanes: Use bike lanes when possible, and avoid pedestrian walkways and car lanes. By following these rules, you protect yourself, and by making your actions predictable,you help those around you navigate safely, too.

4. Be Aware of Your Surroundings

The campus is confused and distracted; people jump between parked cars, cars pull out of parking spaces, and other cyclists veer onto or off your shared lane. Stay alert, and commit to keeping your riding dynamic and responsive rather than rote. Being aware ofyour surroundings lets you react immediately, whether to a pedestrian two wheels down or a car turning unsafely.

5. Keep Your Bike in Good Condition

A properly maintained bike is less likely to bite you: check the pressure in your tyres regularly, ensure your brakes work well, and oil your chain so it moves smoothly. A mechanical issue caught you by surprise, and you fell and broke your arm. You would have avoided an accident if you had spent just five minutes lubricating your chain. While any kind of bike riding can lead to accidents, being vigilant about your bike maintenance will reduce mechanical accidents.

6. Choose Safe Routes

Sometimes, even though all campus roads are cyclist-friendly, in some sections of the road, you might find heavier traffic and more pedestrians compared to the other sections.Therefore, plan your cycling route, choosing roads meant for cyclists or having bike lanes.If you decide to go along roads intended for vehicular traffic, select the time of the day that only sees moderate traffic, especially if you are a beginner. It will ensure a safer ride and a more enjoyable commute.

7. Lock Your Bike Securely

Riding safely is essential, but there’s nothing like knowing your bike is safe when you aren’t riding. Always lock your bike to a bike rack, and always use a sturdy lock, like a U-lock, to make it less attractive for thieves. Bike theft is a significant problem on campuses,and stopping at the library or dining hall for five minutes can result in a bad day if your bike is gone when you return.

Ride Smart, Stay Safe

Biking is a great way to get around campus – fun, easy, and fast. You can follow these practical steps to stay safe while biking on campus. Wear your helmet. If you don't, you are at risk of getting a head injury that could be fatal. Besides a helmet, wear something that makes you visible, especially at night. Be aware of your surroundings and follow traffic rules. Your shoes can easily get entangled in your bicycle. A locked bicycle is lesslikely to be stolen than one that is not closed. Maintain your bicycle and bring it home if itis unsafe to park where you usually leave it. Even though you might think you are being cautious, strange and unexpected things can still happen.

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Mees Caps Off Historic Career with Win at Lake Ozark Short Track, Sets All-Time Career Grand National Championship Record with 10 Titles & Secures FTR750’s 8th Consecutive American Flat Track Championship in as Many Seasons
Indian FTR750 Leaves Behind Unprecedented Legacy, As New 2025 Rule Changes Render Indian Motorcycle’s Premier Flat Track Race Bike Ineligible
The 2024 American Flat Track season began with Jared Mees seeking an unprecedented 10th-career Grand National Championship. In a triumphant and emotional conclusion to an unparalleled career, Mees stood on top of the box one final time – closing out the most successful career in the sport of professional flat track racing. Mees’ final win not only secured his record-setting 10th-career championship but closed the book on the sport’s most dominant race bike, the Indian FTR750.

“This victory is more than just another championship—it’s the perfect way to honor everything we’ve achieved with the Indian FTR750,” said Mees, “We’ve had an incredible journey with this bike, and to go out on top, knowing it’s the last time, makes this win even more special.”

Racing for the final time aboard the FTR750, Mees showcased his relentless determination and elite skill, outpacing a field of talented riders, including fierce competitors Dallas Daniels and Brandon Robinson. Only needing three points to secure the historic title, Mees grabbed the holeshot and battled until the end – beating Robinson by a mere 0.423 seconds. The win is a testament to the historic partnership between Mees and Indian Motorcycle, who have dominated the American Flat Track series since 2017.

“In 2017, at the Daytona TT, Jared secured the FTR750’s first win, as he and Bryan Smith went 1-2 in our first race as a factory team,” said Gary Gray, Vice President Racing and Service for Indian Motorcycle. “Back then, none of us knew it was the start of a historic run of eight consecutive championships. We’re extremely proud of our accomplishments and want to thank all our factory riders and privateers that contributed to the FTR750’s success.”

The 2024 AFT SuperTwins championship marks an end of an era for Indian Motorcycle, as new 2025 rules will render the flat track race bike ineligible. Since its debut, the FTR750 has not only revived the storied tradition of the original Indian Wrecking Crew, but it revolutionized the landscape of flat track racing – quickly earning a reputation as the most dominant machine in the AFT paddock. The FTR750 retires with 75%-win ratio, winning 104 of the 138 races it competed in. The FTR750 has a perfect championship record, winning all premier class titles since 2017.

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Starting a college bike club is a fun way to improve the college experience, promote health, and build community among cycling-inclined students. Whether you’re an avid cyclist yourself or just passionate about starting a cycling club on campus, success comesdown to good planning. Here are five important strategies for getting a college bike club off the ground.

1. Establish Clear Goals and Objectives

Before hitting those pedals, develop some goals and objectives for your bike club. Why do you want to start a bike club? Is the mission to promote fitness or provide another formof transportation? Maybe it’s just about riding for leisure. Whatever it is, having a clearly stated purpose will help to shape all the work of your club and help you make decisions.It will also help you when you approach the college administration to request support foryour club, or when you contact potential sponsors.

2. Know Your Audience and Recruit Members

Figure out who your potential members are. Do you want your club to cater to hardcore cyclists, casual cyclists, or both? The second step is recruitment. Post on social media, put fliers up on campus, advertise on campus bulletin boards, and word-of-mouth. Get the club officers to participate. Host an event such as a first meet-and-greet ride or a cycling safety and rules workshop to get people to join. Collaborate with other campus organisations.

3. Develop a Structured Ride Schedule Lack of consistency is a fast way to disillusion your club members. Organise a regular ride schedule that fits the perspectives and abilities of the majority of your members.Maybe you can offer one or two casual rides a week, a scenic route every month and alocal bike race once a year. Plan your routes in advance and make sure they’re safe, clear of traffic, and filled with beautiful scenery. Set regular meeting times to discuss club issues, plan upcoming events, and answer any questions that members might have. Make sure everyone feels heard and appreciated.

Suzuki’s GSX-8R made its National Sportbike Championship debut at the weekend, with Taylor Moreton racing the Powerslide Motorcycles Suzuki at Oulton Park.

The Powerslide team spent the summer building the 8R following the bike’s launch in the spring. However, with their rivals in the new-for-2024 series already up to speed and armed with data and experience – plus the changeable weather conditions over the weekend – it was always going to be a challenge for the Stoke-based squad. 

Though on the back foot, the team worked meticulously through practice and qualifying, steadily improving the package and the lap times, before Moreton qualified in 20th place. However, the arrival of rain on Sunday made for a difficult race, and with no prior wet weather experience for the team or rider with the new 8R Moreton took the flag in 26th.

Demonstrating the importance of prior circuit data and experience, Moreton’s qualifying time this weekend would have put him 10th on the grid at the opening round. Yet despite the result, it proved a solid first outing for the GSX-8R in the UK domestic series, a bike that has been winning in the MotoAmerica Twins Cup this season with Rocco Landers onboard. The team will see out the remaining two rounds of the 2024 before launching a full campaign in 2025.

Powerslide Motorcycles’ team principal Brad Clarke said, “Obviously we knew the challenges we would face this weekend, but I would be lying if I said I was happy after showing so much promise in FP3 where I honestly thought we would cruise into the 44s come race day. But that’s racing and the main thing was to get laps in, and to be only a couple of seconds off after FP3 was impressive. Looking over the data we can see where we are losing out, and hopefully we can make gains in those areas. We have a test on Tuesday to see where we are at and then we can look to improve at Donington. We all know the potential of this package and Taylor and of it hadn’t rained I know we would have been knocking on the door of the top 10.”

Taylor Moreton reflected on the result, saying, “It was great to be back. This weekend was just about getting the bike to feel like my own and we were looking forward to the race, but then the heavens opened and with no wet track time it was a last minute dash to get the bike changed only for it to dry during the race. But our time in FP3 would have put us sixth at the previous test so it shows just how much the bikes and riders have come on this year so to be able to do that lap time, first time out, gives us confidence.”

Jak Tyrrell, Suzuki GB marketing manager, added, “It was great to see the 8R in race spec and in the British Superbike paddock this weekend, and I have to thank Brad and the Powerslide team for their hard work to get the bike to this point. They had a real challenge on their hands this weekend and they did an excellent job in rising to meet it. The 8R’s been widely praised following its launch earlier this year as a road and track day-friendly machine, and Powerslide have further demonstrated its circuit capabilities by proving its competitiveness in the Sportbike Championship. The bike is also winning races in the US, so hopefully we’ll see some more 8Rs on the grid in 2025.”

The Powerslide Motorcycles GSX-8R swaps the standard suspension for Bitubo units, with power boosted and weight saved courtesy of a Spark exhaust system. There’s also a Spider top yoke, clip-ons, and rearsets.

To comply with class regulations it runs a Mectronik ECU, using the standard loom and throttle bodies. Peak power gets a lift thanks to new cams from UK-based specialists Kent Cams, with further development work carried out by Moto46 and PCR Performance. Protection comes from GB Racing engine covers, with the whole package wrapped in Pro Fibre bodywork.

23-year-old Taylor Moreton, who piloted the Powerslide Motorcycles GSX-8R, returned to the BSB paddock after finishing third in the domestic Moto3-based championship in 2018. He’s also raced in the National Superstock 600 championship, and made appearances in World Supersport 300.

Find out more about the GSX-8R here.

 

 

With the Compañero Rambler PRO, Touratech presents a revolutionary all-season suit made of three-layer laminate with the currently highest safety standard AAA. High-quality materials and a functional concept make the Rambler PRO the first choice for comfort-orientated touring riders as well as demanding adventure riders.

Outstanding safety, weather protection and first-class comfort - the new Compañero Rambler PRO combines the expertise Touratech has acquired over one and a half decades in the field of high-end textile suits, the competence of its development partner REV'IT! and the extensive feedback from customers around the globe.

Wind and waterproof thanks to Gore-Tex PRO three-layer laminate
The Touratech Compañero Rambler PRO is made from Gore-Tex PRO three-layer laminate. With a water column of 28,000 millimetres, this high-tech material is completely wind and waterproof and is also characterised by excellent breathability. The membrane is laminated between the sturdy outer layer and a robust inner material, guaranteeing a long product life.

Patented ventilation system
Thanks to a variable air intake, the patented VCS AQUADEFENSE ventilation system from REV'IT! ensures an optimum climate even under heavy physical exertion. If necessary, the flap openings on the chest and thighs allow air to flow in through the three-dimensional BALLISTIC MESH fabric. Thanks to the FIDLOCK magnetic fastener, the flaps remain reliably open even at high speeds.
On the jacket, the VCS front ventilation opens up a three-centimetre-wide BALLISTIC MESH vent and allows air to flow in over the entire upper body. The mesh panel can be closed with a double zip to make it waterproof when it gets cold or rainy.

Additional closable vents on the upper and lower arms, on the back and on the front and back of the legs maximise the air flow in high temperatures

Removable mid layer
To adapt to cooler temperatures, the Compañero Rambler PRO comes with a removable mid layer for the jacket and trousers. The inner jacket can also be used separately as a leisure jacket.
Leisure fit for a comfortable feel
The casual cut of the Compañero Rambler PRO is designed for comfortable touring even on the longest routes. In conjunction with generously dimensioned stretch zones at the knees, waist and seat, flutter-free comfort is guaranteed even at high speeds.
Straps for width adjustment also allow individual customisation. Sophisticated details such as the zips on the jacket sleeves make it easier to put on and take off the jacket, while zips on the side jacket hem allow maximum freedom of movement when seated. 
The equipment also includes a detachable kidney belt; a zip allows the jacket and trousers to be combined.

AAA certification for maximum safety
The Touratech Compañero Rambler PRO is one of the very few textile suits in the world to have the highest possible AAA certification for motorcycle clothing. Several advanced technologies are used to fulfil the requirements for this strict standard. Behind the name PWR Shield is a new type of knitting technology that dramatically improves the abrasion and tear resistance of the outer material. The extra-strong seams also play an important role. Areas that are particularly exposed in the event of a fall are also reinforced with ARMACOR, a highly abrasion-resistant textile material based on KEVLAR.
The Compañero Rambler PRO's extensive range of protectors is one of the key contributors to its outstanding protective effect. The back, shoulders, elbows, hips and knees are fitted with level 2 and level 1 protectors respectively, while large areas of highly reflective 3M SCOTCHLITE ensure passive safety.

The new Compañero Rambler PRO is available in seven sizes for women from XS to 3XL and in seven sizes for men from S to 4XL. The men's suit is available immediately, the women's version from January. The price for the jacket is 1,399 euros, the trousers cost 899 euros.

Further Information in the webshop