Tips for bringing a bike to Berkeley.

<ol>
<li><p>What are some good brands of locks?</p></li>
<li><p>How do you lock it so that no one steals a tire, frame, etc? Also how do u keep ur seat safe?</p></li>
<li><p>Where do u ride on the rode? there's no bike lane! do u follow cars or go on the sidewalk or wuuut</p></li>
<li><p>do you, personally, ride your bike to all of your classes? What are some easy routes (not so steep)</p></li>
</ol>

<p>People on bikes are annoying. Don’t become one of them.</p>

<p>I can’t answer your questions, but a few people already have:</p>

<p><a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/university-california-berkeley/764833-what-kind-bike-lock-buy.html?highlight=bike[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/university-california-berkeley/764833-what-kind-bike-lock-buy.html?highlight=bike&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

<p><a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/university-california-berkeley/219543-bike-solutions.html?highlight=bike[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/university-california-berkeley/219543-bike-solutions.html?highlight=bike&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

<p>There are plenty of streets with bike routes in Berkeley, but maybe not near campus. You may need to be more specific about where you’re riding to get advice on that.</p>

<p>I’ve been biking all around Berkeley for the past two years. It’s a great way to get around.</p>

<p>Good brands of locks are Kryptonite and On Guard, although higher-end masterlocks are also good. Make sure your U-lock is at least 3/8" thick, and keep in mind that cable locks should only be supplementary to U-locks (eg. in addition to using a U-lock, use the cable lock to secure your seat and the other wheel). Or, if you really just want one lock, get quick-release on the front wheel and always remove and lock it with the rear wheel whenever you park.</p>

<p>As for location: yes, you ride in the streets, near the right side. It’s safer, and it’s the law. At this speed, there’s too many hazards in the sidewalk for you to be able to ride safely. Not to mention, even at moderate speeds of 10-15mph, you’re going four times faster than the avearge pedestrian while being half as fast as the average motor vehicle (roads here have speed limits of under 25mph, with the exception of Telegraph and San Pablo at 30mph). It may be scary at first, but you will get used to it. With a road bike, I can easily do 20mph and even exceed the speed limit on flat roads. Yes, in order to turn left, you will have to signal and merge left when it is safe. Once I got the gist of it, I have never had any trouble with the cars – they don’t need to brake or watch out for me as I move just like another car.</p>

<p>As for the hills – sure, there are some inefficient routes around places in Berkeley, but because of the layouts, the hill on Hearst Ave, the climb to Evans, etc. are all necessary. If you want to get from one elevation to another (higher elevation), you’re going to have to go uphill. Learn how to use the lower gears and build your leg strength. It was difficult for me at first, but after a few months, I can actually get up the entire length of Hearst Ave on a medium gear (at approximately 10mph during the steeper parts). Most mountain and hybrid bikes will have a ratio that would be equivalent to walking that will also move you uphill at a similar speed.</p>

<p>Also, it’s good exercise if you use it enough. I personally lost 80lb in less than one year, and I can attribute it 100% to biking.</p>

<p>99% biking 1% starving college student.</p>

<p>people on bikes arent annoying. people with huge mountain bikes are annoying. makes it so much harder to lock up a bike</p>

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<p>No, it’s people who drive large motor vehicles and fail to see anything that has less than four wheels! Getting run over is no fun! ;)</p>

<p>cool thanks excelblue. if you ever want to teach me to ride safely in person, let me know! lol jk but thanks for all of the tips. I’m going home soon so I can bring my bike and buy everything with my dad.</p>