Cycling Resources

OlyBikes is serious about education, bike safety and advocacy. Below are some resources that you can view, download and share with others. We also have a blog with more info, including tips, tricks, rants and raves.

Bicycle Headlight Article With a dizzying array of headlights out there, how can one make a wise choice? The solution is easier than you might think — this article breaks the world of bike lights down for you in a jiffy, pointing out the advantages and disadvantages of different technologies and systems.
Bicycle Touring Article Bike touring is a wonderful activity. It distills life down to 5 tasks: eat, drink, sleep, stay warm/dry, and pedal down the road. By day three, you will feel your cares drop away, and you will be transformed. There is a lot to learn about bike touring, though, and this article will help flatten your learning curve so you can get out there and enjoy the open road under your own power.
Get That Old Bike Fixed! Get that old clunker out of the shed and turn it into a fixed gear bike. A whole new world of fun awaits!
The Washington State Bicycle Commute Guide This is a fairly comprehensive "how to" on bike commuting authored by Larry Leveen, co-founder of OlyBikes. It is a free Acrobat (pdf) dowload of the guide. The guide was co-produced by Climate Solutions and the Capital Bicycling Club.
The Washington State Bicycle Traffic Laws brochure A 4-fold 8.5"X14" (landscape) brochure of the laws, interpretive Q&A, safety tips and room for a printing sponsor's logo. Download it, print it out and distribute it to cyclists in your community! You can also get printed copies of the brochure by calling the Washington Traffic Safety Comission at 360-753-6197. You can also view the text without the fancy layout: A list of Washington's bicycle traffic laws. Questions and answers regarding Washington's bicycle traffic laws. Some bicycle safety tips.
Bike Safety Basics A series of 3-fold 8.5"x11" (landscape) size pamphlets on various safety topics including: Proper helmet fit and adjustment Proper use of "quick releases"
Capital Forest (WA) Trail Map Online Access the online map of Capital Forest, with its many miles of trails. Motorized users limited to orange trails in the northern part of the forest between April 1st and October 31st. Equestrians are limited to the green trails in the southern part of the forest. Cyclists and hikers can use any trail, year-round. Looking at the map online is not an adequate substitute for having one with you (in a ziploc bag) when you go to enjoy the forest. Also, check out this recommended gear list for trail riding.
Thurston County (WA) Bicycle Map Online Access the online Thurston County Bicycle Map, with features such as non-motorized trails, on-street facilities, steep grades, parks and a whole lot more. The map is a great tool to help you get out and enjoy the hundreds of miles of great riding in the South Puget Sound Region.
Cyclists Pay For Roads A case study showing that gas tax only pays provides a minority of funding for local roads. Arm yourself with the facts and help dispel the myth that cyclists do not pay for roads.

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OlyBikes Newsletters

Check out our shop newsletters in Acrobat (PDF) format. Every newsletter has articles on "fun, function and facts about our favorite machine -- the bicycle."

Download Issue Number One

Download Issue Number Two

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Other Cycling Articles

• Our views on steady vs. blinking headlights (and taillights).

• Our views on rear lights vs, reflectors.

• A review of United Bicycle Institute, a mechanic school in Ashland, Oregon.

• Tips on bike commuting (not graphic-fancy like the guide, above).