bicycling info, on campus, year round:

Here are some tips gained from several years of bicycle commuting to the Ann Arbor University of Michigan campus through all seasons. With the appropriate equipment, the only time you won’t be able to comfortably bicycle are the days after a snowstorm dumps over a foot of snow and you have to walk your bike through the mess. (Extra-wide low-pressure tires help on those days.)

basics:

Lock quick-release front wheels to the bike rack along with your frame. If you leave it locked up long-term and have a quick-release rear wheel, get a small lock for that. (Once one part of your bike goes missing, other parts quickly follow.)
Check on your bike at least a couple times a week. A fallen bike is a jumped-on-and-bent bike.*
Avoid leaving your bike locked up around the athletic campus during sports events (see 2nd basic).*
Do not leave your bike locked up out in the open when you leave for the summer (see 2nd basic).*
Do not lock your bike up where drunk idiots will come upon it (see 2nd basic).*
If you ride in the street at night you are required to have a headlight; get a tail light, too.
Having a spare bike tube, puncture repair kit, tire tools, and mini-pump will come in handy.
Consider a puncture-resistant tire liner or tires (protection from ever-present broken glass created by drunk idiots)
You should register your bike with the city. You can do this at City Hall or at most Ann Arbor bike shops. There are two benefits to this: More bicycles registered gives riders a stronger argument when they want paths maintained, racks provided, etc., and it can help the police recover your bike should it be stolen.
The University tags bikes for removal during the summer months. They are then auctioned off through a third party.

general equipment:

padded cycling gloves
velcro pant leg bands (keeps your pant leg out of the dirty chain / get several as you will lose some)
head and tail lights
tire tools, pump, spare tube and patch kit (in under-seat bag) or really good puncture-resistant tires
flexible cable lock or large U-lock

rain equipment:

general equipment +
waterproof jacket you can unzip or has flaps for ventilation; windproof is ok as long as you don’t mind being a little damp
waterproof pants that easily slip over your pants; windproof will leave you damp, but works most of the time (at least it keeps the mud off your clothes)
baseball cap
fenders
chain lube (using this is half the reason you need velcro pant leg bands)

spring / fall equipment:

rain equipment +
breathable light gloves + a larger, waterproof shell gauntlet glove

winter equipment:

spring / fall equipment +
inner layers: long underwear or sweats-under-jeans make a big difference, even off the bike
outer layers:
- heated gloves or lobster claw gloves / covers
- hat that covers your ears or earmuffs (a balaclava or ski mask is best, neoprene is compact and windproof, knit wool or synthetic is fine but lets too much wind through)
- windproof or waterproof jacket you can unzip (you will be warm after about 7-10 minutes)
- windproof or, preferably waterproof pants
- ski goggles if you plan to ride while it’s snowing
- boots are not necessary, socks do get wet but not waterlogged
studded tires are usually only useful a few days a year, but can be nice
(remember: it’s not really winter until you fall on your bum, studded tires help prevent)
WD-40 or other light spray-on lube for your derailleurs
disc brakes may be great but can salt exposure can corrode them faster than rim brakes

extra equipment:

underseat wedge bag for your toolkit and spare tube (quick-release bags are best)
rear cargo rack and large panniers or baskets (quick-release bags are best)
a few bungie cables or tie-downs for the rear rack

misc:

Google map of bike shops near Ann Arbor
The Bivouac is a good place to get outdoor gear near campus.
Online I like: REI and Bike Nashbar
Check out ICEBIKE for reviews and tips.
NOAA Ann Arbor weather forecast
My daily lights are a Nite Rider Lumina headlight and a Cateye tail light which features an integrated reflector; both have excellent battery life.
On the above-freezing days, the high-pressure hand-spray from a car wash is good for cleaning winter crud off of derailleurs and gears. In the spring check the gear bearings for adequate grease.

bicycle advocacy groups:

Washtenaw Bicycling and Walking Coalition — League of Michigan Bicyclists — Ann Arbor Bicycle Touring Society — Michigan Trails & Greenways Alliance — Michigan Mountain Biking Association — Bike Advocates at the University of Michigan — Critical Mass (Wikipedia)

* Example abandoned bikes:

	Location: racks on north side of West Hall Date: 2008-07-10 Notes: front wheel is bent as well as rear
	Location: racks on north side of West Hall Date: 2008-07-10 Notes: same two bikes as above
	Location: racks on north side of IMSB Date: 2008-07-25 Notes: I lived in this neighborhood and believe it is in the path of drunk idiots
	Location: racks on north side of IMSB Date: 2008-07-25 Notes: alternate view of above bike
	Location: south of the Marie Dorothy Hartwig Admin Building Date: 2008-07-25 Notes: missing front wheel
	Location: east of Michigan Union (front entrance) Date: 2008-07-25 Notes: lots of foot traffic = more than a few drunk idiots
	Location: east of Michigan Union (front entrance) Date: 2008-07-25 Notes: left bike’s wheel is bent (this bike is just to the right of the bike above)

Last Modified: Tuesday, December 15, 2015