How to Ride a Fixed Gear Bike in the City Without Dying

Avoid death.

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Complex Original

Image via Complex Original

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Much has been written about the experience of riding a fixed-gear bicycle, and most of it is lyrical stuff waxing about how it's the purest method of bike riding, fluid and smooth. There's not much about crashing, or falling over at red lights. But those as integral to the fixed-gear ride as the flying free part. And it's good to get them out of the way early.

Learning to ride a fixed gear in the city isn't really that much worse than learning anywhere else, but there are several unique challenges. And what the heck, might as well learn how to ride where it's most difficult. Just be careful out there. So, get the bike out and Learn to Ride Your Fixie in the City Without Dying.

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Ride late at night or early in the morning.

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Leave the headphones at home.

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Wear a helmet.

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Stick to roads with bike lanes at first.

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Avoid buses and delivery trucks.

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Have brakes and use them.

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Toeclips are there for a reason.

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Don't stand and pedal.

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Go slowly—but not too slowly.

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Learn how to fall.

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