Free Advice

We often get customers inquiring into the safety and hardware requirements for bicycles in the Prescott area. Sultana Cycles wants you to have a fun, safe ride without any unnecessary police contact, so here's your lesson in the area's bicycle laws!

In the City of Prescott, the only municipal ordinance applicable to bicycles prohibits riding and parking on sidewalks. (Realistically, this applies only in the central business district, but consider yourself informed.)

The State of Arizona, however, devotes Article 11 of Title 28, Arizona Revised Statutes, to the operation of bicycles. For example, did you know . . .

• A person riding a bicycle on the roadway or shoulder has all the rights and duties of a motor vehicle being operated in these areas -- so you have a right to a three-foot buffer zone when being passed, but must give hand signals when turning and abide by traffic signals.
• It's illegal for a person to ride a bicycle sitting anywhere than on a permanently-attached seat.
• You cannot attach your bicycle to any motor vehicle for a quick boost.
• A bicycle must have brakes that will cause it to skid on dry, clean pavement.
  
• You cannot ride more than two abreast.
• Carrying articles (or your doggy) is prohibited where it keeps you from being able to put both hands on the handlebars.
• A bicycle used at nighttime must have a white lamp in front, visible from a distance of at least 500 feet, and a red reflector on the rear, visible from a distance of at least 50 feet.
• Horns and bells are okay (and fun!); sirens and whistles are not.

Helmets, although not required in the State of Arizona, are obviously encouraged.

Also note that the Town of Prescott Valley requires that all bicycles ridden within town limits be marked with an identification number -- for the bargain price of $1.75 -- to be affixed by the Police Department at "regularly scheduled times." Failure to do so could result in a warning ticket and a summons to appear in Bicycle Court. Per code, they actually have an judicial officer with the title "Bicycle Magistrate."

The Town of Chino Valley adds no additional regulations to the operation of bicycles -- but keep your sexually-oriented businesses at least 1000 feet away from any bicycle path.

We hope you take this information and ride with it! (Although I am now tempted by the thought of adding a siren to my bicycle . . . ) Questions about your area? Just ask. As you know, advice -- and air -- are always free at Sultana Cycles.

Making Noise

Sultana Cycles now carries Volume and Demolition BMX parts and accessories!

Volume is a small, rider-owned company that produces high quality frames, forks, bars and bikes for street and dirt BMX riding. Its subsidiary, Demolition Parts, makes cranks, wheels, grips, stems, pedals, pretty much everything you need for your bike. All parts are designed and tested on the west coast, in Buena Park, California.

There isn't much else to say -- these unique and colorful parts will add some fun to your ride. What does Aaron say? "Sweet."

My personal favorite is the black-and-white JAILBIRD seat. Using its patented Pivotal Technology, Volume has done away with the heavy rails and bulky hardware of traditional seats. The total weight of the seat and post is just over a pound -- the result of eliminating those ugly, heavy guts of the traditional seat. One quick turn of the bolt (easily accessible through a patch on the top of the seat) and you're adjusted, no hardware required.

And for all the big kids out there, we've got the BMX bike for you: the last Volume Sledgehammer to roll out of the warehouse for 2009. A simple and larger version, the 26" BMX cruiser made specifically for adults to tool around on. Unfortunately, no 2010 model is expected, but per its latest review: "Like a fine single malt, there's not enough O's in smoooooth!" Come by for a test ride or call us @ (928) 445-5919 for more information.