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tandem riding information
Figure 3.
Tandems are fun, and with two engines for the same frontal area, they’re considerably faster than
single bikes. Tandem teams learn to ride together well, to communicate without words, and to
anticipate each other’s desires. Tandeming is a great way to enjoy cycling with another person.
Tandems are serious business too. One rider (THE CAPTAIN) is entirely responsible for the well-
being of the other rider (THE STOKER). The bike is bigger, heavier, and less forgiving of sloppy
riding habits. A tandem captain can’t be as spontaneous as a rider on a single, nor can the captain
make the same kinds of last-minute recoveries from errors in judgment. Look farther ahead, plan
farther ahead.
Also, be aware that tandems attract attention. People will stare, wave, shout. Passing cars,
temporarily distracted, will often swerve in or out. The presence of a tandem can make people
act differently on the road. A bell or airhorn can be very handy in traffic.
A ROAD TANDEM
STOKER
CAPTAIN
