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Cyclists fare best when they act and are treated as the drivers of vehicles
— John Forrester, author of Effective Cycling
Most bicycle crashes occur on sidewalks. To commute by bicycle, even if much of your route can be planned on bikeways, sooner or later you will need to become comfortable riding on streets in traffic. Riding lawfully, predictably, confidently and indicating your intentions to other vehicles is essential for safety.
Traffic Tips
In general, ride in a straight line as far to the right as possible. If riding alongside parked cars or past alleys or driveways, pull left into the lane a few feet and watch ahead carefully to avoid an opening door or a car pulling out.
If you must use a sidewalk or crosswalk, consider walking your bicycle or ride very slowly. Always yield to pedestrians and let them know you are approaching when passing. Be especially cautious when transitioning to and from the roadway.
Cross train tracks and similar obstructions at a right angle and transition your weight toward the back of your bicycle.
Turn Signals
Always signal about 100 feet before turns or lane changes.
Other Signals
Eye contact
A simple way to acknowledge – and be acknowledged by – motorists.
Over There
Pointing firmly to where you intend to ride can be a useful signal in ambiguous situations.
Head check
Briefly looking over your shoulder prior to signaling is a good way to both assess the traffic situation and indicate your intentions to motorists behind you. Practice this skill in an empty parking lot to learn to do it without swerving.
Put Your Foot Down
When approaching an intersection with traffic from other directions, taking a foot off of your pedal while braking is often the clearest and easiest way to signal your intent to stop.
Caution Behind
In certain situations like narrowing streets or tight/blind turns, the “Stop” signal can be effectively used to warn motorists of a change ahead and to signal your intent to hold the lane. It can be used effectively along with . . .
Taking the Lane
If you can ride the speed of traffic or cars can’t pass you safely, pulling into the center of the lane is generally safest way to ride.
Sound Off
Using a bell, horn or your voice when passing others or in other situations is also a good skill to develop. |
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