Sharing the road with automobiles, SUVs and trucks is a simple fact of biking lifestyle. Legally, bicycles have all the very same rights and duties that cars do, however too frequently cyclists are seen as the second-class citizens of their street.
Cyclists are expected to adhere to all the exact same traffic laws as drivers, yet need to mingle with bigger, faster vehicles (along with the occasionally impatient men and women who steer them). Below are our street-smart tips for getting a wiser, safer cyclist.
Fundamental Rules of the Road
Bike Safety Fundamentals
Put on a helmet on every trip.
Wear bright, highly visible clothing, rather with tape or stains.
Obey the rules of the street. Stop at stop signs and lighting.
Ride in control at any time. Proceed in a safe rate that enables you to respond quickly to unanticipated conditions.
Yield to pedestrians and other vehicles.
Never ride low-light or dim states with no front and rear bike lights and reflectors.
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Riding Technique
Maintain a safe distance between yourself and other vehicles or riders. What qualifies as secure? Enough space to let you respond to something sudden. Generally, aim for 1 bicycle span (or more) per each 5 mph you are traveling. Maintain at least 4 feet between you and also a vehicle.
Do not hug the curb too tightly. Keep a comfortable distance from the sidewalk edge.
Ride in single file. That is required by legislation in most states. (Note: Many countries make it possible for cyclists to travel two abreast. Do this just on less-traveled streets which are free of visitors. Riding 3 abreast is generally prohibited.)
Do not ride on sidewalks unless no other secure alternative is different. Motorists in intersections or when entering or leaving drives frequently don’t see swift-moving cyclists traveling .
Similarly, watch for cars coming from alleys. They might not find you.
Do not pass other cyclists on the right side.
If needed, make sound –utilize a horn, a bell, whistle or simply shout.
In heavy, low traffic traffic, it is often safer to ride in the midst of a traffic lane so that everybody can see you and also automobiles won’t attempt to squeeze around .
On busy roads, do not swerve back and forth about parked cars or other obstructions. Keep a direct course and watch out for the opening door.
Get prepared to brake. Keep your hands near or on the brake levers so that you can stop fast.
Pedal strongly when moving through intersections.
If 5 or more automobiles are behind you, pull over and allow them to pass.
Be predictable.
Road Awareness
Remain alert to changes in your environment at all times.
Communicate your intentions to motorists along with other cyclists as far as you can. Use hand signals whenever you stop or turn, but suppose that those signs may not be known by each motorist. Watch our movie on using hand signs.
Be sure to make eye contact with motorists. This helps to make sure your aims are known by drivers.
Semi-trucks have a blind spot if they flip; prevent riding at the blind spot.
Look out for items that could add to (or trigger ) issues between cyclists and cars, such as bright sunshine, fatigue, darkness and sharp bends in the road.
Avoid actions which can result in mishaps between bikes, like following too closely, inadequate communication or lapses in concentration.
Be particularly careful at intersections. Many cycling accidents happen here.
Ride with confidence when you are in traffic. Timid, wobbly riders create drivers nervous. Cyclists or groups of cyclists that ride in a respectful, respectful way are more likely to be granted additional space and respect in return.
Reminder: Just because you are on a bicycle, it does not imply that you can not be cited for a traffic violation. Adhere to the rules of the street.
