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RIDING IN TRAFFIC SAFELY
   
 

Riding in Traffic—Safely

Riding in traffic is not as hard as it looks if you follow the suggestions below. In Effective Cycling, John Forester writes, "Cyclists fare best when they act and are treated as drivers of vehicles."

Be Predictable
Ride so drivers can see you and predict your movements.

regulatory signs and traffic lights Obey all regulatory
signs and traffic lights
 Bicyclists must
follow the same rules
of the road as drivers of other vehicles		 ways to make a left turn

Choose the best way to turn left

There are two ways to make a left turn:

(1)Like an auto. Look behind, signal, move into the left lane and turn left.

(2)Like a pedestrian. Ride straight to the far-side crosswalk. Walk your bike across.

rules for not riding against traffic Never ride against traffic
Motorists aren t looking for bicyclists riding on the wrong side of the road or on the sidewalk. Ride with traffic. 		driving in lanes rules Take the lane in slow traffic

Ride in the middle of the lane whenever you are moving at the same speed as traffic.

use of hand signals Use hand signals to tell motorists what you intend to do. Signal as a matter of law, courtesy and self protection. ride in straight line Ride in straight line Whenever possible, ride in a straight line to the right of traffic and about a car door width away from parked cars.
don't weave between parked cars Don't weave between parked cars

Don’t ride out to the curb between parked cars unless they are far apart. Motorists may not see you when you try to move back into traffic.

 

Avoid or go slow on sidewalks

Pedestrians have the right of way on walkways. Bicyclists should always give pedestrians audible warnings when passing. In some cases local ordinances do not permit bicyclists on sidewalks.

 

Be Alert
Ride defensively,watch the traffic, and be prepared to react

eye contact rules Watch for cars pulling out Make eye contact with drivers. Assume they don't see you until you are sure they do. scan the road Scan the road behind you

Learn to look back over your shoulder without losing your balance or swerving left. Some riders use rear-view mirrors.

avoid road hazards Avoid road hazards Watch out for parallel-slatted sewer grates, slippery manhole covers, oily pavement, gravel, pot holes, and ice. Cross railroad tracks carefully at right angles. For better control as you move across bumps and other hazards, stand up on your pedals. using both hands to brake Keep both hands ready to brake

You may not stop in time if you brake one-handed. Allow extra distance for stopping in the rain, since brakes are less efficient when wet.

  Wear a helmet

Always wear a helmet whenever you ride a bicycle. Helmets dramatically reduce the risk of head injury in a bicycle accident.

use of lights Use lights at night Always use a strong head light and tail light at night and when visibility is poor.

 

Trail Etiquette

• Stay to the right except when passing.
• Travel at a reasonable speed in a consistent and predictable manner.
• Always look ahead and behind before passing.
• Pass slower traffic on the left; yield to oncoming traffic when passing.
• Give a clear warning signal before passing (ring bell and say “passing on the left”).
• Move off the trail when stopped to allow others room to pass.
• Yield to other users when entering and crossing the trail.
• Use a light and reflectors after dusk and before dawn; most trails are not lit.
• Stop for traffic where the trail crosses a road.