Riding the Road: Simple Rules and Common Sense

You may have never ridden a bike in the road, or you may have been doing it regularly for some time now.  In either case, it is always a good idea know what you need to do to keep yourself and others safe. I see motorists and cyclists every day making simple (but sometimes deadly) mistakes.  While you may ride (or drive) safe and smart, it only takes one to give the rest a bad reputation. This bad reputation unfortunately leads to far-too-common motorist aggression, and resentment toward cyclists. Here are a few guidelines to follow to help remedy this:


Safety Guidelines For Cyclists

1. Stop at Signs and Lights
   Yes, you have to stop at traffic lights and wait your turn at stop signs too.  The general rule of thumb here is this: pay attention, be considerate, and think!  As a vehicle, you are responsible for following all the rules of the road.
2. Signal
   Let other drivers (and hopefully riders) know where you’re going!  It is generally accepted to signal with your left arm.  To make a left turn, point to the left.  To make a right turn, it is in many states acceptable to do the same with your right arm (and often more understandable to less observant drivers), but legal in all states to raise your left hand with your elbow at a right angle.  After you’re done signaling, make sure you look to make sure your signal has been seen, especially when turning across another lane of traffic.
   

   Cycling Hand Signals

3. Stay in the Road (And Off the Sidewalk)
   For many, this is counter intuitive. However, you reduce your chances of being in an accident greatly by riding in the street. Why? Visibility. One of the keys to staying safe on the road is to be visible and predictable. Think about it: cyclists move much faster than pedestrians, which means that you can enter a driver’s field of vision faster. This makes it much harder for them to see you if you are on the sidewalk. In the road, you’re right in their face.
4. Avoid Riding into the Sun
   Riding into the sunset or sunrise reduces your visibility greatly, increasing your chances of getting hit.
5. Use Lights at Night
   Reflectors are just not enough! If you are riding at night, use a light for both front AND rear. They’ll be worth every penny. Also wear bright clothing, as anything to help your visibility is a plus.
6. Be Prepared
   Tires can go flat with no notice of all. Be prepared for emergency maintenance. Carry a basic toolkit, spare tires or patches. And know how to use them!

Safety Guidelines For Drivers

1. Pay Attention and Be Considerate!
   I can’t think of much else I can put in this category. Watch what cyclists are doing, and give them enough room. Most states require that you give cyclists at least 3 feet of clearance when passing. Please observe this and make sure not to pass when a cyclist is turning.

By following these rules, paying attention, and maximizing your visibility, you can increase your safety greatly. Remember, a dead cyclist rides no bicycle.

What safety rules do you follow? Let us know in the comments!

Related posts:

1. How Can We Make Cycling Safer For Everyone?
2. Riding the Road: What to Bring on Your Ride
3. 5 Common Cycling Mistakes You Should Avoid
4. 5 Reasons You Should Ditch Your Car and Ride a Bike