Bicycle On-Road Safety Tips

Riding Safely and Defensively

When riding a bike in the street, you must ride as if you are invisible. Chances are, even if you are in front of or next to a car and in the driver's line of vision, you can never be completely sure that he sees you. If possible, always try to make eye contact with car and truck drivers around you. If you do not make eye contact, you must assume they do not know you are there.Ride in the middle of the street if the street is narrow, if there is no bike lane or if parked cars are lining the edges of the road. Riding in the middle of the street ensures that drivers coming behind you will not rear-end you. It also keeps you safe from people exiting parked cars on the side of the road. It may sound odd, but many bikers have been killed by slamming into car doors thrown open at the last minute. Navigate your way through neighborhoods instead of entering busy streets. Since you are riding in the road, you must obey all traffic signs and signals just as if you were a driver. Never ride on the wrong side of the road into oncoming traffic, not even in a bike lane. You run the risk of hitting other bikers or other cars head-on. Always follow lane markings and always use hand signals to inform drivers of your direction.Watch out for yourself at all times. Ride slowly when coming upon an intersection or even a side street. By riding slowly, you are ensuring that you will be able to stop quickly and completely in the event of an emergency. Always keep both hands on your brake ready to brake. To increase your visibility on the road, wear reflective clothing or invest in a reflective marking for your bike. Make sure your bike has both headlights and rear lights. Lights that blink are preferable. It is especially useful to get a horn for your bike. This way, when you cannot make eye contact with a driver, your horn will alert him to your presence. Never pass a driver on her right side. You are putting yourself in her blind spot. Should she turn right while you are next to her, you could be clipped or run completely over. Before making any turn or entering the road, scan the area behind you. Learn to look behind you as you ride or invest in a bike mirror. It is important to scan your area and know your surroundings even if you are not turning or making any changes. Last but not least, always wear a helmet, never wear headphones while riding and always keep your bike in good repair.