Quick
Tips for Getting Started
• Do
not ride on the sidewalk.
Cars are not looking for bicyclists' when they are pulling out of
driveways, alleyways, or parking lots. This rule does not apply
if you are under the age of 12.
•
Never ride against traffic. If you feel safer riding against
traffic because you can see cars coming, you are wrong: Twenty percent
of all car-bike collisions result from cyclists going the wrong
way. Drivers moving down a street—and drivers turning onto
the street—don’t look for vehicles coming at them in
their lane. And if they hit you, it’ll be much harder head-on
than from behind.
•
When to Stay Right: Stay right if you’re moving slow
compared to traffic, but remember: the farther from the curb you
ride, the better motorists can see you—whether they’re
in your lane, oncoming, or on cross streets. ~ Riding farther from
the curb keeps cars from passing you on the left and then turning
right immediately in front of you—and gives you more room
to avoid car doors, debris, and potholes. Stay four feet away from
parked cars whenever possible.
•
When to Ride In the Middle: It’s safest to ride in
the middle of the lane when: (a) you’re moving at the speed
of traffic; (b) the lane’s too small for cars to pass you
safely; (c) you’re avoiding potholes or the doors of parked
cars. If you’re riding in the middle and traffic starts to
move faster than you can move toward the curb if there’s room.
•
Conflict with Motorists: Don’t start a fight—no
matter how mad you get. If you lose your cool, the motorist might
decide to get back at the next bicyclist they encounter. Or, worse,
the motorist might decide to smash you with their two-ton automobile—and
speed off before you can even start to say “license plate.”
• Ride at least 4 ft.
away from parked cars. Car
doors can open suddenly, exercise caution. Sometimes you will need
to ride into the car lane: keep riding straight and be predictable,
cars will be forced to drive around you. Never weave in and out
of parked cars. |
