safely ride a bicycle in urban areas
Bicycling is a wonderful way to get around town; it's low-cost, great exercise, environmentally friendly and often faster than public transportation. However, many potential riders feel too intimidated to bicycle in major cities.While it's true that bicycling in densely populated urban areas has its hazards, observing a few simple guidelines can help cyclists stay safe, avoid accidents and become comfortable making their bicycle a part of their daily commute.
Instructions
1. In an accident, a helmet can make the difference between a mild concussion and a life-threatening injury.
Remember your gear. A helmet and front and rear lights are essential for safe bicycling. Cheaper helmets are just as effective at protecting one's head as expensive ones; higher prices reflect lightweight, aerodynamic designs for serious cyclists, not the helmet's protective quality. Lights are especially important if you plan on riding after dark. Rear lights are typically red while front lights are white. Blinking lights are more eye-catching to motorists than solid ones.
2. Stay visible and ride predictably: Ride in a straight line instead of weaving around parked cars. Many cyclists feel compelled to stay as far to the right as possible, but riding too close to the curb makes it less likely that motorists will notice you and more likely that you'll have to veer left suddenly to avoid a parked car, a movement that motorists may not expect. Do not be afraid to ride in the middle of the lane when necessary; motorists may feel angry if they feel you are in their way, but the important thing is that they can see you. Begin moving to the left lane well in advance when you know you will need to make a left turn. Use hand signals to indicate when you are going to turn and anticipate obstacles, such as double-parked cars, jaywalking pedestrians, slower-moving cyclists, road work, etc., in advance so you can begin to navigate around them early instead of swerving abruptly.
3. Beware of parked cars: Another hazard of riding to far to the right is the possibility of getting 'doored,' a phenomenon that occurs when the street-side door of a parked car opens suddenly, causing a cyclist to crash into it. Give yourself at least two feet of space between you and any parked cars to you right. This will increase your ability to dodge a suddenly-opened door without having to swerve abruptly into traffic.
4. Observe traffic laws: It might be tempting to breeze through red lights, but remember, cyclists are expected to obey traffic laws too. Ideally you will wait out traffic lights, but at very least you should stop to determine that the coast is clear of both oncoming traffic and pedestrians before crossing an intersection. Stop at all stop signs, stop for emergency vehicles, yield when you do not have the right of way and never ride against traffic.
5. Stay alert: Perhaps the most important skill in riding in a city is learning to anticipate the moves of those around you. Regardless of how visible you make yourself, it's best to assume that motorists haven't noticed you. Watch for turn signals but be prepared for the possibility that a car will turn without signaling or cut you off in order to reach a parking lane. Pedestrians can be dangerous as well, as they are apt to cross suddenly in front of you. A keen sense of awareness for your surroundings is essential for protecting yourself. And lose the headphones; you need to be able to hear traffic as well as see it.
Tags: parked cars, that motorists, likely that, traffic laws, urban areas