Things You'll Need:
- Light-colored clothing
- Reflective panels and stickers
- Mirror
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Step 1
Obey all traffic signs and rules of the road to avoid collisions with cars while you are riding your bike. Some bike riders assume that road signs are for cars only and completely ignore stop signs, traffic signals, speed limits and other warning signs. Remember, not only is it good common sense to obey all traffic rules while on a bike, but it is also the law, and you can get ticketed just as if you were driving a car.
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Step 2
Give cars the right of way whenever you are riding your bike, and never assume that the driver sees you, even if he appears to be looking in your direction. Whenever you see a car ahead of you that is trying to merge into traffic, slow down, flash your headlight or yell to the driver. Pay even more attention to semis or other large trucks, which have limited visibility when it comes to spotting bike riders.
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Step 3
Wear light-colored and reflective clothing in order to avoid collisions with cars while you are riding a bike, especially at night or on cloudy days. Your objective is to be as visible as possible to everyone in your environment, including pedestrians and other bikers. Place reflective panels and stickers on your bike, clothing and helmet, and stand out as much as possible whenever you ride.
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Step 4
Choose wide streets whenever you are riding your bike in traffic situations. Always ensure that there is plenty of room for both your bike and a car to travel in the same direction. Avoid narrow streets, alleys and rural roads on which a car may not be able to maneuver around you.
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Step 5
Use a rear-view mirror to avoid collisions between your bike and a car. Mirrors can be placed on your bike or attached to your helmet. Most bike riders feel that this is the most valuable piece of safety equipment available and will help to prevent you from being struck from behind by a car.
