How to Be Safe When on a Bicycle

When it comes to exercise, more bike riders opt for outdoors than indoors, especially when the weather improves for it. But dangers lurk every day for cyclists of any age. Here are suggestions to make you aware of those dangers and prepare you to stay safe.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. It's the cardinal rule for all bike riders: Be seen. Most collisions occur because they are not visible to others. To that end, cyclists should also wear a helmet and protective clothing as insurance against damage if they do crash or are hit.
   
   Something reflective is another means of warning motorists that you are there.
   
   Experts say that the worst mistake bikers make is to use the same routes they use when operating a car. Less-traveled roads should be sought out instead; fewer motor vehicles and slower cars make it a better bet. It takes longer for cars to stop on busy roads because they are traveling faster; a few seconds can mean life or death for a cyclist. It’s much smarter to use the lesser roads and cross major streets, than to actually travel those streets—-especially on weekends.
   
   Also, driving rules apply to cyclists, so research them before you hit the road. Know how to perform the cyclist right and left hand turns, too.
   
   In the event you are in a bike-friendly area, stay to the bike paths.

2. Two more rules: Have a light on your bike (front AND rear), as well as either a helmet mirror or a mirror mounted on your bike. You wouldn’t drive a car without all its tools. Why would you operate a bike—-which affords you even less protection—-without them?
   
   Also, Ride With the Flow of Traffic. Common sense also tells you to be alert to other traffic at all times; this is NOT the time to disengage your attention from humanity with an iPod or other distraction that can even affect your hearing cars or other cues. It’s imperative for your own survival to watch for the unexpected.
   
   Respect for slippery surfaces is required when biking, just as keeping your equipment in good working order is.

3. Accidents involving bicycles happen with recurring regularity. These are some of the most common, with suggestions on how to avoid them.
   
   * The Door Prize--This is caused by riders being hit when street-parking motorists suddenly swing open their car doors. To avoid this, ride to the left far enough to clear any unexpected door openings and slow down
   * Right On—-and Off--Cyclists get winged, or worse, by cars turning to the right in front of them. To avoid this, make sure you aren't in the driver's seat. To avoid this, make sure you aren't in the car's blind spot. Don't ride on the sidewalk and stay to the left and go slowly. Did I mention stay to the left? It can’t be stressed enough, say experts. But DON’T move that way without looking. If you are passing people or other cyclists, say, “On your left!” so they hear you coming. Another way to avoid being hit by right-turning cars is to never pass on the right.
   
   “The Swervy Hurt” – Bicyclists who use the parking lane, swerving erratically around parked cars, get parked themselves--permanently. TO AVOID THIS: DON’T USE THAT LANE AT ALL. RIDE IN A STRIAGHT LINE IN THE ACTUAL TRAFFIC LANE, SAY EXPERTS, AND PREPARE TO S-L-O-W DOWN.

4. More reminders for bikers. First, keep your hands on the handlebars and walk your bike across the busy intersections, and adhere to traffic signals. Ride single file with other cyclists. Staying aware can’t be emphasized enough for cyclists. Changes in the environment aren’t nearly the immediate danger to motorists as it is for bikers. Some of those affecting the road surface are: curbs, puddles, chuckholes, storm grates, gravel or cement chunks, garbage, animals and people. Hidden obstacles are very important to avoid. Likewise, quick reactions are imperative to miss being a fatality or leaving part of yourself on the concrete. Be careful, and be aware.