How to Bicycle Commute Safely

Commuting by bike ultimately means sharing the road with motorists. And though cars will often have the right-of-way because they're bigger, there are things you can do to make sure your trip is as safe as possible.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Bike U-locks
• Bike Helmets
• Bike Lights
• Bike Locks And Cables
• Bike Pumps
• Hybrid Bikes
• Mountain Bikes

1. Ride predictably in a straight line without a lot of sudden movements. This will keep you on track and not startle motorists passing you.

2. Use hand signals to indicate your intention to turn or stop. Not only is this helpful for those behind you, but cyclists have to obey all the traffic laws, signs, and signals of the road just as motorists do.

3. Ride in the direction of traffic, passing when necessary on the left.

4. Establish eye contact with motorists so they know you see them, but more important, so you know they can see you.

5. Seek out streets for your commute with wide shoulders and, if possible, with bike lanes. It will be easier to share the road with cars and still allow yourself a safe distance from the curb.

Tips & Warnings

• Get a copy of your state's driver's manual from the Department of Motor Vehicles. It will outline hand signals and all the laws of the road.
• Cycling in traffic can be dangerous. Observe all traffic laws and avoid potential hazards.

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on 8/8/2006 Signaling and braking at the same time is known as the one-handed slalom and becomes riskier to good bicycle control the harder you are braking - but it is possible with practice, though should not be done as a normal practice.

Case: You are going to turn left across on intersection that is a 4 way stop and there is a car behind and also approaching the intersection. Give a signal at some point or at some interval and apply the brake.

Hold a signal for as along as you can, but not at the sacrifice of control. Take the whole lane approaching the intersection in that way cars are forced to not pull up along side you in the same lane. Once stopped at the intersection, signal again so everyone at the intersection can see your intentions. Hold it until it is time to go, then put both hands on the handle bars.

on 11/22/2005 Wear a helmet and bright-colored clothing, preferably yellow. There are yellow vests that are bright during the day and reflective at night. Making yourself more visible will reduce the chance of a collision with a car, and a helmet will protect your head (and brain) in case of an accident.

on 11/22/2005 If you're going to use the roads, follow the rules of the road, just like any other vehicle. The statement above that "cars will often have the right-of-way because they're bigger" is not factual and is extremely poor advice. In every state in the US the rules for right-of-way are the same for bicycles as they are for all vehicles. While you shouldn't go out of your way to obstruct other drivers, you'll only confuse and annoy other drivers if you yield when you do have the right of way.

on 11/22/2005 Taking a hand off the handlebars while braking will make you very susceptible to crashing. It is an unwise and generally unnecessary maneuver.