Commuting in America — it's hard to be nice when so many motorists are unaware
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So how do you get to and from work — a bookstore or library — safely, before you have the time to read what I've suggested?
Here are some short and simple, but important, League of American Bicyclists"Share the Road" tips for keeping you alive:
Cyclists
1. Ride on the right.
Always ride in the same direction as traffic.
Use the lane furthest to the right that heads in the direction that you are traveling.
Slower-moving cyclists and motorists stay to the right.
2. Obey traffic laws.
The same laws that apply to motorists apply to cyclists.
Obey all traffic control devices, such as stop signs, lights, and lane markings.
Always use hand signals to indicate to motorists and cyclists your intention to stop or turn.
3. Ride predictably.
Ride in a straight line and don't swerve in the road or between parked cars.
Check for oncoming traffic before entering any street or intersection.
Anticipate hazards and adjust position in traffic accordingly.
4. Be visible.
Wear brightly colored clothing at all times.
At night, use a white front light, red rear light or reflector, and reflective tape or clothing.
Make eye contact with motorists to let them know that you are there (and that you know they know you are there).
5. Always wear a properly fitting helmet.
Always wear a helmet while riding a bike, no matter how short the trip.
Make sure that the helmet fits on top of the head, not tipped back.
After a crash or any impact that affects your helmet, visible or not, replace it immediately.
Motorists
1. Drive cautiously.
Reduce speed when encountering cyclists.
In inclement weather, give cyclists extra trailing and passing room.
Recognize situations that may be potentially dangerous to cyclists and give them space.
2. Pass with care.
Leave at least three feet of space between your car and a cyclist when passing.
Wait until road and traffic conditions allow you to pass safely.
After passing a cyclist, check over your shoulder before moving back to normal position.
3. Watch for children.
Children on bicycles are often unpredictable; expect the unexpected and slow down.
Most children don't have adequate knowledge of traffic laws.
Children are harder to see because they are typically smaller than adults.
