It’s spring and a lot of new riders and people who haven’t ridden in months are hitting the road. What better time to talk about keeping yourself safe on the road?
The number one way to stay safe is to follow the rules of the road. Plus, it’s the law - you are a moving vehicle, after all. Assuming you are riding with traffic, stopping at stop signs and signals, staying on the shoulder (or as far to the right as possible), in the bike lane and signaling your turns, what else can you do to stay safe?
Here are some basics:
Be visible: In the vast majority of accidents including a car, a driver says, “I didn’t see him/her.” There are two simple ways to be seen:
- Wear at least one piece of bright and or reflective clothing and have lights on your bike that can be seen from the front, back and sides from dusk until dawn.
- Claim your piece of the road and hold your line (ride in a straight line). If you are riding in the city or suburbs and there are cars parked on the side of the road it is tempting to swerve into open spaces between them to get away from moving cars. The problem with that is you will either surprise drivers when you re-enter traffic because they thought you were pulling over, or they won’t have seen you at all. Hold your line and be seen.
Be predictable: Along with holding a straight line, keep a fairly steady pace and riding style. If you suddenly take off in a sprint or slow to a crawl, you will confuse people who may be getting ready to cross your path. Be consistent.
Know where you are and where you’re going: If you are looking at your bike computer, cue sheets or smart phone map, you are not looking at the road. even if it is hands-free, your eyes will not be looking where you are going. If you are riding to a new destination, plan your route in advance and memorize the directions to the best of your ability. Hint – some people find it easier to remember landmarks rather than street names. Right at the Japanese restaurant, left at the giant church, etc.
Be where you are: While you need to know where you’re going, focus on where you are. If you are thinking miles up the road you won’t see what is right in front of you.
Here’s a hint: bikes are intuitive. They will go where you are looking. If there is a rock in your path and you stare at it, you will hit the rock. If you look to the side of the rock where you want your bike to go, it will.
Be early: You are more likely to ride unsafely if you are rushed. Always give yourself enough extra time to get lost and fix a flat. Nothing wrong with getting somewhere a bit early and grabbing a cup of coffee.
Be calm: Cycling is awesome, but everyone you encounter won’t be. Some drivers will be obnoxious, some of your fellow riders will be rude, and some pedestrians will be clueless. Stay calm. Flying off the handle won’t help anything. Hint - If I feel it getting to me, I pretend they are competing for the Golden A**hole Award. It’s less irritating if I think they are trying to win a prize, and it makes me giggle, which is calming in itself.
Be alert: All that being said, assume nobody sees or hears you. Assume the car will cut you off, the child will step off the sidewalk, the dog will lunge – always be prepared to stop.
…and always, always, ALWAYS wear a helmet…on your head…properly fastened and fitted. You have exactly one melon. Protect it!
Be Safe! Have fun!
—Blake, Training and Fundraising Coach
