May is National Bike Month!
If you are in a car, please be aware of bicyclists. If you are on a bike, here are some ideas from a recent
Wear a Helmet - a bike helmet properly worn is up to 85
percent effective in reducing head injury risk during a crash, and 100%
effective in giving you stylish “helmet hair.”
Stand out in the Crowd - OK I know that cycling clothes look
goofy. But, one thing that they do very
well is to bring attention to the cyclist.
Wear bright clothing to make yourself obvious to cars around you.
Think with Four Wheels - Bicyclists are motorists in the
eyes of the law. That means that you owe
drivers the same courtesies that they owe you.
But that doesn’t make you special.
Obey all signs (including stop signs), and lights and yield to
pedestrians.
Go with the Flow - Always move predictably and defensively,
watching for hazards ahead. Ride in the
direction of traffic, signal when turning or changing lanes, and stay to the
right when riding among faster vehicles.
Remember that in many places it’s illegal for anyone but children to
ride on the sidewalk.
A comment on this last point. Ride on the right side of the road, even in a
bike lane. The importance of this rule
is not always clear, but, imagine that a car is waiting at a stop sign,
intending to turn right onto the road upon which a cyclist is riding. The car pulls up to the stop sign, and the
driver looks to his left, waiting for a break in traffic, so he can pull
out. If a cyclist is riding on the wrong
side of the road, they will approach this stopped car from the right side. Directly away from where the driver is
looking and expecting traffic to approach.
A break in traffic occurs and the driver pulls out. Potentially, right into the cyclist. Be predictable, and cycle where a driver
would expect to see you.
Be safe out there.
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