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Tag: bycicle safety

In an urban city, cyclists and drivers fill the streets daily making their commutes. Often, a lack of knowledge in street laws and cyclist and driver rights can cause frustration among road users as actions conflict. Although they travel the same streets, the commuting experience varies drastically between cyclists and drivers. To learn how to share the road with cyclists, car drivers need to understand what the road is like for cyclists. Learning about common hazards to cyclists can help drivers practice safe, defensive driving. Seeing the streets from a cyclist’s perspective can help drivers make small precautionary adjustments for everyone to share and enjoy the commuting experience.

Dodge Road Dangers

Don’t use bike lanes for parking, leave the lanes for bikers. Cyclists are often forced out of their designated lanes due to dangers like debris and construction—things that drivers may not be concerned about but can become hazardous to cyclists. Cities like Portland block bike lanes off by painting lines and symbols on the streets or with physical cement dividers and steel security bollards. This is all for the safety of every commuter– be it on a bike, on foot, or at the wheel of an SUV.

Cyclist Basics: What Every Driver Should Know

Share the street with cyclists and respect their right to the road. Driver or rider, no one has more authority over the road. At night, in the rain, storms, or other weather conditions that may cause vision impairment, it’s important to be extra cautious of cyclists. When it comes to interacting with others on the road, never assume. You can’t be too sure that a cyclist is aware of you or guess what you will do. Make room for cyclists and give them space to maneuver. Learn the rules of the road in your city by visiting your city’s website, you might be surprised with what you find!

On the Defensive

It’s always best to approach cyclists cautiously and to drive defensively. Whenever you are in doubt always take the safe route. Understand that cyclists are part of the traffic flow, not separate from it. Competing with cyclists is dangerous, be patient and understand the the basic rules of the road: don’t make right turns in front of them, don’t make a left turn in front of an oncoming cyclist, and never gun it at an intersection to avoid overlooking a cyclist racing to make it across the street before the light change. One bad move can be fatal to a cyclist, practice the patience you would give a pedestrian and give them a few extra seconds to pass and make moves.

When a cyclist and a driver are in an accident, the driver will more than likely be at fault and can risk license suspension and loss of auto insurance coverage. Surprisingly, car doors are a common and major hazard to cyclists. They can get “doored” when an unsuspecting cyclist collides with an open car door. As a driver parking street side, beware of cyclists passing by before opening your car door.

Spring is finally here! This is the time that most riders are dusting off their bikes and motorcycles and taking to the roads on two wheels. And who can blame them? The flowers have bloomed, the trees are lush and full of color, and the days have grown long and warm. It’s the perfect time to go out and feel the wind rush by while taking to the open roads.

With more riders on the roads does come the need for additional driving precautions, though. That’s why the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has deemed May the Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, and the League of American Bicyclists has recognized May as National Bicyclist Safety Month.

In support of these events, here are some safety tips that will help ensure everyone continues to enjoy the lovely spring weather without risk, whether they are doing so on a bike, a motorcycle, or any other motorized vehicle.

Tips for all drivers:

  • Share the Road. Remember, the road doesn’t only belong to cars and trucks. Motorcyclists and bicyclists have just as much right on the roadway as any other vehicle, so long as they follow their own vehicle-specific rules and regulations.
  • Be Aware of Your Surroundings. Because of their smaller sizes, motorcyclists and bicyclists can easily be overlooked, especially if they happen to be riding in one of your vehicle’s blind spots. Before turning or changing lanes, be sure to signal and look over your shoulder. In most vehicles, that is the only way to check the blind spot that the rear and side mirrors can’t spot.
  • Give Motorcyclists and Bicyclists Plenty of Room. Even though they are smaller in size, it’s important to allow bikes and motorcycles enough room to travel safely. Give riders a full lane to drive in even if their vehicles only take up part of a lane. And be sure to allow at least four seconds of space between you and a motorcycle in case you both have to stop suddenly. It’s going to take a car that weighs over two tons longer to stop than a half-ton motorcycle!

Tips for Motorcyclists:

  • Drive Defensively. Motorcycles often can accelerate faster and fit into tighter spaces than most other vehicles. But just because you can drive faster or weave through traffic doesn’t mean you should. Remember, motorcycles are smaller, therefore more difficult to spot, especially when driving fast and erratically. Be courteous on the road, maintain the speed limit, use your signals, and allow plenty of space around your bike. In other words: drive defensively!
  • Wear Proper Gear. Always wear your helmet when you drive a motorcycle. Wearing a helmet could help save your life in case of an accident or collision. Get riding gear with padding to protect you if you fall. Invest in some good non-slip gloves, and boots or riding shoes that cover your ankles. Dressing appropriately can both protect you and make riding all the more comfortable.

Tips for Bicyclists:

The League of American Bicyclists has five “Rules of the Road” to prepare riders for a safe and enjoyable riding experience. The five rules are:

  • Follow the Law. Even though you are riding a bicycle, you still have the same rights, duties, and responsibilities as any other driver. You are required to ride with traffic, signal before turning, yield right-of-way, and any other laws of the road.
  • Be Predictable. Surprises on the road can cause accidents, especially for bicyclists. That’s why it’s always important to ride predictably. This means don’t swerve between vehicles, always signal your intentions to turn or change lanes, and check over your shoulder before turning.
  • Be Conspicuous. Always make yourself visible by wearing bright clothes. Also, use a white light on the front of your bike and a red light on the back. Reflectors on your bike and clothing also increase visibility to drivers when visibility is low. Make eye contact with other drivers to ensure they see you. And for goodness’ sake: stay off the sidewalks!
  • Think Ahead. It’s important to think before you act while riding a bike. Try to predict what other drivers will do based on their use of signals or positions on the road. Keep an eye out for potholes, debris, puddles, or other road hazards that can hinder your movement. When you approach a railroad crossing, cross at a right angle.
  • Ride Ready. Before riding, check to ensure your bike is ready for the trip. Make sure your tires are properly filled with air, that your chains are running smoothly, and that your brakes are operational. Keep necessary tools in case of an emergency, like a spare tire tube or first aid kit, and always wear a helmet!

No matter what type of vehicle you’re driving, be aware of all other drivers, share the road, and drive defensively! Help ensure everyone has an enjoyable ride and journeys safely. Happy driving!

Nationally, the figures on accidents taking place between cyclists and automobiles and pedestrians and automobiles are grim.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 743 cyclists were killed in 2013, the last year for which statistics are available. That constitutes 2% of traffic deaths. A total of 48,000 were injured. The numbers have risen steadily since 2007. (The NHTSA counts all wheeled vehicles powered by pedals, so these figures include bicycles, tricycles, and assistive devices operated by pedaling.)

The figures for pedestrians are even more stark. The NHTSA reports that 4,735 pedestrians were killed in 2013, and 66,000 injured. Every 2 hours through the year, a pedestrian was involved in a fatal collision with a car, and every 8 minutes, a pedestrian was injured.

The conclusion is obvious. While both cyclists and pedestrians need to exercise caution in their interaction with vehicles, vehicle drivers need some tips on sharing the road with cyclists and pedestrians, to increase their safe driving vis-a-vis cyclists and pedestrians.

You and Them: General Tips

First, realize the comparative vulnerability of cyclists and pedestrians.

You are encased in several tons of metal. Cyclists are riding on relatively flimsy vehicles—and they are very open to injury and being thrown from the bike. Even if they’re wearing a helmet, they are still no match for a car. Pedestrians are even more vulnerable because they are highly unlikely to be wearing protective gear.

Second, be vigilant.

Drivers have a tendency not to fully focus on either cyclists or pedestrians. Why? They are focusing on cars, of course. Cyclists may be seen as a kind of background distraction on the side of the road. Pedestrians might be seen as an impediment to fully flowing traffic. Do not fall for this trap. Both cyclists and pedestrians have as much a right to the roads as you do.

Third, exercise defensive driving.

Both cyclists and pedestrians have rules of the road to follow, just as you do, as well. Cyclists, for example, should ride in the same direction as the traffic, not against it, and follow traffic signals. Pedestrians should always wait for a crosswalk or a designated signal to cross.

We all know, though, that these rules are not always followed. If they’re not, don’t insist on your rights of way. Yield for both cyclists and pedestrians as part of defensive driving. You don’t want a collision with a more vulnerable party to occur.

Fourth, don’t drink and drive.

The NHTSA reports that more than a third of fatal collisions between cyclists and car drivers and nearly half of fatal collisions between pedestrians and car drivers involved alcohol.

Cyclists

Once you follow the 4 tips above, there are specific tips on sharing the road with cyclists.

  • Watch out at right turns. This is particularly commonplace to have a collision; the bicyclist may not notice your turn signal. If they are only slightly behind you, or slightly less than even with you, they may not be able to see it and drive right into you as you start a turn. Defensive driving is particularly important here.
  • Watch out at left turns. The most common error here is to think you have plenty of time to turn before the bicycle could hit you. They are vehicles capable of moving very fast. It is not uncommon for bicyclists to be going 20 mph or higher. Make sure you have plenty of time to complete the turn.
  • Leave 3 feet of clearance between you and a bicycle. It makes it safer all the way around. Nearly half of U.S. states have mandated leaving such a space.
  • Look before you open your door. This is a big site of accidents as well—a driver opening a door directly into the path of a cyclist.

Pedestrians

For pedestrians, be sure that you:

  • Obey the speed limits
  • Obey stop signs and traffic signals thoroughly
  • Look actively for pedestrians as you enter intersections or crosswalk areas, especially at night
  • Check before entering or exiting driveways
  • Be especially vigilant at night

Traffic safety is everyone’s responsibility. By following these tips, you are ensuring that you, cyclists, and pedestrians are as safe as possible on the road.

Please contact us for more information.

This coming Friday, May 17th, is National Bike to Work Day!

Over the past decade, the number of Americans commuting by bike has grown by 47% (League of American Bicyclists). Many cities, schools, and businesses are working to make their communities bicycle friendly by adding bike lanes to roads, providing education for cyclists, and organizing incentives and events for bicycle commuters.

Bike to Work Day is one of the nation’s biggest cycling events, and is supported by the League of American Bicyclists (LAB) as well as many local cycling clubs and groups. Activities include bike safety classes and repair workshops in the days leading up to Bike to Work Day, and energizer stations providing snacks, hydration, and even free cycling gear to bike commuters on the day itself.

With more cyclists than usual hitting the road this week, it’s a great time to review bike safety laws. Here are some tips to share the road safely, whether you’ll be driving a car or riding a bike yourself!

Cyclists

Follow Traffic Laws

  • Cyclists have the same rights and responsibilities on the road as drivers do! Cyclists must obey all traffic laws, including stopping for traffic signals and stop signs, riding with the flow of traffic, and signaling lane changes.
  • Most bicycle laws instruct cyclists to ride “as far to the right as practicable.” This means that you should use the rightmost traffic lane headed in the direction you are going, or a bike lane if it is available. However, you may leave the bike lane at any time to avoid hazards or prepare for a turn. (LAB)
  • Cyclists may “take the lane,” or ride in the middle of a traffic lane, for a variety of reasons including the lane being too narrow to share safely. (LAB)
  • Just like other traffic laws, bicycle laws do vary from state to state. The League of American Bicyclists provides an interactive map to review the highlights of each state’s rules.

Anticipate Hazards

  • Stay out of the “door zone” of parked cars, where you could easily be hit by an opening car door. Usually this means riding 3 to 5 feet away from parked cars, which may require avoiding the rightmost part of the bike lane. (SF.StreetsBlog.org)
  • Watch for debris, obstructions, or poor road conditions that could make your path unsafe. If you need to move into traffic to avoid hazards in the bike lane, signal first.
  • Watch for right-turning cars, and avoid taking a path that will put you on the right side of a right-turn-only lane – instead, signal and then move into a traffic lane going in your direction.

Be Visible

  • When riding in darkness, most states require that bicycles have a white headlight and a red rear reflector, plus pedal and wheel reflectors. The League of American Cyclists recommends also using a red rear light. (LAB)
  • Wear bright or reflective clothing any time you ride.
  • Ride where motorists can see you. Ride in a straight line, and do not swerve in and out of parked cars on the side of the road. While some cities allow cyclists to ride on sidewalks, be aware that motorists may not be able to see you.

Wear a Helmet

  • Wearing a helmet is crucial to staying safe on the road. The League of American Bicyclists recommends wearing a helmet for any bike ride, no matter how short.
  • The Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute estimates that bike helmet use reduces head injury risk by 85%.
  • According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, 67% of cyclists killed in 2011 were not wearing helmets (IIHS).
  • No state has a universal helmet law, but some have mandatory helmet laws covering young riders. Some cities and counties have also passed their own helmet laws, so be sure to check your local requirements before you ride!

Be Educated

  • Want to learn tips for bike commuting, bicycle maintenance, and beginning or advanced riding? The League of American Cyclists provides guides to these topics online. You can also search for League-certified workshops, classes, and riding groups in your area.
  • Check out your local cycling groups or clubs for other available classes!

Motorists

Bicycles are Vehicles, Too!

  • Be aware that cyclists have the same rights and responsibilities on the road as you do, and must follow the same traffic laws.
  • Recognize cyclists’ rights to ride in the middle of a traffic lane, and to change lanes to prepare for turns.
  • At intersections, follow the same right-of-way rules for cyclists as you would for other cars. If you would yield to a car, yield to the cyclist!

Watch for Cyclists

  • Cyclists are smaller and harder to see than cars are. Be on the lookout!
  • When parked on a street, check your mirrors and look behind you before opening your car door. 45 states already have laws against “dooring” or opening your door into an oncoming cyclist. (Cyclelicious)
  • Look for oncoming cyclists when preparing to make a left turn. It may be difficult to judge the speed they are going, so when in doubt, wait until they pass before turning.
  • Watch for cyclists when preparing to make a right turn, whether or not you must cross or enter a bicycle lane to make the turn.
  • Just like motorists, cyclists should follow traffic laws and safe driving practices – but may not always do so. Watch for cyclists riding on sidewalks, in crosswalks, or weaving in and out between cars.

Give Cyclists Room

  • Cyclists are much more vulnerable than cars, so be certain to leave a safety buffer of at least three feet between you and a cyclist. 19 states have already passed a law mandating a three-foot buffer, and Pennsylvania requires a four-foot buffer. (3FeetPlease.com)
  • Always make sure that you can see far enough down the road before safely moving into the left lane to pass a cyclist – passing is not worth a head-on collision.
  • On winding roads, this may mean you’ll need to wait until passing is safe. Be sure to leave plenty of room between you and the cyclist while you are driving behind them. The cyclist may “take the lane” while they know it will not be safe for you to pass them, for example if there is a blind turn or they can see oncoming traffic in the opposite lane, and then move towards the right side of the lane to allow you to pass once the road is clear.
  • Do not speed up to overtake and make a right turn in front of a cyclist. If you see a cyclist on the right side of the road as you are preparing for a right turn, slow down and allow them to clear the intersection before making your right turn.

Want to participate in Bike to Work Day, or organize your own event? Check out the League of American Bicyclists’ resources for Bike Month 2013!

As the weather warms up, you’ll encounter more cyclists on the road, and maybe even want to join in! Keep these tips in mind, and you’ll be well prepared to enjoy your journey.