How to Avoid Traffic On Your Bike

The non-cyclist might think that traffic is an easy to avoid while you’re on your bike – after all, isn’t it very easy to hear? But reality has a way of introducing some unexpected situations. If you want to avoid traffic on your bike, it will help to hear some of the problems cyclists face and know what to do in order to avoid them.

The Right Angle Collision

The right angle collision happens when a bicyclist is traveling straight ahead and a car is traveling ahead – from the right or left. You can help avoid this situation at night by having a headlight (hey, it’s the law), which expands your visibility. It will also help to have a loud horn and blast it when you see a car approaching.

Slowing down will also be crucial. Even if you think you have a right to the road and don’t want to let the car get the best of you, you also have a right to be alive! In a collision between a car and a bicycle, it’s safe to assume that the car is going to win.

If you absolutely can’t stop for whatever reason, do your best to put space between you and the car. This might involve riding to your left (or right, depending on where the car is coming from) – but you have to be aware of traffic and avoid riding into cars that are coming from the front or from behind. At intersections or near driveways, it’s best to stay slow so that you will have more time to react.

The “Right Hook”

There might be a situation in which you are riding straight ahead and a car moving in the same direction decides to turn right – putting them in front of you. Even cars that are aware of your presence might make this turn because they assume they can make it ahead of you – or that you’ll stop.

Remember that if you’re riding on the sidewalk, you won’t be very visible to motorists who are most likely concentrating on the road and other cars (if they’re not in la-la land). On the sidewalk, take responsibility for your safety and be cautious before getting into the road.

You can prevent a “right hook” by taking up a car’s lane so that they can’t pass you, although you might get a few beeps for this one. Of course, making a few people mad might not be as bad as compromising your safety.

Most importantly, be sure to examine all of the traffic in an intersection in order to cross. Be cautious and don’t make assumptions that cars will see you. Remember: when near traffic, go slowly and be cautious.

Photo Credits: geishaboy500

Originally posted 2009-08-26 03:34:10.

This post involves:

bicycle, bicyclist, cars, cyclists, driveways, intersections, loud horn, motorists, presence, right angle, right hook, sidewalk, traffic, unexpected situations, visibility

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Biking, Safety

Posted by Bike Swim Run on October 3, 2011 in Biking, Safety. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.