If there is an equivalent to rock climbing, it is urban biking. It’s as dangerous, but as dangerous as you make it to be. Plenty of people do it, plenty survive. There must be a “better” way to do it.
By biking in the city, you are still at the mercy of the traffic. While initiatives, rules, and protections implemented for urban biker safety exist, these “entitlements” won’t work as an angry cyclist nor will they save your life. That being said, cyclists have the most to lose. Drivers hitting a cyclist will find this to be regrettable, so it’s important to be as vigilant.
While urban cycling, these are things to keep in mind….
- Cars are bigger than you so the traffic is right, and you are not. Drivers who don’t signal or get aggressive will be occurrences What is better, angry at the expense of physical injury or craftily avoiding disaster because some driver was careless? The traffic is always right.
- It’s better to ride in the open road, when given the chance.
- Some areas were never to be riden on. Ride slow (and I emphasize slow) on the sidewalk or find a different route.
- If observation #3 isn’t met, don’t ride on sidewalks. This is typically a dangerous alternative. If you must, go slow.
- Awareness of your surroundings takes priority over where you are going. You can always stop safely to regain bearings.
- The vast majority of drivers have respect or are even scared of riders. Take this to your advantage, but don’t get greedy.
- Being an assertive rider helps given observation #6. There are times to be aggressive and be passive, a topic in itself.
- Lights go a long way.
- On bike lanes, watch out for doors. Being on the left side of a bike lane helps. Slow down.
- I’m not a proponent of breaking side mirrors or aggressive messaging. However, be prepared to do this under last resort.
- Ride in groups. Even if it means pairing with a stranger, more bikes mean more presence. Take turns leading. Take a whole lane if there’s no good bike lane, screw the cars.
- Be clear with your body language. Eye contact with drivers is amazingly effective.
As a driver working with bikers….
- The traffic is always right. Surprise…the traffic isn’t just cars. Expect some bicyclists to be careless in many ways on the road. They may be risking injury, but if you as a driver hurt them, you will regret deeply. Side mirrors breakage is a slap on the wrist, so be warned.
- Use your signals!
- If you see a bicyclists being assertive on busy streets, give the room. They are probably skilled.
- Eye contact with bikers and communication are key.
- Learn how a skilled rider behaves. There are plenty of them on the roads.
- If you see bike lanes, be more vigilant and slow down.
- Slow down gradually at intersections. Coming fast at intersections will put bikers in a defensive position and break traffic flow.
- Oh yea…SLOW DOWN!!!
- Try riding a bike yourself.
These codes help me get through on the roads, biking or driving. Check yourself before you wreck yourself.
The Brainyard 