How to Not Get Hit by Cars
bicyclesafe.com
How to Not Get Hit by Cars
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Re: How to Not Get Hit by Cars
#2So much of this advice is “ride to the left” and I wish to emphasize it.
Novice riders are trained to stick to an invisible (or painted) bike lake which ends up with them being far less visible than they need to be.
Your safety is more important than some car’s need to get to work 5 seconds faster, and you shouldn’t feel controlling anxiety if some idiot honks at you for riding in the main traffic lane. You have right of way there just as you do in the bike lane. (Bikes are road vehicles remember)
I was taught “control the lane,” when necessary. It’s not unsafe to ride in front of a car that sees you. It’s more unsafe to ride in the far right of a too-narrow lane while inviting a car to come alongside you and squeeze you in the event that they have to/forget about you.
That means at intersections, areas with pedestrians crossing between cars, loading and unloading of cars, and other low visibility areas or even in other types of areas , when car traffic is traveling as the same speed as you, riding in the center is a better spot for you.
When you stop at intersections, ride up to the front of the line and rest directly in front of the car there, especially if it’s not clear which way they might turn.
As you approach standing cars at intersections or slow moving traffic, if safe pass on the left, not on the right where the blind spots are much bigger.
In general, be unapologetic about ensuring your own visibility. It’s the greatest tool you have for safety
Re: How to Not Get Hit by Cars
#3Pretty interesting advice with lots of less obvious advice along the lines of "doing this may be less legal but safer". An additional fact like this is riding without a helmet can actually make surrounding drivers perceive you as more dangerous, end up giving you more space, and there by make you actually safer. I still always ride with a helmet but it goes with this website auite a bit: doing things that are less obvious and potentially less legal can actually reduce your chance of accidents. Another great quote from the page: wearing a helmet doesn't reduce your chance of getting hit, it just makes it better if you do get hit. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Riding safely is more important than wearing safety gear.
Re: How to Not Get Hit by Cars
#4Lets get cars out of cities. No car in the city centre no car hitting bicycles and pedestrians. Clean air less noise.
Re: How to Not Get Hit by Cars
#5Lets get cars out of cities. No car in the city centre no car hitting bicycles and pedestrians. Clean air less noise.
That is a process that takes a couple of decades at least. Meanwhile there are things individuals can do to be safer.
Re: How to Not Get Hit by Cars
#6These are all fine tips, but I'm wondering how/why they are not mandatory in the US?
Getting a headlight, having a bell, having a rear-light, not riding on the sidewalk are all mandated by law here in Germany.
Re: How to Not Get Hit by Cars
#7I had #8 happen to me. Broad daylight, no other cars around, just a distracted driver who wasn't signalling. I'd ridden road for 5 years, but haven't since (2018). No matter how hard you try, if its a problem with the driver the car will always win. Also if you're riding in an area that's not accustomed to bikes, your risk of drivers not paying attention or being actively malicious is much higher.
Now I exclusively mountain bike. The risk of injury is higher, but the average severity of the injuries is minor compared to road.
Re: How to Not Get Hit by Cars
#8No post body was provided.
Re: How to Not Get Hit by Cars
#9These are all excellent tips that make you think about situations on the road that are riskier than you may think. The recommendations about having lights front and back, using a reflective vest and not riding on the sidewalks are very practical
Re: How to Not Get Hit by Cars
#10These are all fine tips, but I'm wondering how/why they are not mandatory in the US? Getting a headlight, having a bell, having a rear-light, not riding on the sidewalk are all mandated by law here in Germany.
There are plenty of old cycle paths on sidewalks in Germany. Often it's safer to be on the road instead.