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SAFETY FIRST: WHAT TO DO TO STAY SAFE
SAFE RIDING
Guidelines for navigating the streets by bicycle
AVOID HAZARDS.
Ride to the right, but keep possible dangers at a distance.
- BEWARE OF THE DOOR ZONE. The suddenly opening door of a parked car can hit you and send you reeling into traffic. Ride 3 to 4 feet away from parallel-parked cars, even if that means riding in the next lane. If a car door starts to open in front of you, yell and brake; swerve out of the way only if you have enough room.
- Leave as much room as you need to avoid other hazards such as grates, potholes, gravel and slippery surfaces. If the right side of the lane presents too many hazards, or the right lane is too narrow for cars to pass you safely, use the full lane. Signal to let others know where you're going, move assertively, and ride in the center of the lane.
- Cross train tracks carefully at a perpendicular angle.
- For better control as you move across bumps and other hazards, stand up on your pedals and relax your arms and legs to help absorb the shock.
- If you're on a blind curve, ride in the middle of the lane to be more visible.
RIDE PREDICTABLY.
You are traffic, so avoid conflict by moving as traffic moves.
- Ride with intent and confidence. Asserting your position on the road lets drivers know that they should take you seriously.
- When dodging hazards, try to signal and move ahead of time so you don't surprise drivers behind you.
- Try to ride in a straight line. Don't weave between parked cars.
- If you're moving at the same speed as traffic, ride in the center of the lane.
- Pass bicycles and right-turning vehicles on the left.
- Follow lane markings, and turn from the appropriate lane.
- Never ride against traffic. Motorists don't expect you there.
- Avoid riding on sidewalks. While it might be legal in your city, it's usually inadvisable. You pose a threat to pedestrians, and cars pulling out of driveways pose a threat to you.
- When moving across lanes, move through traffic one lane at a time, or wait for a gap in traffic and move across all lanes at once.
- Obeying traffic signals and riding single-file will help prevent accidents.
RIDE DEFENSIVELY.
Expect the unexpected to avoid unpleasant surprises.
- Scan the road ahead. Anticipate drivers' actions. Watch for cars pulling out of parking spaces and driveways.
- Don't assume drivers see you. Make eye contact with drivers making turns, and avoid riding in drivers' blind spots.
- Watch and listen for vehicles coming up behind you. Be especially wary of large trucks and buses. Learn to quickly look over your shoulder, or use a rear-view mirror.
- Keep both hands ready to brake, and practice turning quickly to avoid dangers.
BE VISIBLE.
Bicycles are less visible than most other vehicles.
- Use front and rear lights when riding at night. Your light's flashing mode is best for catching a driver's eye. If you ride in heavy nighttime traffic, consider using multiple front and rear lights.
- Wear bright colors by day and light color or reflective clothing at night.
COMMUNICATE.
Don't expect drivers to anticipate your moves.
- Use hand signals to tell motorists and cyclists what you intend to do.
- Use a horn or your voice to alert motorists of your presence. Use a bell to alert pedestrians.
HELPFUL LINKS
Share the Road. Important tips for motorists and cyclists for sharing the road together.
Help Launch a campaign to educate motorists to Share the Road with Cyclists. Contact Aaron Kirsch at aaron.k@juno.com to get involved!
Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute. An active, non-profit consumer-funded program acting as a clearinghouse and a technical resource for bicycle helmet information.
Bicycling Street Smarts: Riding Confidently, Legally and Safely. A compact tutorial that will increase your safety and confidence while bicycling on any road, whether you are a beginner or an expert. You'll have more fun and feel better about riding, be it for pleasure, fitness or transportation.
GET LOTS MORE BICYCLE SAFETY INFORMATION IN THE LACBC BICYCLE RESOURCE GUIDE
 Did you know that as a member of Los Angeles County Bicycle Coalition you are entitled to discounts at many bike shops all over L.A. County? PLUS you get the official, jam-packed, 48 page LACBC BICYCLE RESOURCE GUIDE, Your Handbook for All Things Bike in LA, YOURS FREE when you join!
Help LACBC Build a Better, Bike-able L.A. County. Click here to become a member. |
REPORT HAZARDS
such as potholes or other dangerous road conditions by contacting your city (contact list coming soon).
TWO WAYS TO MAKE A LEFT TURN
1. Basic turn: Signal to move left, and cross one lane at a time. Or wait for a gap in traffic and move across all lanes in one movement. Ride on the right side of the turn lane, unless you plan to immediately turn left again.
2. Box turn: Stay in the right lane and continue across the intersection. Stop at the far corner, turn your bike around to face your desired direction, and then proceed when the light turns green.
COMMUNICATING WITH DRIVERS
Use your voice
If traffic isn't too loud, or if a driver's window is open, just yell, "Watch out!" If you need more volume, learn to make a good siren sound. It's very effective in getting drivers' attention.
Use your hands
Remember those bicycle hand signals you learned as a kid? They're still a good idea for telling others your next move. Indicate whether you're turning, changing lanes or slowing. The law says you must signal 100 feet before making a turn, so try to signal ahead of time so you won't have to do it while braking. You can even use subtle body language such as head movements to indicate your intentions.
CONFLICTS WITH MOTORISTS
Drivers might act rudely toward you if they are uneducated about the law. Yes, they deserve every choice word or gesture you want to hurl at them. But stop and think before you do:
If you react aggressively, you could invite a dangerous situation for yourself, or even for the next cyclist. In a city infamous for road rage, it's not worth the risk.
If you have the opportunity, tell them what they did wrong. Dealing with the situation constructively lets drivers know that they should take bicyclists seriously on the road.
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