Riding a bicycle can be an enjoyable and healthy way to get around, especially now that the weather is warming up. Unfortunately, you’ll spend a lot of time sharing your space with motor vehicles — and that can spell danger.
Some drivers are incredibly considerate around people on bicycles — while others are the complete opposite. The majority are somewhere in between. You have little control over how other people drive their vehicles, but taking a few steps yourself can increase your safety.
1. Do what drivers expect you to do
Drivers do not expect you to rush through red lights. They don’t expect you to pass on the inside of them, ride the wrong way down a one-way street or pull a last-minute U-turn in the middle of the road. Do what they expect, and follow the rules of the road so you reduce the chances you will end up in an accident simply because a driver isn’t able to predict your movements.
2. Know that you may be invisible
Cyclists can sometimes be invisible to drivers. There are a few reasons for this. One is that cyclists get hidden from view by larger vehicles (and almost every other vehicle on the road will be larger than you). Another reason is that drivers tend to look out for other four-wheeled vehicles, rather than people on two wheels. Because this is what they are expecting to see, this is sometimes all they see, even if there is a cyclist in their direct line of sight.
3. Increase your visibility
You are not obligated to deck yourself out in high-viz clothing and fill your bicycle with lights. However, adding some bright colors to your gear, reflective materials and lights can significantly increase your visibility to others. Visibility is safety.
Taking such steps can reduce the chance of a collision, but one could still happen. If one happens to you, it is wise to seek legal guidance.
