News We’re all in this together!
With a new year upon us and spring rapidly approaching, we’re all looking for opportunities to get outside. Whether you’re hopping on your bicycle for recreation or you’re cycling as a means of transportation, we can all do our part to ensure that our time on the road is both safe and enjoyable. After all, respect is a two way street.
As you pump your tires, check your brakes, lube up your chain, and throw on your snazziest bike outfit, we want to encourage you to be safety aware and follow the rules of the road. Here are a few helpful tips to keep you on the right track.
RIDE WITH TRAFFIC, NEVER AGAINST IT
A recent study of cyclists riding on the road showed that those traveling against traffic were 3.6 times more likely to be in an incident than those traveling with traffic. By riding with traffic, you’re more visible and drivers can respond more quickly and appropriately to your movements.
OBEY ALL TRAFFIC SIGNS AND LAWS
Bike riders must follow the same traffic laws as car drivers. That means stopping at all stop signs and red lights, signaling your turns, using lights at night, walking your bike when you use a crosswalk, and more. Basically, pretty much any rules a car would follow, cyclists should follow. It’s the law, but it’s also about being courteous (and safe).
USE THE BIKE LANE OR PATH IF THERE IS ONE
Marin County boasts some of the best biking infrastructure in the country. Don’t take it for granted. Practice proper etiquette on any multi-use trails, by yielding to pedestrians and letting others know when you plan to pass. If there isn’t a bike lane or path and a road is too narrow for a car and bike to safely share, bicycles are allowed to use the full lane. Watch out for those car doors!
BE PREDICTABLE AND BE VISIBLE
Do what drivers expect you to do. That way you are not caught off guard (and neither are they). Bike in a straight line (meaning don’t swerve), stay to the right, and otherwise ride responsibly. Wear bright clothing, use lights and reflectors, and stay where cars can see you.
WEAR A HELMET
No explanation or elaboration needed here. Use your brain. Protect your brain.
Perhaps now more than ever, we need to remember that we are all in this together. Let’s continue to look out for one another, literally and figuratively.
If you’d like to learn additional road biking skills or traffic safety tips, please join one of our free Family Biking Live! or Basic Street Skills webinars. We hope to see you there or out on the road!
