For those who have mostly ridden their bike on rural roads or designated bike paths, the idea of riding in traffic can be daunting. However, there may be situations where you find yourself needing to ride in traffic, whether it’s because you’re biking to work, riding to meet friends downtown, or just trying out a new route.
When you do start riding with traffic, it’s imperative that you familiarize yourself with the rules of the road and general safety precautions for cyclists. Here are 7 tips to keep in mind.
Always wear a helmet. This is, of course, something you should do on any ride, but it’s especially important when you’re going to ride in traffic.
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Start off with easy rides. Learning to ride in traffic doesn’t need to be a trial by fire in which you start out on the busiest road in town during rush hour. Start to get comfortable with traffic by riding on less busy streets in residential areas during quiet times of the day. When you work your way up to busier areas, find streets with bike lanes when possible.
Ride with traffic. Always ride on the same side of the road as vehicle traffic and stay off the sidewalk unless you have a really good reason to get on it, such as construction taking place on the bike lane.
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Follow the same rules of the road that you would in a car. Some cyclists blow through red lights and stop signs, but that doesn’t mean it’s a good idea for you to do the same. By following the same rules of the road you would in a car, you can dramatically reduce your chances of being hit.
Give parked cars a wide berth. Accidents in which a cyclist is hit by a driver opening the door of their parked car are surprisingly common. Don’t be a statistic; when cars are parked on the side of the street, ride far enough to the left that you won’t get hit if a driver unexpectedly opens their door. Three to five feet from the parked cars will typically give you enough room.
Remember that cyclists can be hard for drivers to see. This is especially important to remember when you’re in an intersection or entering a busy street from a side street. Double-check before proceeding, and don’t assume that cars will stop just because you have the right of way. Many cyclists also find it helpful to attach a rear-view mirror to their helmet so they can see what’s going on behind them.
Use hand signals. Use your hands to signal when you’re turning right or left, but also keep in mind that not all drivers understand these signals, even if they seem clear to you. Make eye contact with drivers in an intersection whenever possible, especially if you’re making an unprotected left turn on a green light, to ensure the drivers understand your intentions.
If you’re nervous about learning to ride in traffic on your own, consider joining the Sunday morning group rides starting soon with Hart’s Cyclery. We leave right from our shop and typically cover between 10 to 20 miles in the local Pennington area. It’s a great way to adjust to riding on roads while having fun.
Since 1988, Ross Hart has owned and operated Hart’s Cyclery in Pennington, NJ. The bike store sells and services the finest brands in the world, including Giant and Cannondale. We provide personalized customer service, taking the time to understand your needs, lifestyle, and athletic style. The focus is ensuring you discover the right bike and the right fit – for the best cycling experience possible.
The next time you visit, check out our newest addition: the GURU Dynamic Fit. The computerized robotic assisted system has revolutionized road bike fitting, and we’re the only shop in the area that offers the service.
