What Cyclists Can Do To Steer Clear of Bad Drivers

One of the scariest thoughts you can have as a cyclist riding in traffic is, “I can’t control the cars around me.” You can’t make that driver who insists on texting actually put their phone away, and you can’t telepathically will drivers to give you more room when they overtake you. You’re only in charge of your own actions—but you can take certain precautions and practice safe riding skills to protect yourself in traffic. Read on to learn about common New Jersey driving infractions and what bike riders can do to head off the types of accidents that sometimes result.

Motorist Violation #1: Failure to yield when entering the roadway or an intersection.

What cyclists can do: Even if you know that you have the right of way at an intersection, remind yourself that you can’t guarantee all the drivers around you are going to yield. If a light has just turned green, slow down and wait a couple seconds to make sure no cars are running a red light. You should also ride to the right of the traffic lane instead of the sidewalk whenever possible, because drivers aren’t always looking for cyclists on the sidewalk when they enter a road or intersection.

Motorist Violation #2: Failure to yield to a cyclist when turning left.

What cyclists can do: Again, remember that while you may have the right of way, an oncoming car making an unprotected left turn on a green light may not see you. If a car starts to turn left in front of you while you’re trying to go straight through an intersection, turn right so that you’re going the same direction as that car. Find somewhere to turn around and get back on course as soon as it’s safe.

Motorist Violation #3: Unsafe passing of a cyclist.

What cyclists can do: Make yourself as visible as possible by wearing bright clothing (or reflective gear at night). Be careful that you’re not veering left when you check traffic over your shoulder, and practice this maneuver in a safe residential area first if you’re a beginner rider. Use your arm to signal when you’re turning left, so that cars behind you will know to wait rather than trying to overtake you as you turn.

Motorist Violation #4: Improper right turn (i.e. a motorist attempts to make a right on red or a right at a stop sign while a cyclist is trying to go straight through the intersection).

What cyclists can do: Avoid riding in a driver’s blind spot; you never know when they might turn right—directly into your path. To prevent cars overtaking you and then suddenly turning right, take your space in the lane to make yourself more visible. You’re legally allowed to ride there in New Jersey and every other state.

Motorist Violation #5: Opening car door into traffic.

What cyclists can do: Again, this is a situation where you should ride with the assumption that you never know what drivers are going to do. If you’re riding by a line of parked cars, make sure there is at least a 3-foot gap between you and the cars so that if someone suddenly does fling their door open, you won’t ride into it.

While there are unfortunately some accidents that you just can’t prevent, you should do everything you can to minimize your risk of being hurt while riding in traffic. Always wear a helmet, take quieter roads, use bike lanes whenever possible, and follow the tips above to avoid getting into an accident with a careless driver.

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.