• Riders fare best when they act and are treated as drivers of motor vehicles.
• A bicyclist is subject to the same laws as a motorist. Whatever you learned on your motor vehicle test applies directly to operating a bicycle.
• Think like the driver of a vehicle and not that of a toy.
• Be assertive in traffic. Don’t ride to the far right of the road unless you absolutely need to.
• It’s safer to be 3 feet outside of the white curb line than it is to be on or inside it. Cyclists are most visible when they are positioned in the right hand lane.
• When making a right hand turn, position yourself in the middle of the right lane so cars can’t come around you, make a right turn and consequently cut you off.
• Conversely, make left-hand turns from the left lane with your bike positioned in the middle of the lane.
• Gain and maintain eye contact with drivers making turns. Make sure they are completely stopped and that the wheels of the car have stopped rolling.
• Keep your chin up! Scan 50-100 feet in front of you. If you know what is coming up far before you encounter it, then you’re aware of the obstacle and can avoid it.
Courtesy of the Cascade Bicycle Club.
|
