Biking Safety Tips

Bicycling Safety Tips...

Road touring has its unique advantages, but it also has its unique hazards.
Here are some important safety precautions that will help make your next
road cycling trip a safe one.

1. Use a mirror. There is no piece of equipment more important than this.
My personal preference is for a helmet mounted version. But whichever type
you choose, install it and glance in it frequently. It is critical to know
what's happening behind you as well as in front of you.

2. Don't assume traffic behind you will give you the space you need. A
vehicle approaching from behind might be hemmed in by traffic approaching
from in front, or by a vehicle passing from the rear ... or, the driver
simply might not see you. Watch every vehicle approaching from behind, and
be certain it is moving left to give you enough clearance. If not, pull off
the road surface until the approaching vehicle has passed.

3. On two-lane roads, be aware of which traffic is permitted to pass. If
oncoming traffic has permission to pass, your lane may be occupied by a
vehicle approaching from in front of you, at very high (passing) speed. For
this reason, stay on or near the shoulder and avoid drifting out to the
center of your lane, except in certain specific instances (described later).

4. Listen as well as look for traffic. Especially in the vicinity of
curves or hills, you'll be able to hear approaching traffic before you can
see it.

5. On steep inclines avoid the temptation to pedal standing up. Often, in
the standing position, there is a tendency for your head to drop, and your
field of view to be limited to several feet in front of your bicycle. This
is especially dangerous because on steep inclines, traffic approaching from
in front of you (which has just crested the hill) now has permission to
pass. This is traffic you can't readily see because of the hill; can't
easily hear; and it's sometimes traffic 'in a hurry to pass' after following
a slow vehicle up the other side of the hill. Approaching the
top of a hill is an especially important time to be keenly
aware of your surroundings. This is best done in the seated position. If
you must stand, be certain to keep your head up, and expect the unexpected.

6. Cycle single file. Save conversation with friends for your rest stops.
Riding side by side not only exposes some riders in the lane to extra risk;
it also distracts everyone from the level of alertness that is essential.
(Cycling single file has the added advantage of reducing wind resistance.
Rotate the lead position so everyone gets a break.)

7. Don't cycle fatigued. When you need a rest take one. Your level of
mental alertness drops drastically when you're tired.

8. Be visible. You can never assume that a motorist will see you. But you
can increase the probability that he will. Wear very bright colors
(fluorescent yellow is extremely effective).

9. Avoid road cycling at night, but be prepared in case you must. Outfit
your bike with ample reflective material, and carry with you reflective
clothing or attachments. A battery operated tail light and headlamp are
also essential at night.

10. Be wind smart. Wind is rarely a factor in the wooded trails used by
mountain bikers, but on the open road, it is a major concern. Cross winds
are especially troublesome, as they can unexpectedly push you out into
traffic, or push vehicles over into your path. Avoid cycling on very windy
days.

11. Anticipate winds created by passing traffic, especially high profile
vehicles like trucks, buses and RV's. These wind bursts can be powerful,
even from vehicles one or more lanes to your left. Reduce the effect by
keeping maximum distance from passing traffic, and by crouching low to your
handlebar to reduce your profile. Vehicle induced wind bursts will be
enhanced by any crosswind blowing from your left to your right. These same
wind bursts will be reduced, or sometimes eliminated, by crosswinds blowing
from your right to your left.

12. Take the lane (sometimes). On rare occasions you may find that a brief
stretch of your route (such as a bridge crossing or in certain spots
protected by guardrails, or stretches of road alongside steep cliffs) offer
you a shoulder that is simply too narrow to permit an acceptable distance
between you and passing traffic. Don't invite motorists to pass you by
riding the shoulder in these situation. Stop, wait for all traffic to
clear, then 'take the lane' riding in the center of the lane so traffic from
behind is forced to follow you. Pedal as quickly as you safely can through
these sections; then pull off the road completely to let traffic following
you pass. Times like this it's important to be HIGHLY visible. A hand
signal (left arm extended down and to the side) will alert the first vehicle
approaching from behind not to pass. The driver may be impatient or
irritated, but this is much preferred to the alternative of being passed
where there isn't room to do it safely.

13. Use hand signals to indicate all turns, lane changes and stops.

14. Obey motor vehicle laws, including stop signs, traffic signals, speed
limits, turn restrictions, one-way road designations, and so on.

15. Wear a helmet. But don't imagine that it offers an unrealistic measure
of protection. In any collision between you and a car, motorcycle, stray
animal, tree, shrub, pothole, pedestrian, or even another cyclist, you are
certain to be on the losing end.

16. Ride defensively. Little mistakes can have very large consequences.
Always allow triple the time you think you'll need to cross a lane, make a
turn, or pull out into traffic. A slight wobble, or a slip on gravel, or
other unexpected mistake can leave you exposed and vulnerable to a very bad
result.

17. Know your bike inside and out before extended touring. Get a feel for
the gear ratios, the brakes, the shifters and the steering by taking
numerous short trips on untravelled local roads before
venturing out on an extended tour.

18. Have a professional inspect your bike before any long trip. Chain,
tires, spokes, brakes and gear shifts must be in perfect shape before you
begin. A failure of any one of these systems at the wrong time can be very
dangerous.

19. Be sure to carry repair tools and supplies, as well as a basic first
aid kit. Most biking magazines and touring books will provide a list of
recommended items.

20. Learn as much as you can about your route before you start. Study
maps, read tour books, or talk to others who have pedaled the route. If
possible, drive the route before you bike it, taking special note of
dangerous spots, and possible alternate routes.

21. Be certain someone knows your departure time, the route you are
traveling, and your expected arrival time at your destination (for each
day, if it is a multi-day tour). Carrying a cell phone provides an extra
measure of comfort for those at home, and is a great way to summon help if
you need it.