by Denise Wrathall

May 14, 2012

Find secure bike parking

Brooke Appler

1.  Practice stopping on your driveway or on a side street before heading out for a longer ride.

2.  Be cognizant of other cyclists, pedestrians and vehicles around you. Pay special attention to staying out of the blind spots of motorists.

3.  Use a bell to alert other cyclists and pedestrians that you are passing them – you can also say “passing on the left.”

4.  Remember to shoulder check before turning.

5.  Follow the rules of the road.

6.  Use your hand signals to show which direction you’re heading. A bent left elbow, fingers raised skywards, means turning right, while pointing your arm straight out to the left indicates a lefthand turn. Pointing your fingers down with a bent left elbow signals that you plan to stop.

7. Use lights when riding at night to be more visible.

8.  Avoid squeezing between a car and the curb on the righthand side.

9.  If biking near parked cars, check to make sure that someone isn’t about to exit their vehicle in front of you.

10.  Bike with friends to make the trip more fun!

For more on getting started commuting by bicycle check out: How to Bike to Work and Enjoy it. And be sure to check out our Top 5 Reasons Why You Should Bike to Work.

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by Denise Wrathall

May 14, 2012

Latest Comments

  • Be a "vehicle" not a pedestrian

    If you are riding in a road or in a bike lane, follow the rules as if you were driving a car. Riding the "wrong" direction in a bike lane puts you and your fellow riders at risk. If you must ride on the "wrong" side of the road then use the sidewalk.

    I agree with Brie that it's better to take up more of the road to be sure you are seen, but be careful as I've heard of accidents involving cyclists due to cars attempting to pass on the right. Shudder... how terrifying!

    Posted by Jen August 15, 2012 14:30:52

  • Ladies, be bold

    I once read that female cyclists are more likely to be hit by a car because they are less willing to be assertive. When I was a beginner, I was told to take up the whole lane if cars are trying to pass when they shouldn't. If cars are trying to pass you on a narrow road, without waiting for oncoming traffic to pass, you really are safer moving nearer the center line so they can't pass you without having to execute a full lane change. This maneuver can upset the road-rage prone driver, so it's also important to keep an eye on the driver behind you and just pull over completely if they seem to be getting angry.

    Posted by Brie May 20, 2012 10:10:31

  • Commuting first time

    1. Dress for the destination, not the ride. Unless you're riding a century, get a good saddle and leave the padded shorts at home.
    2. http://www.bikexprt.com/streetsmarts/
    3. A decent set of transition lens to protect eyes in different light levels.
    4. Front wheels will tell you more than a car's signal light.
    5. Watch the horizon, not just in front of your wheel.

    Posted by Chris May 20, 2012 07:38:31

  • More Tips

    IIf possible, ride on the right side of the road, especially if you are forced to ride on the sidewalk. That way at intersections and driveways you are more likely to be seen.

    Be especially careful of bike paths that run adjacent to parallel parking spots. SUVs don't think to look behind them before opening their doors and block the bike path.



    Posted by Tim May 19, 2012 18:18:21

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