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Stay Safe: Riding in Urban Traffic

A recent article in The Seattle Times called “Danger in the Bike Lane” discussed “right hook” collisions and points out how dangerous riding in city traffic can be. I found the article to be a bit heavy on fear but it does offer some practical advice.

For instance, the article lists a number of great tips on safe cycling from commuting expert Kent Peterson at Bicycle Alliance of Washington and a site called BicycleSafe.com. They suggest:

Be visible. Use lights, reflectors and bright reflective clothes. (No, I don't think waving your fist or giving the one-finger salute falls under this suggestion.)

Use a rearview mirror. Great idea. I see too few urban bikers using them. There are inexpensive mirrors that connect to your handlebar end or your helmet, even a small one that clips onto your glasses. But never rely only on the mirror when moving into traffic or making a turn. Always turn your head as well, to be sure you didn't miss a vehicle or another cyclist.

Avoid blind spots. If you're riding on a sidewalk or entering a road from a side street, expect to be invisible to cars. I would expand this idea: always assume you're in the driver's blind spot. Everything's a blind spot when a driver is on the phone, fiddling with the radio or distracted with road rage.

Be predictable. Don't weave into an open stretch of parking, then back onto the edge of the lane when coming up to a parked car. Ride a straight line as though there were a long line of parked cars next to you. And don't forget to watch for movement or lights in the parked cars - a sure sign that a door will swing open soon.

Use residential streets. Well, sure, that would be great, if it's convenient and gets you off a tight rush-hour arterial. But sometimes you need to move fast, and slowing for each uncontrolled intersection can be too leisurely. And know that some residential streets experience "cut-through" traffic - drivers avoiding that arterial too, sometimes at high speeds.

"Take the lane." Yes, this is great advice. When you're squeezed too tightly on a busy street, act like a car and pull far enough into the car lane that drivers will have to change lanes to get around you. But be sure that you merge safely, and that you're riding at a consistent speed that's fast enough not to bring traffic to a standstill.

Educate yourself. The article offers a link to an article on Kent's blog called "Avoid the Suicide Slot."

To this great list, I would add that practicing vigilant riding, obeying traffic laws and taking extra precautions at intersections will also reduce your risk. A few more tips from Biking Puget Sound:

- use hand signals to show your intentions to drives and to avoid collisions with other cyclists

- ride in the direction of traffic when crossing bridges on walkways

- go slow on sidewalks

- don't wear headphones

- wear a helmet

- always assume you're invisible

- never assume you're invincible