Once upon a time when I used to commute to work I had to learn how to take space on the road. As a woman, this was a hard practice to get comfortable with when the voices of society in my head said to stay out of the way. Not wanting to be a nuisance, I realized that in order to cycle in the city, I had to learn how to ignore these impulses and claim space that I had a right to. In the beginning I had to learn to overcome my own perceived dangers and then found the streets to become a place where I happily ride. Ten years later, I still have that feeling of freedom and independence when realizing that I am in control of my journey and space.
With Bike To Work Week and Day here, I thought it would be helpful to dive into road safety since last weeks post was about cycle safety, street harassment, and how to manage worrying situations on the road. If you’re thinking about taking up cycling as a commuter, lifestyle, or hobby during bike to work week – this post is for you. If you need brushing up on skills or encouragement for taking space, this is for you too.
Safety perception tends to be the number one reason why more women don’t cycle to work and is a big hurdle to closing the gender gap in cycling. It’s rough out there but still it helps to know the rules of the road, to stay safe and sane when claiming your space. What cyclists are supposed to know and do on the road can be confusing since laws are different depending on the state and city you live in. But knowing your role as a cyclist in the grand scheme of it all can help prevent an accident for all around you when you are able to be as predictable as possible.
If you’re wondering how to make your ride or commute more safe, knowing the rules of road can help you get from A to B without an anxious sweat. Think of these tips as challenges as you prep up for Bike To Work Day (May 17) to help you claim your space on the road. Once you’re used to doing them, you’ll be confident to claim your space.
Obey The Rules
Cyclists are required to follow the same rules as vehicles. When riding on the road, cyclists are required to travel in the same direction as the flow of traffic. For those of us living in the United States, this means always riding on the right side as well as utilizing the right side of the lane as much as possible unless it is unsafe to do so. Rolling through stop signs, proceeding through a red light or entering a crosswalk when pedestrians are present are all traffic violations whether you’re in a car or on a bike.
To be safe and follow the rules of the road, you should always obey all traffic signals and other signs on the roadway just as you would when operating any other vehicle. There are times when you will need to move to the left side of the lane to avoid an obstacle or to make a left-handed turn. When doing so, it’s important to always yield to approaching vehicles moving at a higher rate of travel to avoid a collision.
Hold Your Lane
As a cyclist, you have the same rights to the lane as someone driving a car but you also have to follow the same rules as a motor vehicle. If there’s a bike lane, get in it. If not, you have the exact same right to a full traffic lane as a car (although most people ride to the side). Hold a straight line and proceed to claim your space on the road once it is safe. I take advantage of this on narrow one-way streets where it’s hard to stay far enough away from parked cars or narrow curbs. In fact, most cities even allow you to ride side-by-side with another biker in one lane, check your state and city laws on this though. In NY we are required to ride single file when a car overtakes.
Where You Can’t Ride
Sidewalks, if your bike is on one, your feet should be planted firmly on the ground, walking alongside it. And you also can’t ride on highways, so scratch those dreams of weaving in and out of traffic.
Get Your Bike Up To Code
You’re required to have brakes, reflectors, lights, and a bell. If you ride between dusk and dawn, you also need a white headlight and a red taillight. Only children under 14 are required to wear helmets, but do it anyway. Here are some cute ones.
Texting While Riding
You want to be as present as possible in the streets, not only as a matter of safety but as a matter of just enjoying the ride. Chatting on your cell or texting is really not a good idea, since it makes you unstable, distracted, and therefore vulnerable. Similarly, when it comes to headphones, one headphone is permitted, but most say better to let the city be your soundtrack.
Learn To Communicate
There are basic principles to cycle safety made up of predictable signals. Whether you’re turning, stopping, or pointing out a hazard, everyone has their own take on how to execute them. Once you get to know the basics, it makes riding with a group a lot easier once you know how to communicate verbally or with gestures affectively. Always assume someone is behind you and never rely on others to communicate for you. Check out these cycling hand signals that are pretty universal for most clubs, commuters, and group rides. If you’re not comfortable taking your hands off the handle bars, calling “right turn” ‘slowing” “stopping” “hole left” “on your wheel” “passing left” “car back” is helpful too.
Being able to loudly communicate and control your movement will help everyone.
Overall, it’s important to follow the laws first and use common sense and etiquette to making commuting less dangerous and more pleasant for everyone. If you ever feel uncomfortable or see something that’s uncomfortable, get off the bike. You don’t have to gut it out. Get up on the sidewalk, walk the bike, get past the obstacle, and then get back on when you feel comfortable. Sounds simple, but it’s something that I used to do when fretting about construction zones or navigating through tunnel traffic. Now I take the entire lane.
There are always going to be distractions and challenges while riding or commuting but keeping vigilant and safe is your first priority when claiming your space on two wheels
Image: Machines For Freedom