October 3, 2005
Uncategorized
6 Comments
Lately I’ve noticed a rash of very common mistakes among adult bicyclists in our city. I’ve seen these in all parts of our city, from all races, rich & poor, male & female. These are universal:
Riding Against Traffic: This is one of the best ways to get killed. Drivers simply don’t expect to see bicyclists going against traffic and therefore don’t look for them. A bicycle is a vehicle and should be ridden with traffic.
Riding Without a Helmet: We’ve probably all ridden without a helmet before but we know more about injuries than we used to. Good helmets can be had for under $20 and assistance is available for those that can’t afford one. They take some getting used to but they are worth the trouble. Click here for more info on helmets.
Helmet Worn Incorrectly: This is far more common that I had thought. The two big issues here are people wearing the helmet tilted backwards so their forehead is exposed and the other is having the strap too lose. The Bicycle Safety Institute has information on how to fit a helmet.
Right of Right Turning Traffic: This is one mistake that I see otherwise very skilled cyclists doing wrong. These cyclists are putting up to red lights and placing their right foot on the curb. This is especially wrong if the right most lane is a right turn lane and the cyclist is going straight ahead. If you are going straight and you are in a right turn only lane you are in the wrong spot! But if you are in a lane that goes straight ahead as well as turning right you should still be a position so that cars are not able to turn right in front of you. If the lane is wide enough to turn right on your right then fine. If the lane is to narrow they’ll just have to wait until the light changes.
Sidewalk Riding: Like riding against traffic, riding on the sidewalk is not something motorists or pedestrians are expecting. The results can be deadly for cyclist and pedestrian.
Sadly many of these mistakes are made by authority figures such as the “Downtown CID Guides.” Note: a “CID” guide is Community Improvement District guide. I’ve actually seen some of these guides riding around downtown with helmets on that are unstrapped. What good is that? It is not going to stay in place if you crash.
Please ride your bike but do so in a safe and responsible manner. If I ever get some free time I’ll get my safety classes organized. In the meantime check out this site for some good tips.
– Steve
I admit it. I make two of these mistakes pretty commonly, but will think about it more in the future. I do put my foot on the curb when I pull up to a stop if it’s not a right turn only lane. I’ll watch myself for that.
I don’t ride on sidewalks very often. There are a couple of places in the CWE that I hop onto the sidewalk for short distances because I am consistently almost killed by trucks. I guess I should just get off and walk. It’d probably be safer.
Those CID ppl… they really annoy me for the very same reasons… riding on the sidewalks, cutting in and out of traffic, not stopping at lights, you name it, they do it. I havent noticed the helmet thing, but everything else is pretty spot on with what they do all the time. I admit I am only out around lunch time walking around.
Speaking of the CID Guides, maybe they could try sporting a more low-key, tour guide dress code? Say with vests and brighter colors?
It seems like the current outfit makes them look more like a bike police force than friendly guides.
Just my thoughts.
You haven’t addressed how to properly ride sidesaddle.
Good comments. I have seen the site you suggested about bike safety. Surprised you didn’t include “Street Smarts”. Here is an online version: http://www.bikexprt.com/streetsmarts/ My favorite thing to see is someone who has a helmet hanging from their handle bars! What a waste of money! Guess they will quickly put it on if a cop comes by or something? Saw one guy today on my way to work. Yesterday I was coming back to work with a friend I went with for lunch (in a car…yes sometimes I actually am inside those things ;0) we saw a wrong way cyclist on Olive. She just ended up giving up trying to ride on the road and then started walking her bike on the shoulder. What a waste. They should be putting arrows directing cyclist to ride “WITH” traffic. That may help them understand it. The “Share the Road” signs help a little but only to remind drivers that we can be on the road.
Keep Cycling,
Jeff
“They should be putting arrows directing cyclist to ride “WITH” traffic. That may help them understand it”.
You would think so, wouldn’t you? Not so. There are arrows on the new bike lanes on Grand between 44 and Arsenal and anectdotally I would say 50-75% of the riders are going the wrong way.