1. Know Cycling Safety Laws
Almost every community has bike safety laws, and it's important to know and follow these safety rules. One of the most common cyclist offenses leading to accidents is riding on the wrong side of the street. Ride with traffic, not against it, so that you're more visible to cars pulling out of side streets or driveways, particularly those coming from your left. It's much more likely that a car pulling onto the road will hit you, than one hitting you from behind.
2. Protect Your Head--Wear a Helmet
Wearing a helmet won't save you from getting hit by a car. However, a certified bicycle helmet does protect your head from more severe damage from the impact of getting hit by a car. Imagine--a car hits you and throws you off your bike into the air before you hit the extremely hard pavement or concrete sidewalk. It's much easier to mend a broken arm than a broken head.
3. Make Drivers Notice You
Car drivers have so many distractions, and let's face it, many drivers just aren't watching out for a bicyclist, as they should. That means you have to watch out for them. Don't ride in a car's blind spot or pass it on the right. They can't see you, and they may turn right, even if they don't signal it. Put some distance between you and the curb, so drivers behind you and those on side streets and parking lots can see you. It's best to drive further to the left so you're more visible in the car lane. If cars pass too closely or the road is too narrow, take the whole lane so they can't help but see you. Riding farther left of the curb might also help you avoid a car door that suddenly opens ahead of you. Bright clothing doesn't hurt in getting you noticed either.
4. Navigate City Traffic With Ease
If you're riding in a city, choose the slower, less busy and wider streets even if they take you a little out of your way. You'll probably save time in the long run, plus the scenery is much nicer riding through neighborhoods than industrial areas.
5. Glow in the Dark
A large number of cycling accidents happen at night because drivers can't see a bicyclist until it's too late. If you're riding at night, you need to do everything you can for car drivers to see your bike. Get a front headlight for the people in front of you to see, and a flashing red light for the rear of your bike. Wear reflective stickers on your person or your bike; better yet, get a reflective vest from a bike shop. Reflective clothing can make you more visible during the day too.
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