Safe bicycling on public roadways requires concentration, observance of traffic laws and the use of proper safety devices. Every year, cyclists failing to follow safe practices or drivers disregarding cyclists' rights to operate on public roads cause injury and even death. Knowing and following through on safe roadway procedures helps cyclists enjoy years of mishap-free riding.
Rules of the Road
People riding bicycles on public roadways must follow the same traffic laws as other vehicle traffic, and likewise, vehicle drivers must respect the rights of cyclists. The Minnesota "Share the Road" bicycle safety education program lays out a series of rules of the road pertaining to cyclists and drivers to enhance safety on roadways. Cyclists should ride on the road--not shoulders or sidewalks--and travel in the same direction as traffic to maintain safe traffic flow. Vehicle operators who leave a 3-foot distance when passing bicycles minimize chances of collisions. Vehicle operators and cyclists must yield the right of way to each other when warranted, and bicyclists must obey the same traffic signals as drivers. Just as vehicles use headlights at night so too should cyclists use front and rear safety lights to help see and be seen. Cyclists also should use proper hand signals to announce turns to drivers and other cyclists behind them, just as drivers must signal turns and lane changes.
Why the Rules are Important
Minnesota's "Share the Road" program reports that more than 50 percent of vehicle-bike collisions occur when cyclists and vehicles cross one another's paths, and 3/4 of those crashes occur when one fails to yield the right of way to the other. In half of the cases ending in bicyclist fatalities, drivers overtake cyclists from behind and collide with the bikes. In the other half of the worst cases, cyclists fail to signal and then veer in the path of the vehicles. Observing rules of the road curtails such statistics.
Using Your Head
The Wisconsin Department of Transportation--and just about every other public safety agency--recommends cyclists wear bike helmets whenever riding to avoid head trauma during crashes or other mishaps. A proper helmet fit--with the edge of the helmet coming to just above the eyebrows--provides shock absorption for the most important organ of the human body.
Considerations Based on Road and Lane Conditions
The Wisconsin Department of Transportation suggests cyclists ride at least 3 feet from any curbs or roadside debris to avoid crashes. In cases of narrow lanes, riding in the center of the lane enhances safety for cyclists while keeping at least 3 feet between the bike and any passing or parked vehicles. When riding on wide lanes, staying just to the right of traffic lines keeps enough distance between the cyclist and the curb while allowing vehicles safe passage on the left.
Knowing Your Limits
Knowing one's limits helps ensure a safe bicycle road trip--particularly when considering long distances. Staying hydrated keeps a cyclists energy up and attention on the roadway and its conditions. Tired, thirsty cyclists are less oriented and can lose focus, leading to mishaps, injury and death.
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