Bicycles are considered to be vehicles, and riders must follow the rules of the road. Cyclists must go with the flow of traffic and obey traffic laws. Bikes also have the same rights as cars, advises the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, or NHTSA. However, because damage done to a cyclist in a car versus bike crash can be devastating, following safety rules is of paramount importance for cyclists. Cyclists also face many hazards that vehicles do not, from potholes to parked cars that people open doors in suddenly.
Be Predictable
Be predictable when you ride. This means you should not ride in and out of cars. You also need to signal when you are turning or changing lanes, and ride in a straight line as much as possible, the NHTSA advises. Also make sure you look before turning, and ride on the right with traffic. The closer you get to traffic speed, the further you ride out in the road, advises Be-Safe.org.
Know When to Yield
Remember to yield, or wait for traffic, if you are riding on a smaller road that connects with a larger road. This applies when there's no traffic signal or stop sign on a smaller road, or if you are coming from a driveway, off a sidewalk, from a bike path or other entry point. Slow down, check to make sure the way is clear, and then proceed. Riders also need to yield to pedestrians who are in crosswalks, NHTSA advises.
Intersections
Avoid riding next to a vehicle when you go through an intersection, advises the California Department of Motor Vehicles. This is important because, without warning, the vehicle may turn in front of you.
Stay Alert
Stay alert and utilize both your ears and eyes. Especially be vigilant in looking for cracks, potholes, wet leaves, storm grates or anything that could cause you to lose control of your bike. Also look out for parked cars, and be far enough from the curb that you are able to avoid car doors that open unexpectedly. Listen for traffic, which can help you avoid dangerous situations, advises NHTSA. Never wear a music device as you ride. Keep your hands on your handlebars all the time so that you are able to react to hazards in time, recommends the CDMV.
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