Avoiding Cyclist Errors

If you often ride your bicycle on the road, you’re probably familiar with bicycle laws and the rules that govern cyclists. However, it’s also important to be aware of recommended bike safety in Naples, FL. When you’re sharing the road with other, more powerful and much larger motorized vehicles, it’s easy to get hurt. While other drivers should be paying attention to their surroundings and looking out for you, if you also practice these safety tips, you’re much more likely to stay safe:

• Know the rules of the road: Traffic laws apply to everyone operating a vehicle on the road, and your bike counts as a vehicle. That means you have to stop at stop signs and red lights, ride with the flow of traffic, yield right-of-way when entering a roadway, yield to pedestrians when applicable and use lights at night, among all other laws that govern vehicle use.
• Ride on the road: Bicyclists should be riding on the road, not on the sidewalk. Riding on the sidewalk increases chances of conflict for cyclists, pedestrians and motorists. It also confuses the laws you’re subject to, whether it’s pedestrian laws or motorist laws. You’re not only more likely to hit a pedestrian, a pole or a tree branch, but you’re more likely to be hit by a car, because drivers won’t know which rules you’re following as you turn or cross the road.
• Take up your lane: When it comes to riding in a lane, many cyclists make the mistake of riding to the far right so cars can easily pass them. However, lanes are often not big enough for a car and cyclist to ride safely alongside one another. You should feel comfortable riding in the center of the lane. You’re more likely to be visible to drivers, and they’ll have to give you a wide passing clearance.
• Use signals: Like motorists, you need to be using turn signals to indicate where you’re going to other vehicles. You’ll need to learn traffic hand signals for bike safety in Naples, FL.
• Move with traffic flow: Understand how traffic flows and stay in positions where you are visible to other drivers, using the correct lanes for where you wish to go, and never passing on the right, especially at intersections. Don’t ride in crosswalks, and merge into the wide lanes at intersections to avoid collisions with vehicles making right turns.
• Be mindful: Laws allow for you to be in the lane you feel most safe in, which may not always be the bike lane. Be aware of your surroundings and think ahead for where you want to be. Don’t pass a line of stopped traffic on the right, and never ride right by a parked car. A suddenly-opened door can be extremely dangerous. Be mindful of potential conflict or road rage, and never escalate a harassment situation. Yelling and honking are a nuisance, but reacting badly can be dangerous.

If you want more tips about bike safety in Naples, FL, come by Big Momma’s Bicycles. We have experts on staff who are ready to answer all your questions, as well as point you to the best bike sale or rental for you.

Categorised in: Bike Safety