How to Stay Visible When Cycling Alongside Traffic
If you enjoy cycling, you are a member of a growing group of people who enjoy a healthy, economical, fun, and eco-friendly form of getting where you need to go. While many people go cycling just for health and enjoyment, there are those who use cycling as their main source of transportation nowadays. You have to consider though, that you must make yourself more visible when you are riding alongside traffic. Because you on a bicycle is much smaller than the traditional passenger vehicle, drivers are going to be much less likely to see you. Remember, the eye and brain have to relay messages back and forth, so you have to do something to make that smaller vehicle to be noticed by the drivers. Making sure you are visible is key to your safety when cycling. Here are a few top tips for staying visible when out alongside traffic.
• Dress Bright! Wearing clothes that stand out is very important to your safety. Fluorescent colored clothing will definitely get you enough attention. Traditional colors will blend in with your surroundings and the landscaping. When you deck out in hot pink, neon yellow, lime green, bright orange, or red, you are going to stand out in the crowd. Wear a safety vest, jersey, or shirt that is bright enough to keep the attention of drivers.
• Night Cycling - If you are out before dawn or after dusk, you need to do everything that you can to stand out. You are required to have a white headlight and a red taillight, but that is not enough to guarantee you get noticed. Get a flashing LED light to wear on your back when you are riding. This will definitely get attention. Put reflectors on the spokes, pedals, and fenders. Buy a roll of reflective tape and place tape on your legs, arms, chest, shoes, and back. Reflective bands can be worn on the ankles and wrists.
• Ride in a Prominent Spot - Don't just scoot over to the side of the lane. Instead, place yourself in a prominent spot in the lane so cars will have to get in the other lane to pass you. This way, they see you and they won't get too close to you and sideswipe you. Strategically place yourself in the lane for safety reasons. By being at least four feet over from the curb you are also protecting yourself from doors. When a car door opens, you can get doored and be seriously injured.
• Always Assume You Aren't Noticed - When you are being proactive about your safety, you assume that you aren't going to be noticed by drivers. Always go out with the assumption that drivers aren't going to see you so you will remain extra alert and be prepared to act defensively when necessary.
• Follow Traffic Laws - Follow traffic laws so you will ride predictably. When you do this, you are properly signaling and not zipping in and out of traffic. Obey traffic lights and traffic signs. Never try to cut off a car. Remember, bikes are much smaller than trucks and cars.
• Make Eye Contact - When you are at an intersection, stop and make eye contact with the drivers before you move on. When eye contact has been made, you know that they have seen you.
• Ride Where It Is Well-Lit - You want to ride in areas that are well lit at night. When there is adequate lighting, you can be seen much more easily and you can also see your surroundings much better. Also, ride in neighborhoods you are familiar with so you will know what to watch out for.
• Wear A Helmet - You can deck out your helmet with bright colors and designs so you will be noticed much more quickly. It also serves a double purpose by protecting your head from serious injury in the event of an accident.
Always remember that you have to take responsibility for your own safety. Go above and beyond before heading out to ensure you are visible when you are riding alongside traffic. When you are noticed, you are much less likely to be involved in a crash.
This article was provided by www.personalinjury-law.com, an organization dedicated to providing the public with information about personal injury and safety information. Nothing in this article should be construed as legal advice, and it is intended for informational use only. Be sure to review your local cycling ordinances to ensure you ride safe and legally.