How To Cycle Smart with Heather Higgins

The following advice for cyclists comes from Heather Higgins:

Smart Cycling

I. On The Road

• The same laws that apply to motorists apply to cyclists
  

• Obey all traffic control devices
  

• Use hand signals to indicate stops and turns to other users
  

• Never wear portable music players (cassette players, MP3, etc) while cycling. Your ability to hear motor vehicles and other potential dangers is of utmost importance.
  

• Always Wear a Properly Fitting Helmet
  

II. Traffic Lights:

• Cyclists, just like motorists, must obey all traffic control devices
  

• It takes longer to travel through an intersection on a bike; plan to stop for yellow lights
  

• Avoid cars that run red lights by waiting for the signal to turn green and scan to make sure it’s clear
  

III. Ride on the Right:

• Always ride in the same direction as traffic
  

• Use the furthest right lane that heads to your destination
  

• Slower moving cyclists and motorists stay to the right
  

• Ride at least 3 feet from parked cars
  

• Do not ride on the sidewalk
  

• Always ride single file with the only single exception being that you're using a mirror, traveling a lightly used road, can easily notice approaching cars, and can quickly return to single file (long before car reaches you). This is the law.
  

IV. Ride Predictably:

• Ride in a straight line
  

• Don't swerve in the road or between parked cars
  

• Check for traffic before entering street or intersection
  

• Anticipate hazards and adjust your position accordingly
  

V. Yield to traffic in busier lanes:

• Always use signals to indicate your intentions to switch lanes
  

• Roads with higher traffic volumes should be given right-of-way
  

• Use a mirror to look behind and make sure that you can switch lanes
  

• Left hand turns are the most dangerous; double check these before turning

Read the rest on her blog and say hi to Heather on Twitter.

Ride on!

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