Bike Safety 101

As you continue to train for the on June 12 you will find yourself out on the road more often, riding longer distances and needing to use a different set of bicycling skills.

Whether you plan to ride your bike at the Benicia State Park, around town or take a trip over the bridge, you inevitably will need to negotiate with cars and pedestrians.  There are a few things every bicycle rider should keep in mind.

First, cars are bigger and heavier than you and your bicycle and they cannot stop as quickly. So, even if you have the right of way, if you think a car might not stop in time, get out of the way. In the bicycle versus the car demolition derby, the car always wins and the bicyclist's consolation prize is a ride in an ambulance.

Second, if you hit a pedestrian, chances are you both will be badly hurt. Everyone has been guilty of stepping into a crosswalk without looking carefully in both directions.  Even if you see a pedestrian look both ways, unless you and the pedestrian make eye contact, assume he or she was looking for cars and therefore didn't see you.

Basic Rules of the road:
• Stay alert — Be aware of motorists and pedestrians around you. Slow down around traffic and pedestrian walkways and always be prepared to stop. Don't expect them to know you are there. Be especially careful when you see kids playing near the street.

• Ride in a predictable manner — Cars and pedestrians have slow reaction times to your sudden movements. 

• Obey all traffic laws — Stop at stop signs. Make sure to signal your intent and always look before turning. Make eye contact if you can. Know your hand signals for turning, slowing and stopping and proceed with caution. If you are riding early in the morning or at dusk, use a headlight and a tail light.

• Don't be afraid to use your voice with pedestrians — If you are coming up behind a pedestrian, call out that you are there and  you intend to pass. Basic etiquette is to call out, "On your right" or "On your left."  Please note however, that at least half the time pedestrians will move to the place you say you are going, so be prepared to stop to avoid a collision. 

• Ride as far to the right as practical — When riding along a line of parked cars, such as you find on First Street, keep a safe distance from the cars to avoid getting hit by someone opening a car door. Experienced riders refer to this particular accident as "getting doored." Ride with traffic, not against it.

• Be careful of road hazards — Metal plates, cobblestones, railroad tracks, sewer grates, wet roads and debris such as rocks in the road or tree branches growing into the roadway can cause a fall.

• NEVER wear headphones! — You won't be able to hear cars approaching from behind.

• Wear bright clothing – You want to be visible to cars and pedestrians day and night.

• For your own safety — Always wear a helmet and keep your bike in good repair.

Happy riding!