Which Side Do You Ride Your Bike On?

Cyclists should always ride with the traffic flow i.e. you must ride to the right. Pedestrians should walk against traffic and bicycles should be ridden in traffic.

There are two main reasons for this. First, it makes sense to do so. Second, it provides safety benefits.

Pedestrians and cyclists are supposed to be opposite each other. Cyclists should ride in traffic and pedestrians should walk against traffic. This keeps everyone safe.

Cyclists don’t have any protection from cars except for the painted lines on the road. Because of this, they should always ride in traffic to keep themselves safe.

Pedestrians don’t have any protection either. They should always walk against traffic to keep themselves safe from cars.

Why Is Cycling In Traffic Safer For Cyclists?

Cycling in oncoming traffic is safer for cyclists than driving because motorists are used to following the rules of the road and reacting quickly to unexpected situations. They don’t need to worry about hitting a cyclist because they’re expecting him/her to behave predictably.

Motorists are also used to having their vision blocked by headlights, so they are less likely to hit a cyclist head-on. Drivers are also less likely to slam on their brakes suddenly because they anticipate the cyclist may brake unexpectedly.

If you want to avoid getting hit by a car, you should cycle in the middle of the lane, stay alert, watch out for potholes and keep your speed under 20mph. Is It Legal To Ride On The Wrong Side Of The Road?

Why Do Some People Ride On The Wrong Side?

Riding against traffic feels intuitively safe. We are told that by doing so, we are more visible and will, therefore, avoid collisions. However, research shows that riding in traffic actually increases the chances of traffic accidents.

As an experienced cyclist, it’s important to keep safety in mind. There are several factors that contribute to whether or not you should ride against traffic. One factor is the quality of the infrastructure. If the infrastructure isn’t safe enough to ride on, then riding against traffic might be the only option available to you.

Of course, it’s still wrong to ride in traffic. It’s illegal and causes a heavy risk to cyclists. It may feel safer at the time, but hindsight proves you very wrong.

Head on over to our Bike Law section if you want to find out more about bike laws in your state.

How To Cycle In Traffic?

There are several safe methods available to cycle in traffic:

Keep An Eye On Your Surroundings.

Cycling in traffic isn’t just about staying safe; it’s also about being aware of your surroundings. You should keep an eye out for rough surfaces, drain covers, road humps, parked cars, potholes, and other hazards. By doing this, you’ll be able to avoid accidents and reduce wear and tear on your bike.

Creating A Sense Of Anticipation

You can’t predict every situation that might occur, but if you notice anything unusual, it’s wise to remain vigilant and react accordingly. For example, if you notice a pedestrian walking along the shoulder of the road position without looking where he or she is going, it’s smart to slow down and give him or her plenty of space.

As long as you pay attention and respond appropriately, cycling in traffic becomes second nature.

Make Your Intentions Clear

Cycling is great exercise, but if you’re not careful, you might end up getting hit by a car. One of the most common mistakes cyclists make is signaling without actually intending to change lanes. You should never assume that drivers will know what you intend to do. Always give them enough warning to avoid collisions.

You should also maintain a position in the lane where cars cannot overtake you closely on your left side. This means that you should stay in the middle of the lane unless there is no room to pass safely.

Establish Eye Contact

Making eye contact helps you establish whether the driver has seen you and is paying attention. However, it’s wise to avoid making assumptions regarding how attentive they are. Don’t assume that they’ve seen you if they haven’t reacted to you. Instead, wait until you reach the next junction or roundabout and look again.

You’ll find that cycling in traffic is a great way to improve your awareness of your surroundings and become more aware of your environment. Try to make eye contact with every vehicle you pass, including those parked along the roadside.

Beware Of Car Doors.

Don’t assume that the driver is aware of your presence until you’ve passed safely. Also, keep an eye out for any open car doors. You never know when someone might suddenly throw one open and try to run you down.

As you approach a parked car, check for safety first. Look behind you to make sure no one is coming towards you, and then leave enough room between you and the car to prevent injury should someone open a car door into your path. Be especially careful when driving near school zones where children may dart out unexpectedly.

When Cycling At Night, Make Sure You’re Visible

Cycling at night isn’t only dangerous, it’s illegal. So, if you plan to cycle at nighttime, you should make sure that you’re visible to drivers. There are two types of cycling lights: flashing lights and steady lights. Flashing lights are used during daylight hours, whereas steady lights are used after dark.

Flashing lights are great for making yourself visible to motorists, especially those driving cars. Steady lights are less effective since they require constant attention. However, they are still helpful if you’re riding through heavy traffic or in low-light conditions.

Maintain A Firm Grip On The Brakes

Cycling is a great form of exercise, but it isn’t for everyone. Some cyclists find themselves unable to control their bikes due to poor hand strength. If you fall victim to this problem, then you’ll want to practice riding with your hands covering your brakes.

Make sure you are ready and capable of using your brakes, and that your technique is safe. You should also be aware of any hazards that may exist on the road, such as wet surfaces, ice patches, puddles, etc.

These conditions can cause you to lose control of your bicycle, which is why it’s essential to maintain a firm grip on the rear brakes.

Consider Cycling Training

Cycling training is great for beginners and seasoned cyclists alike. You’ll learn more about cycling safety, gain confidence and become a stronger rider. Plus, you’ll enjoy the benefits of exercise without spending hours at the gym.

Riding a bike is a great way to stay fit and healthy. Consider enrolling in a cycling course to learn more about cycling safety and improve your existing skill level.

Last Updated on November 5, 2022 by Sai