Ride in Traffic
Follow the Law
§ 17C-11-2 Every person riding a bicycle upon a roadway shall be granted all of the rights and shall be subject to all of the duties applicable to the driver of a vehicle by this chapter, except as to special regulations in this article and except as to those provisions of this chapter which by their nature can have no application.
Be Predictable
Make your intentions clear to everyone on the road. Ride in a straight line and don’t swerve between parked cars. Signal turns, and check behind you well before turning or changing lanes.
Be Conspicuous
Ride where people can see you and wear bright clothing. Use a front white light, red rear light and reflectors when visibility is poor. Make eye contact with others and don’t ride on sidewalks.
Basic Bicycle Check (ABC Quick Check)
A is for air: Check the air pressure, spin the wheels and make sure the tires are not worn out.
B is for brakes: Check to make sure coaster brakes will stop the bike by spinning the back wheel and applying the brake. If the bike has hand brakes check to see that the levers don’t hit the handlebars when squeezed. The brake pads should be clean, straight and contact the rims properly.
C is for Cranks, Chain, and Cogs: Grab the crank arms and try to wiggle side to side. There should be no movement. Turn the pedals backwards to see if the chain travels smoothly. If it hops or sticks, it might need to be cleaned and lubricated or some links might be bent. The chain should look like metal not rust or black gunk. If the bike has gears check to make sure the gear levers and derailleurs (gear-changing mechanism) work to shift the chain between gears.
Quick Refers to the Quick Release: Some bikes have quick releases on the wheels or the seat post. Check to make sure they are tight and closed properly.
Check: Ride the bicycle around the parking lot and check that everything works well.
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You must have effective brakes capable of making the braked wheel skid
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To ride at night you must have a white light in the front and a red reflector and you may add a red light in the back
Ride with Traffic
Ride with Traffic
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So motorists can see you
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So you don’t confuse motorists
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So motorists have time to react to you
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So you can see traffic signs and signals rather than looking at the back of them
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So you are not blinded by headlights at night
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So you’re not violating the law
Narrow Lane Position
Intersection Position
Intersections are where the conflicts are. Ninety-five percent of bike/car crashes involve crossing and turning movements. The common mistakes are:
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motorists underestimating cyclist’s speed;
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and cyclists riding through intersections in the wrong lane or position.
Intersection safety:
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Always use the rightmost lane that serves your destination.
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Turn left from left turn lanes. If there are two, use the rightmost one (unless you plan to make another left turn from the new road).
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Never ride straight in a right-turn-only lane. Do not use right-turn lanes to “get out of the way” – you have a right and responsibility to manage your space on the road.
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When using a dual-destination lane, position yourself in the lane to indicate the direction you are traveling (ie: ride in the center or left side of a lane that allows right turns and thru traffic).
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When approaching an intersection in a wide lane or a bike lane, merge left into the main traffic flow or lane. Even if you plan to make a right turn, take your place in traffic so you are not cut off by other right-turning traffic.
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It is far safer to transition an intersection in a traffic lane, than a crosswalk!
1. Vehicular Left Turn
This is best done well ahead of time. Plan ahead. Traffic typically comes in waves, if you find yourself in a gap a block or two before your left turn, merge left and use the left lane for a few blocks. This is perfectly legal and much easier than trying to negotiate through a wave of traffic (especially if they have a green light). Also remember that when approaching a red light traffic will slow to your speed. This makes merging and negotiating fairly easy. When you communicate your intentions, most motorists will accommodate you.
2. Box Left Turn
Ride through the intersection, then reposition yourself in the travel lane on the new road and wait for a green light.
3. Pedestrian Left Turn
Dismount your bike and use the crosswalks. This turn may require you to merge into traffic again from sidewalk after you complete the turn.
Source: www.commuteorlando.com
Road Hazard
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Lose control of your front wheel and you will crash
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Hitting a curb or a railroad track at a glancing angle
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Getting your front wheel trapped in a longitudinal crack, drainage grate or trolley track
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Grabbing your front brake on a slippery surface
A grate in front of the Coliseum which we got replaced after the guy in green shorts actually got caught in the grate and landed on his chin and shoulder.
Cracks
Swerving around potholes —unless there’s traffic or you’re surprised by one while riding in the middle of a group. Learn to lightly roll or hop over potholes.
Grates
Wet Surface
Wind Blast
Hunker Down to Cut Through the Wind. Hunching over your handlebars not only reduces your wind profile but it also makes you more stable on the bike.
Railroad Tracks
Cross perpendicular to the tracks
Dog(s)