Urban Cycling Tips - Safer Cycling Tips 

 

The Commuter Cyclist - Tips and resources to make getting to work easy as riding a bike (400k Adobe Acrobat file)

 

Urban Cycling Tips: Created by the Recreation and Transportation Committee
 

Dismount & Walk

If you are uncomfortable crossing multi-lane traffic or a busy bridge or underpass, take the option of dismounting and walking your bicycle at the pedestrian crosswalk or on the sidewalk.

Be Highly Visible

Motorists, particularly in busy or high speed traffic, need to see bicyclists well in advance. Wear brightly coloured or reflective clothing.

Share the Path

On a multi-use path: Yield to pedestrians, ride in a straight line on the right hand side of the path and check behind you before turning or moving across the path. Travel at a moderate speed and use caution around other path users.

Be Courteous

Motorists, pedestrians and cyclists get along much better when they show courtesy and consideration towards each other.

Lock Your Bike

Lock your bicycle whenever you park, including at home. Secure your bike to a post, tree or rack in a highly visible location, preferably with high pedestrian traffic. Invest in a quality lock (u-shaped locks are the best). If your bike has quick release wheels or seat, lock both wheels to the frame and take the bike seat with you.

Be Prepared For Flat Tires

Flat tires are the most common bicycle problem. Carry a spare tube, pump, patch kit and tire levers with you. Also consider carrying change for an emergency phone call, and a spare bus ticket.

Use Caution at Intersections

The majority of collisions occur at intersections. Stop at all stop signs and red lights. Be prepared to yield to pedestrians and watch for turning motor vehicles. Proceed with care.

Year Round Cycling

Bicycle commuting can be done year round. Take extra care in slippery conditions. Plan for sudden weather changes and adjust your route and speed for the conditions. (Check out www.icebike.org  for all-year cycling information.)

 

Safer Cycling Tips:

Scan the Road

Before you turn, look back over your shoulder at traffic to determine if it is safe. Practice shoulder checking until you can do it without losing your balance or swerving. Scan the side of the road to watch for cars leaving driveways and pedestrians stepping off the curb or from between parked cars.

Avoid Car Doors

Ride in a straight line about one metre (three feet) away from parked cars to avoid opening car doors. Avoid dodging between parked cars as it makes you invisible to traffic behind you.

Be Predictable and Be Seen

Your bike is the smallest vehicle on the road. Your safety depends on making yourself visible and riding predictably.

Ride in a straight line, clear of road edge hazards like glass, gravel, sewer grates and holes. Ride where drivers expect to see you. Avoid riding in motorists' blind spots.

Make Eye Contact

Confirm that you are seen. Establish eye contact with motorists, other cyclists and pedestrians to confirm your presence. Use your voice or a bell, especially on multi-use paths.

Use Hand Signals

Use hand signals to warn other road users of your intentions. Shoulder check and then make your intended move only when it is safe to do so.

Pass on the Left

Always pass motorists turning right on the left side. Look back, signal your intention and, when clear, change lanes to pass.

Yield before Entering a Roadway

Stop, look and yield to pedestrians on the sidewalk then yield to vehicular traffic on the road before entering a roadway.

Choose an Option for Turning Left

1. Behave as a pedestrian: Ride to the far crosswalk and walk across.

2. Behave as a vehicle: Plan the left turn well in advance, shoulder check, signal and wait for a gap in traffic. When the way is clear, merge left to the right of the road centre line. Yield to traffic in the intersection and, when it is clear, make your left turn. Move back to the right side of the curb lane after completing the turn.

Use the Appropriate Lane

Avoid being in a right-turn-only lane if you plan to proceed straight through an intersection. Use the right most lane that takes you where you're going. In a narrow lane or slow traffic it may be safer to take the whole lane.

Yield to pedestrians

Always yield to pedestrians in a signed crosswalk or on a multi-use path.

Cross Tracks at a Safe Angle

Cross railway tracks at a right angle. Diagonal or parallel tracks are hazardous, especially when wet.

Protect Your Head

An approved bicycle helmet can greatly reduce the risk of permanent injury or death in the event of an accident. Helmets that meet ASTM, SNELL or CSA standards offer the best protection.

Ride Defensively

Be alert and plan alternative maneuvers to avoid conflict.

Use Lights at Night

Always use a strong white front light and an amber or red taillight at night or when visibility is poor. Use bike reflectors and wear light-coloured or reflective clothing. Flashing LED lights mounted on seat posts or front stems also help to be seen.

Cross Intersections with Caution

1. Watch for vehicles turning across your path.

2. Always follow or precede cars into the intersection. Do not ride on the right side of a car because you can't see its turn signal and the driver can't see you.

3. Watch for signal changes and be prepared to stop if you are not yet in the intersection.