Cycling is a great way to get around and stay active. It’s also one of the safest forms of transportation when done responsibly. However, cycling on the road can be risky if you don’t take proper safety precautions. In this blog post, we’ll share 8 tips for defensive cycling in 2021 that will make your ride safer and more enjoyable!
Be aware of what other drivers are doing and the potential consequences that they might cause you. You should always be on the lookout for drivers who may turn left in front of you, make a U-turn, or try to pass you on a narrow road. Drivers can also close their car windows and take off after an argument with you.
The 8 Best Defensive Cycling Tips
Ride Predictably
Don’t swerve abruptly in front of traffic without warning other drivers and making sure it is legal to do so first! Make your lane changes before you arrive at a junction so that drivers know what you’re doing.
Even if it’s legal to use a bicycle lane, ride in the travel lane when cars are frequently passing you or there is debris on your side of the road. Be sure not to weave from one side of the street to another – this can be dangerous for both cyclists and motorists!
When riding at night, make sure you not only wear reflective gear and use bike lights (preferably the ones that blink) but also ride in a more predictable manner. This will ensure other drivers can see you and anticipate your actions!
Ride defensively
Don’t assume that every driver sees you or is going to give way to you.
Be prepared to take evasive action if necessary and know when it’s best to slow down, speed up or stop depending on the situation. A good rule of thumb is not to ride faster than most cars can go!
Use hand signals before turning left into a side street or merging with traffic so that drivers behind you know what you’re about to do.
When taking the lane, make sure that drivers can see your hand signal so they don’t get confused or think you are riding in an oncoming car’s blind spot!
Be aware of traffic behind you and be prepared for cars coming up quickly from behind when overtaking.
Plan ahead
Avoid riding too close to curbs or islands that might have debris or potholes at the edge of the road.
When taking the lane, make sure that drivers can see your hand signal so they don’t get confused or think you are riding in an oncoming car’s blind spot! Take evasive action if necessary and know when it’s best to slow down, speed up or stop depending
Tips for Safe Passing
Passing is a great way to get around but it’s important to be safe while doing so. When passing on the left, allow a one-foot buffer in order to avoid tipping your bike. Make sure that drivers in the lane next to you can see you coming in their blind spots and not going too fast when passing. A good rule of thumb is to stay in the same gear and speed as the car when passing – it’s not worth risking your life!
One Foot Buffer When Passing On The Left
When passing on the left, allow a one-foot buffer in order to avoid tipping your bike. Drivers in the lane next to you can see you coming in their blind spots and not going too fast when passing. A good rule of thumb is to stay in the same gear and speed as the car when passing – it’s not worth risking your life!
Predict Possible Behavior from Drivers
Be aware of what other drivers are doing and the potential consequences that they might cause you. You should always be on the lookout for drivers who may turn left in front of you, make a U-turn, or try to pass
Don’t go too fast when passing
When passing on the left, allow a one-foot buffer in order to avoid tipping your bike. Drivers in the lane next to you can see you coming in their blind spots and not going too fast when passing. A good rule of thumb is to stay in the same gear and speed as the car when passing – it’s not worth risking your life!
Safety warnings for cyclists
Keep an eye out for traffic behind you and be prepared for cars coming up quickly from behind when overtaking. If there isn’t enough time to pass a car safely, either slow down or speed up so that you can get out of the way in plenty of time.
When taking the lane, make sure that drivers can see your hand signal so they don’t get confused or think you are riding in an oncoming car’s blind spot!
Don’t go too fast when passing
When overtaking, make sure that drivers can see your hand signal so they don’t get confused or think you are riding in an oncoming car’s blind spot!
Ride defensively – don’t assume every driver sees you. Be prepared to take evasive action if necessary and know when it’s best to slow down, speed up or stop depending on the situation.
When taking the lane, make sure that drivers can see your hand signal so they don’t get confused or think you are riding in an oncoming car’s blind spot! Take evasive action if necessary and know when it’s best to slow down, speed up or stop depending on
Strategies For Avoiding Potholes, Debris, and Other Road Hazards
1) Avoid riding too close to curbs or islands that might have debris or potholes at the edge of the road.
2) Slow down as you approach hazards, then stop completely until it’s safe to continue.
3) Ride as far from cars as possible to avoid hitting their door mirror which can cause a collision.
4) When passing a car with hazard lights on, beware of what they might be warning about: low visibility due to rain or snow, icy roads, etc.
5) Handle intersections safely turn your head left and right as you approach an intersection. This will help you see if a car is about to turn into your lane, or if there’s a hidden driveway that pedestrians might walk out of as you’re cruising through.
Give an explicit pause before turning. If it is safe, look both ways before taking a turn at a crosswalk or stop sign.
Be prepared for drivers who don’t yield to cyclists when making their turn.
Other tips for staying safe while cycling
1. Wear a Helmet:
Wearing a helmet every time you ride can drastically reduce your chances of head injury and will also entitle you to a discount on your bicycle insurance.
2. Ride Predictably:
Ride predictably so that other drivers can anticipate what you’ll do next and react accordingly. This means slowing down when it’s necessary for visibility, turning when appropriate, and stopping at stop signs.
3. Use Your Lights:
Be sure to be seen with lights on the front and rear of your bike to increase visibility in low light situations and use reflectors where required by law in the dark.
4. Stay Alert:
It’s important to stay alert to what’s going on around you while riding in order to react quickly to any potential dangers.
Keep your eyes on the road and stay alert at all times when you’re riding a bike! It’s important that you don’t ride while distracted, even if it means avoiding using music or headphones as this can inhibit your ability to hear what is going on around you.
What you should do before planning your road trip
1. Wear bright, reflective clothing. Mix up your route so you don’t always take the same path.
2. Add some physical fitness to your daily commute with a bike!
3. Make sure your bike is set up correctly and efficiently.
4. Plan your route carefully and avoid high traffic areas as much as possible.
5. Be sure not to bike against traffic – that way you can see the cars – and never bike on sidewalks or pedestrian paths!
6. Use hand signals and make eye contact with drivers before you turn out onto road 7. Always know what time it is and make sure you are visible by wearing bright clothing.