Bicycle Safety
Now you've got your bike and your gear together, it's time to hit the road. The first thing you should know is how to hit the road without having it hit you back. That means knowing the laws and the conventions of bicycling and understanding just where the dangers are. In the Toledo area, in particular, drivers are not used to seeing lots of cyclists. And while the vast majority of them are alert and polite to bikers, it may take them a little longer to react to you; unintentional actions and results are always possible (that's why they call them accidents). In any case, the car is going to come out on top in a smackup every time.
Bicycle Laws  
Laws covering cyclists are very similar to those covering cars; both are considered "vehicles" under Ohio law. Most importantly, bicycles are required to obey all traffic laws which apply to cars, including stopping at stop signs and red lights. Ohio Bicycle Federation's Digest of Ohio Traffic Bicycle Laws will give you the scoop on state laws. In addition, there are local laws in effect in all of our regional communities. One law which is common in nearly all cities is a prohibition against riding on sidewalks, which is very dangerous, both to you (cars coming out of obscured driveways) and to pedestrians.
Riding Safely  
In addition to knowing the laws, there are guidelines for riding safely which will give you maximum protection against road accidents. A publication called Bicycle Street Smarts gives you an excellent overview of these techniques. I recommend you read it thoroughly.
        The WMCA holds bicycling safety classes on weekends.
Most Common Accidents  
You should know the accidents which are most likely for cyclists, know where the danger zones are and know how to negotiate them successfully. Here are the most common accidents:
T-Bone  
 The most common accident by far is a solo crash when a rider loses control of the bike and hits something (usually head on), flying over the handlebars. This normally happens when a rider is going too fast for circumstances and/or not paying attention. It's a good reason to be wearing a helmet, as helmets are especially good at protection in this instance.
Right Hook  
This occurs most often at an intersection when a bicyclist riding at the side of the road is going straight and a car to the left of the bike turns right, either hitting the cyclist or forcing the cyclist to run into the car. This can happen when a car turns right into a drive or parking lot in the middle of the block, as well. It can also happen when the biker is stopped at a red light and the car turns right just as the biker pulls forward on the change to green.

Left Cross  
This occurs when a bicyclist is going straight through an intersection and a car coming in the opposite direction fails to see the cyclist and turns left in front of him, either hitting the bike or forcing the bike to hit the car. This can also happen in the middle of the block as a car turns into a drive.





Right Cross  
Again, at an intersection. A car stopped at the right doesn't see the cyclist riding at the side of the road as he emerges into the intersection and pulls out. The driver's view may be blocked by buildings or street furniture right up to the corner; or the driver may not be looking for crossing traffic at the side of the street, but at the center, where another car would normally be coming. The car either hits the bike or forces the bike to hit the car.



Door Jam  
A "door jam" results when a cyclist is riding at the side of the road close to a row of parked cars on the right and cannot see a person in the driver's seat of one the parked cars. The driver does not see the bicycle and opens the door into the path of the cyclist.


Side Blowout  
This one is solely the fault of the cyclist. It happens when a biker emerges quickly from a drive or alley into the sidewalk or street. In the first case the biker hits a pedestrian; in the second, the biker is hit from the side by a passing car which could not react in time.


Rear End  
Although this is the kind of accident cyclists fear most, it is one of the least common. Most often the cyclist is moving left away from the side of the road to pass a parked car and a car approaching from the rear doesn't notice the bike's change in position, hitting him from behind.
     Here are some ways you can anticipate danger zones like these and avoid these potential problems as a biker.
What Else You Can Do
Be Visible  
Wear bright colors. The patterned, multi-colored racing shirts you see on many bikers actually aren't best. A single color shirt stands out more and conveys the shape of a human body better. At 30 yards, the patterns on a shirt actually serve as a kind of camoflauge. Ride in such a way that drivers can see you, including riding further out into the center of the street when necessary.
Be Predictable
Do what drivers are expecting you to do and not what they aren't expecting. This allows them greater reaction time, since there is no surprise.
     Obey the Traffic Laws
     Follow Traffic Conventions
     Use Hand Signals
Think Ahead  
Don't assume cars will watch out for you and give you the right of way. Watch out for danger zones and be aware of what's happening in them. Also consider what might happen if a car were to suddenly do something unexpected. This might limit your rubbernecking, but it might save your life.
Watch for Clues  
Just like you do when you're driving, watch for clues for what cars around you are going to do. Much of this is subconscious, but listen to your instincts.
Use Proven Techniques  
Use the techniques you learned above to reduce the danger in danger zones.
Be Aware of Your Riding Environment at All Times - Pay Attention!
     ...to Vehicles and Pedestrians Around You
     ...to Danger Zones
     ...to Riding Conditions
Safety Equipment
Lights
If you ride at night or are likely to get caught riding at dusk, you absolutely need lights. On the rear, you should have one or more ultra bright red LEDs, like a Planet Bike Blinky. Set this to blink - drivers notice the motion of the blink a lot better than they notice a steady beam. If you have two, you can set one to steady beam and the other to blink. On the front, you need at least one similar bright white LED, also set on blinking. These lights are what you use to signal to cars to say "Here I am - don't hit me!" If you want to see what's in front of you on the road at night, you'll need a much more powerful white light, probably 100 lumens or more.
Reflectors
These often overlooked little items are actually very effective in reflecting a car's lights and enabling the driver to see you at night. The more reflectors, the better. Pieces of reflective tape on the bike or your helmet or clothing are also very helpful. These are not adequate to replace active lighting, however.
Horn
The State of Ohio requires an audio signal (a bell, for example, but NOT a whistle or siren) on your bike to warn pedestrians. Better yet is an air horn which can be heard by cars.
Hit the Road Checklist  
1) Are you wearing your helmet?
2) Are you wearing bright colors so you'll be visible?
3) Are your tires filled with air?
4) Do you have your riding tool kit?
5) If you'll be gone long, do you have water?
6) Do you have identification? Although you don't need a driver's license to ride a bike on public property, police are not always biker-friendly, and having ID will help on that extremely rare occasion when you might run into a problem.
     OK. Hit the road!

Bicycle Safety Bicycle Lighting Systems

On-line Bike Forums Local Rides

On-Line Bike Blogs Open Event Rides in Lake Erie West

© 2010 | 2011 Bob Beach