Originally Posted by
mconlonx
As a commuter with a rural/urban route in an area without bike paths, this is not really practical advice. Maybe for some, especially in more bike-friendly areas.
There is nowhere I can ride with no motorists. Routes with fewer motorists would be impractically long for a commute and there would still be stretches with heavy traffic. Also, what alternates routes I could consider have their own downsides like narrower shoulders, narrower road width, higher-speed traffic, less well maintained roads, etc...
It is just as practical as some of the items LAB listed...
BE PREDICTABLE
Make your intentions clear to everyone on the road.
You can only signal your intentions... everyone on the road has to be paying attention before your intentions are clear. 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.
Impossible to make eye contact with people wearing sun glasses, having tinted windows, or staring at cell phones or at night.
THINK AHEAD
Anticipate what drivers, pedestrians, and other people on bikes will do next.
I don't read minds, do you, so any "anticipation" you are making is really just an assumption, and those other folks can really do any damn thing they may.Watch for turning vehicles and ride outside the door zone of parked cars. Look out for debris, potholes, and other road hazards. Cross railroad tracks at right angles.
Yeah reality really rears it's ugly head when presented with a bunch of empty platitudes.