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Old 06-17-18 | 04:00 AM
  #14  
01 CAt Man Do's Avatar
01 CAt Man Do
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Joined: Dec 2012
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From: Columbia, Maryland

Bikes: Mountain bike & Hybrid tour bike

Originally Posted by canklecat
First of all, watch this 11 minute video tutorial. It is by far the best video I've seen on how to ride in traffic and why it's essential to ride like any motorcycle or motor vehicle. It will seem counter-intuitive but these tactics work and will minimize risks.

Wear a helmet. Put lights on the helmet. You need two or more points of light to enhance visibility. The human eye can better tell at a glance the direction, speed and orientation of another moving object when it has two or more converging or diverging points of light. That's why cars are easier to see at night even when it's too dark to see anything but the lights. That's why some larger motorcycles are easier to see. Two or more points of light, separated by at least 12 inches and preferably more, make us much easier to see....
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The above advise from CCat is likely the best advise that I've read. That video is spot on. Most of those techniques in the video are just carry overs from what you learn in basic drivers ed classes but in the case of the cyclist a lot of those rules are even more important. The basic difference is in realizing as a cyclist you are more vulnerable and therefore need to be more pro-active in protecting yourself. Sometimes that means demanding more of the road to protect yourself as the video clearly shows. This also means being more aware of the various safety hazards and taking steps to protect yourself when called for. On a bike the hazards are all around you. In urban areas you really do have to be on your toes and stay attentive to what's going on around you. Recognize the danger zones. Intersections are big time danger zones for cyclists, as are areas with lots of cars parked on the sides of the streets. Parked cars also tend to block the view from cars from side streets and conversely hide the side streets from cyclists who are riding in the road. In urban areas keep your eyes moving, watch your speed and make sure the surface you are riding on is clear of debris and or cracks/potholes. The better the riding surface the more control you have over your bike. That said make sure your bike's brakes are always well maintained. Wet roads and wet brakes mean you might have to adjust your speed when needed.

What CCat advised as to how to use lights to become more visible is also very good advise. I use the same strategies for using lights myself. That said I highly recommend wearing the bright "daytime Yellow jerseys or jackets" when riding on the road. Bright colors are just easier for motorists to see.
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