Cyclomania

Any tips you've learned over the years riding you want to share?
I'll start: When observing a car that has signaled right and is merging into the bicycle lane, slow down anticipating a right hook and yell out "Bicycle!" several times so that the motorist knows you are there and pass when safe.

Cyclomania

Bicycling tip: look out for cyclists riding wrong way, speeding in areas where it is not safe to speed -- try to give them right of way at all cost $$$/money/life. NEVER DEMAND RIGHT OF WAY!!! Let the jerks meet their end with a fender rather than a melding of the frames.

Digital_Cowboy

It's funny that you should mention that. I had an encounter with a ninja-salmon last night. NOT only was it a ninja-salmon but it had a "passenger" sitting on the handlebars.

abdon 

Know thy route. For example; on my commute there is a T interception where cars regularly speed up to make the light or do the allowed merge into traffic. If you are on a bike they will speed up pass you and then brake and box you on the corner. This used to be a dangerous spot until I began taking the lane before the turn.

stapfam

I always treat everyone else on the road as an idiot that is out to get me. And not only on the road- Offroad and those trees will suddenly jump out in front of you and Walkers have a habit of putting themselves in the wrong part of the trail.

Keep my eyes open at all times and look for problems seems to have kept me alive. Doesn't always work as I don't have eyes in the back of my head and mirrors are not good enough.

Cyclomania

I'm pretty good at looking behind quick. Recently I tried looking through my arms while on the drops as the racers are known to do. A little frightening at first but I was on an deserted road. I agree about looking about as being a great defense. I notice cars pass extra widely when I look back to see where they're at!

wahoonc

Play the "what if" game as you ride....

Aaron

Mr. Beanz

Do you mean pass on the right?

Cyclomania

Yes, pass on right when motorist yields to your right of way.

Rimmer

In certain situations do not trust turn signals. Many motorists turn their signals on way too early, so anticipate what's further ahead of them on the road. He had his signal to turn right, but he kept going straight for the next turn. I see this all the time.

If the traffic signal turns green, watch your left. This guy ran a red light turning his left, and luckily I saw him coming. My light was green, and I was going straight from a full stop.

And I noticed many motorists underestimate how fast a bike can go.

Mr. Beanz

Maybe I am missing something but a car merging into the bike lane setting up for a right turn. I'd be a fool to pass on his right. I let him set up then pass on his left. I'm taking it the driver is slighty ahead of you as you mention seeing his signal.

If he is slightly behind me, I move to my left at the signal allowing him to set up for his right turn on my right side. Why would anyone ever pass a car setting up for a right hand turn on the right, that's suicide.

Cyclomania

The law in my state specifically states that bikes have the right of way in bike lanes always!!! Therefore, to let the driver know that you're there then proceeding with caution is the best route. Don't let signaling fools dictate where you have the right of way! Otherwise, if you chose to yield to the motorist crossing over bike lane, just do it, no problem. Sometimes you have no choice but to yield.

Wardj

I watch approaching cars in my mirror and will begin swerving a bit to get the attention of the driver.
I want to see the car move towards the center of the lane before it gets very close. If it doesn't, I'm hitting the shoulder. I don't see how you can ride without a mirror.

Tundra_Man 

Don't assume the driver sees you, even if they make eye contact.

making

I had a lady hit me while I was jogging, looking right square at me.

wahoonc

I would rather brake, than be "dead" right...

Aaron

MilitantPotato

Passing on the right, in most cases, is a terrible idea.

warningfs

Five P. prior planning prevent poor performance

Mr. Beanz

Oregon law, a vehicle can take the bike lane for a turn:
811.440¹

When motor vehicles may operate on bicycle lane
This section provides exemptions from the prohibitions under ORS 811.435 (Operation of motor vehicle on bicycle trail) and 814.210 (Operation of moped on sidewalk or bicycle trail) against operating motor vehicles on bicycle lanes and paths. The following vehicles are not subject to ORS 811.435 (Operation of motor vehicle on bicycle trail) and 814.210 (Operation of moped on sidewalk or bicycle trail) under the circumstances described:

(1) A person may operate a moped on a bicycle lane that is immediately adjacent to the roadway only while the moped is being exclusively powered by human power.

(2) A person may operate a motor vehicle upon a bicycle lane when:

(a) Making a turn;

(b) Entering or leaving an alley, private road or driveway; or



https://www.oregonlaws.org/ors/811.440

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Adding one and one together, I follow the saavy cyclists method to stay alive.Of course everyone has the right to chose the best method in their opinion.

Savvy Cycling: This is completely avoidable. Don’t pull up next to stopped traffic. Bike lanes are broken before intersections for a reason: to encourage right-turning motorists to merge right and straight-thru cyclists to merge left (unfortunately, most motorists and cyclists don’t know this). Merge into the line of traffic and cross the intersection in the traffic lane. (See also What Cyclists Need to Know About Trucks)

https://www.floridabicycle.org/rules/driveyourbike.html

Cyclomania

811.050¹ (oregon law) again Mr. Beanz...
Failure to yield to rider on bicycle lane
• penalty
(1) A person commits the offense of failure of a motor vehicle operator to yield to a rider on a bicycle lane if the person is operating a motor vehicle and the person does not yield the right of way to a person operating a bicycle, electric assisted bicycle, electric personal assistive mobility device, moped, motor assisted scooter or motorized wheelchair upon a bicycle lane.

I hope you never have to pay a penalty Mr. Beanz for taking the right of way from a cyclist or worse causing injury!!!

Please don't cherry pick oregon law, I've got your number!!!

z90

While I see where your coming from, it seems at odds with the idea of defensive driving to take this attitude. Better to let the fools go. I wouldn't pass a right turning vehicle on the right. I'd just wait.

z90

I like the intent of your thread, though. Here's my contribution. When passing cars that could potentially door you, look at the car's side view mirror. It's often the first place you can see motion to tell you if someone is in the car.

z90

Look at the front tires of cars if you are moving past them and are concerned about them unexpectedly turning. The front tires are the first things that move in a turn.

10 Wheels

She wanted to see your eyes pop out.

10 Wheels

Turn signal and eye contact don't mean too much to me.....watch the front wheels.