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Skills - Be Streetwise
A New York City bike commuter's 5 best strategies for riding safely in traffic.
By Loren Mooney - Courtesy of Bicycling Magazine The light was green, so I pedaled toward the intersection, looking right just in time to see the black Lincoln Town Car gun into the crosswalk. I slammed on my brakes as the driver slammed on his, and we came to rest just a few feet apart. His window was open, and in the awkward moment of stillness, I glanced at his traffic light and said, "That looks red to me." He ignored me, then the light changed and he gunned it again. I waited for the intersection to clear, then pedaled through. That was last week. In two years of commuting by bike in New York City, I've also had near-run-ins with taxis, pedestrians, hot dog carts and police cars--and every one of them was breaking a traffic law. My point is that the age-old cycling advice, "Ride like you're a car, and obey all traffic laws," won't necessarily keep you safe on a busy street. But these five strategies have served me well. ANTICIPATE Being a self-involved urbanite gives me an advantage as a cyclist. Constantly considering how every little incident affects me helps me avoid accidents every day. I try to notice every-thing up to half a block ahead: There's an intersection; a car could speed through. That parked car's wheels are turned out; it could pull into my path. There's a woman hailing a cab; one could dart in front of me and stop. This works in any environment: That dog isn't wearing an invisible-fence collar; he could chase me. BE HUMAN I may be one of the only cyclists in New York City who signals. I do it not only to let drivers know I'm turning, but also because it's humanizing. When cyclists don't interact with drivers, it's too easy for drivers to see us as just another road hazard. When I signal, "I'm turning left," the subtext is, "Hi, I have arms just like you and am using this road, too." Likewise, making eye contact with drivers at intersections is a good way to ensure that you're seen. DON'T ALWAYS DO THE RIGHT THING Hugging the right side of the road generally keeps you out of harm's way, but riding 3 or so feet into the lane is safer if parked cars line the street (a car door could open). Likewise, riding a few feet into the lane can be a good idea if you're approaching an intersection--if a car passes you, then cuts you off to turn right, you can escape by riding around on the left. Or if the color-blind driver of a Town Car suddenly surges in from the right, you are deep enough into the intersection to avoid him. PICK THE SLOWEST ROAD Suburban thoroughfares can be nearly as busy as city streets, with hidden intersections, no shoulders and cars speeding twice as fast as urban drivers. Look for a route with fewer intersections, no shopping strips (cars leaving parking lots) and slower traffic. The most direct route may not be the best cycling route. HERD THE PEDESTRIANS When you happen upon unsuspecting pedestrians, aim to pass behind them rather than cut in front of them as they cross the street. Like a deer in headlights, a walker's natural reaction to a speeding vehicle is to freeze, then hurry forward. Cutting behind them gives you both a better chance for safe passage.
4 key handling skills for riding in traffic:
LOOK BACK To see behind you without swerving, split your body in two: Keep your lower half in its natural pedaling position and twist only your spine and neck to look over your left shoulder. Still swerving? Keep your arms straight but relaxed and your grip loose. For added stability, rest your left hand on your left thigh and brace the inside of your right knee against the top tube. STOP FAST With your body weight over the rear of the saddle to prevent skidding, squeeze both brake levers, using strong force for the left (front brake) lever and moderate for the right (rear). If the rear wheel skids, let up slightly on both levers before squeezing again. PEDAL SLOWLY As you approach a red light or slow-moving obstacle, gently squeeze both brake levers and pedal lightly. The pressure on the cranks keeps your center of gravity low, making balancing at slow speeds easier. To go ultraslow: With constant pressure on the brakes, stand with your weight over the bottom bracket and ratchet one pedal (whichever feels more comfortable) between two and three o'clock. As you barely inch forward, swing the handlebar left and right for balance. ROLL POTHOLES On a crowded street, sometimes the safest path is over the asphalt divot, not around it. Unweight the front of your bike so it glides over the pothole instead of nose-diving into it. With a loose and light grip on the handlebar, squat so that most of your weight is on your pedals, and your butt is resting lightly on the back of your saddle.
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