Bike safety tips - how to cycle through intersections safely. An intersection is a place of high vulnerability for a cyclist and the source of a large percentage of accidents. Reduce your risks by keeping hyper aware of traffic from all directions AND follow these tips to maximize your safety.
More Bike Safety Tips - Cycling Through Intersections
1. safe-3 - cycle-wise
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Handling Intersections - they don’t need to be scary places!
Reality is simple. A cyclist is most vulnerable while riding through an intersection. He or she is now exposed to traffic from 4
possible directions. And that’s a potential recipe for trouble unless certain practical steps are taken.
Like so many things, it’s all about the set-up. The only way to ride through an intersection is in the centre of your lane.
Here’s what most motorists forget the moment they’ve passed their driver’s exam. It’s illegal and dangerous to pass
another vehicle during an intersection. And they especially forget this when it comes to cyclists.
When navigating an intersection as a cyclist, one needs be HYPER aware of one’s surroundings. Cross, rear and front traffic.
The last thing you should be worried about is some motorist in such a hurry they want to overtake you on the inside while
riding through the intersection. It’s just plain dangerous for all parties.
So what to do?
Simple. As you approach any intersection, take the centre of your lane (of course, only after an appropriate shoulder check
confirming the way is clear). And TAKE THE WHOLE DAMN LANE. This lets motorists know, in no uncertain terms, that you
will not be passed while riding through the intersection.
Most motorists
get this. They’re not idiots. They may question why you’re in the centre of the lane, but shortly realize they’re not really able to
negotiate an intersection much faster than you. So they get over it.
Some motorists
are impatient morons. They may honk. But make sure they can’t pass. Claim that lane. This is the biggest area of cyclist
vulnerability, so guard against it.
This principle holds true
whether you’re going straight or turning in either direction through an intersection. It’s especially important when turning, but
EQUALLY important when going straight to avoid being cut off.
So do your shoulder check,
and take that lane before entering any intersection. Ride through it confidently, holding that lane until you’re well clear.