Today, Iβm feeling a bit bad about myself. Iβm new to cycling, and to be quite honest, I was going too recklessly and almost got myself hit by a car or two. I could absolutely learn how to check my turns better.
What are your favorite tips for learning how to cycle safely in the city?
The most important thing is visibility. Be where the motorists, and the pedestrians, and the other cyclists, expect you to be. Donβt weave. Donβt stop suddenly, or change lanes without signaling. Donβt ride on the wrong side of the street, or on sidewalks.
The other main piece of advice? Cars are super dangerous, but unless youβre a complete dumbass, most of your accidents will be from unexpected objects in your path. Watch out for potholes, sticks, or slippery conditions.
Not a biker but omg please yes donβt bike against traffic. I promise you I do not expect a biker coming towards me on the passenger side, especially where there arenβt sidewalks or crosswalks.
(Mini rant: someone did that yesterday as I was waiting at the left arm of a T intersection to turn right down the trunk of the T. Dedicated right arrow, in a dedicated right turn lane. Dude bikes against traffic from the right arm of the T to the left, treating 4 lanes of traffic as his personal invisible crosswalk. One hand on the handlebars, the other waving his cigarette.)
