Traffic Survival Guide

Repeat after me: I am a car. I am a car.

Learn and obey traffic laws own jurisdictions around his home and workplace. Bicycles are generally regarded as vehicles, and cyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as motorists in most states. However, some traffic laws apply mainly to bicycles, and must be obeyed when applicable. Ride with traffic, and is expected to follow traffic rules. The riders who do reach their destination faster, and about five times safer, according to scientific studies accident, more corridors that make up their own rules.

Assuming the legality and predictable position on the road. At intersections, turn to the right lane position depending on how it happens. They often have to move away from its normal position near the right side of the road. If you're turning right, keep to the right, and if you're turning left, turning to the center of the road. If you go straight, go between right and the left-turning traffic. Meanwhile, signal its intention to other road users with his left hand, scanning the road behind you, and surpassing the performance of traffic.

Assume the position

When the road is wide enough to allow a car to pass comfortably in the middle of traffic, trying to assemble as close as practicable to the right side of the road as is safe and clear of debris. The only exception is when you consider the right lane too narrow to share with cars. In this case, having to go left instead of tires to track cars in this lane.

I used to follow the theory of Forester horseback in the center or to the right third of the runway. However, as soon as it receives the heavy traffic of vehicles enough to travel in groups of three or more, drivers often Honk and graze their handlebars. Being left in the third lane of all motorists seem to understand that you are in possession of within one lane of legal rights.

Be afraid. Be very afraid.

Stay alert at all times and watch the way to go to the special risks that can cause a fall bicycle. Beware of any loose or slippery surface: gravel, snow, ice, leaves, oil stains, wet lids, and cross marks. Take special care when crossing diagonally car or railway tracks, halting the lips, covered with steel mesh bridge, cracks in the road, and the big blows or potholes. Avoid travel in or over or around them slowly. Not all of a sudden turn, brake or accelerate. Be ready to put one foot down for balance.

Braking

Learn how to use the brakes and stop safely before riding his bicycle in traffic and the pavement slippery. No matter how careful you are, there is always the possibility of a sudden stop - to avoid an unexpected maneuver by another road or trail user to avoid a storm grate, or to prevent any incident or unexpected obstacle. In order to safely stop the brakes must work strongly and smoothly, and you need to know how to apply them properly.

The best method for quick, safe stop on dry pavement is to use both brakes in a period of three to one. In other words, apply three times more pressure to the front brake as you would apply to the rear brake. Practice braking in this manner while traveling slowly in an empty parking lot. You will notice that when you stop, most of his weight transfers to the front wheel of the bicycle. To compensate for a bit, try to change their weight behind to keep the rear wheel lifting off the ground.

The slippery pavement, reduce their speed and implement their rear brake slightly to avoid a skid. Where in the city from rain tires to wipe dry slightly applying the brakes in advance, long before you need to stop. Read more about the art of braking.

Darkness

Cycling in the dark requires special techniques. Choose the path that offers a reasonable amount of ambient light and activity. Keep your speed within the limits of its lights. By sharing the road with cars, see his shadow produced by cars coming from the rear. If the shadow moves to the right, the car is going to his left. Should only be contracted without displacing one side, then some redneck in a puppy-crusher is about to try to graze you, to get off the road quickly and let the car pass. Be sure to install a rear LED Blinker if mount after dusk, it also helps drivers to think of you as something different leaf debris.

Read all about riding at night, and see the current moon phase while they're at it.

Escaping traffic?

Take special care when riding in a bike lane or sidewalk. Sometimes a bike path can provide a pleasant alternative to a busy street or road, but are much more likely to send a rider to the hospital. Bicycle lanes are not designed for high-speed traffic on a bicycle, and they can get full of roller skaters, dog walkers, negligent and inexperienced cyclists, pedestrians and unpredictable. Never pass another trail user unless you have their attention. Signs with a bell, a horn, or shout a friendly greeting when approaching a pedestrian from behind, and the signal with his left hand to do other maneuvers. Keep your speed down so you can stop suddenly in any situation.