Riding on the road with traffic and things you should know before you ride.

Whether you are a on road commuter or getting into it, you are going to want to know these few simple things about riding with traffic.

1. Never let them wave you through, that one person may be waving you through but the other drivers may not have the same idea, when you are at an intersection never make long eye contact with drivers, because they will sometimes try and wave you through, but you are a vehicle of the road, so go through the intersection like the rest of the cars.
2. You need to know what's behind you, if you don't have a mirror, that's OK, you don't necessarily need a mirror to know what's behind you. If you are on of those people who tries to look behind you but you end up swerving because of it, try this little trick.  No matter what type of bike your on, (except for Recumbents),  Get on your bike and find any empty parking lot or some area you can practice in, and start pedaling in a straight line, then pull your left arm behind you as you turn your body to look behind you to look and see if you can do this without swerving all over the place. This trick is taught in most traffic 101 classes, and it works like a charm.
3. When making a turn or stopping at an intersection, you need to use arm signals to let drivers what you are about to do.  Being on the road and traveling with traffic you need to be predictable so that drivers know how to react to what you are or are about to do.
4. When traveling at night, whether on the trail or on the road you need to have a white headlight and a red taillight by law.  i would also recommend investing in a reflective vest, you can buy them at any hardware or construction store for anywhere between $8.00 to $30.00 each. They help give that extra visibility so drivers can see you better.  DO NOT wear dark clothing when biking, wear something light colored that you can be seen in during all hours of the day.
5. Expect the unexpected from drivers.  When riding on the road you have to be on your toes at all times.  Be ready for anything to pop out at you at any time, like doors opening and drivers coming out of parking lots, or little kids coming out from behind cars, things like that.  If something pops out at you would you be able to stop or swerve in time and yet still be safe yourself.  (1.) Make sure that your brakes are working really well, and (2.) make sure that you can swerve without getting in the path of cars and other vehicles as well.

In my next posting i will be talking about The benefits of biking. my next posting will be on Wednesday, December 12th.

Keep on Biking....