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BIKE ETIQUETTE 101
By Nadia Michel
BIKEHOUSTON'S MICHAEL PAYNE'S TOP TIPS FOR SAFE CYCLINGIS H-TOWN READY TO JOIN THE A-LIST OF BIKE-FRIENDLY CITIES? MAYOR ANNISE PARKER THINKS SO. THE CITY RECENTLY LAUNCHED ITS GOAL ZERO FATALITIES BIKE SAFETY CAMPAIGN IN CONJUNCTION WITH NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION BIKEHOUSTON. IN AN EFFORT TO PREVENT ROAD FATALITIES, THE CAMPAIGN AIMS TO EDUCATE BOTH CYCLISTS AND MOTORISTS ABOUT GOOD STREET ETIQUETTE. ADDED BONUS: THE CAMPAIGN ENCOURAGES CYCLING, AND MORE BICYCLES MEAN FEWER CARS, LESS OBESITY, REDUCED TRAFFIC AND IMPROVED AIR QUALITY. IT ALL MAKES HOUSTON A MORE DESIRABLE PLACE TO LIVE AND WORK. RIDE ON, HOUSTON!
RIDING A BICYCLE? FOLLOW THESE RULES: ABIDE BY THE LAW. The same rules that apply to drivers apply to you. Always ride with traffic, in the right-most lane. You may use the left lane if you are turning left. Stop when required at red lights and stop signs. Ride as if you were driving a car. HAVE INTERSECTION SAVOIR-FAIRE. Whoever gets there first should be first in line. It you get there after a car, stay behind them. Don’t squeeze next to them and make the driver confused. If you are next to a car, make eye contact to let the driver know your next move. BE PREDICTABLE. Make your intentions clear to everyone on the road. Ride in a straight line and don’t swerve between cars. Signal when turning, and check behind ryou before changing your lane position. BE HIGHLY VISIBLE. Use white lights on the front of your bicycle and red lights on back, in addition to reflectors. Wear bright, reflective clothing in low light conditions, but also during the day. There’s nothing worse than riding at night without lights or reflectors! You are practically invisible. PLAN YOUR ROUTE. Plan your route carefully to avoid dangerous streets. Narrow, busy or fast streets are especially dangerous. Ride far enough from parked cars to avoid doors opening and anticipate drivers’ next moves, as well as road hazards. TUNE UP AND BE WELL EQUIPPED. Check that your tires are properly inflated, your brakes are working and your chain runs smoothly. ALWAYS wear a helmet.
BE ALERT. Leave your earphones at home and turn you mobile phone off while cycling. Fewer distractions and the ability to hear what’s around you will substantially reduce your risk of accidental death.
HAVE A MOTOR IN YOUR VEHICLE? REMEMBER THESE TIPS: 1. ABIDE BY THE LAW. Speeding and driving under the influence are the most common causes of cyclist fatalities. A few extra seconds won’t kill you, but they might kill someone else. Not worth it! 2. GET OFF YOUR CELL PHONE. Save a life. Refrain from texting or talking while your motor is on. Remember – just because you are safe in your vehicle doesn’t mean everyone else is. And answering a text from your bestie can wait – we are sure they wouldn’t want you involved in an accident. 3. GIVE CYCLISTS A WIDE PASS. At least 3 ft, to be precise. A new city ordinance passed in 2013 makes this distance obligatory. Look out for undercover cops on bikes who will fine you for coming too close to vulnerable road users! 4. PROCEED WITH CARE. Intersections require special attention. Always scan carefully before proceeding. Treat cyclists as you would a motor vehicle. If they get there first, they have priority. If you get there first, they should stay behind. Make eye contact to make sure there’s no confusion. 5. OPEN SESAME. Parked on the side of the street? Never open your car door without checking your rearview mirror for oncoming bicycles. It’s a simple habit that could prevent major trouble.
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