Can’t We All Just Get Along? Ten Rules for Road Safety
In light of the increasing number of newly painted bike lanes, and the cars who like to defile them, we’ve created a list of new road rules for everyone to help prevent catastrophic crashes between bikes and cars.
1. Bikes: WEAR A HELMET! This is not negotiable. No matter what happens on the road, you are infinitely safer wearing a helmet. You know this; it’s the law; and it doesn’t matter if it makes you look like a nerd. At least you’ll be alive.
2. Cars: Always check your passenger side mirror for oncoming bike traffic. Cars need to look out for cyclists, especially before making a right turn through a bike lane. While there might not be any cars coming, the chance that someone is using the bike lane to continue straight through an intersection is high.
3. Bikes: Don’t rush through yellow and red lights to make it through dangerous intersections. Cars are more powerful on the road and trying to out maneuver them can be fatal. Take your time and ride responsibly – don’t put yourself or those around you at risk.
4. Cars: Don’t double park in bike lanes. When bikes have to maneuver around you through car traffic, the chances of an accident increase. Bike lanes take up the least amount of space on the road and provide an easy way to get around without guzzling fuel, so don’t block them!
5. Bikes: When riding in a group, pay attention to the road, not your conversation. It might be a gorgeous day for a ride with your sweetheart or your friends, but beware of getting distracted from the road.
6. Cars: Don’t honk at bikes unless there is danger. Your clunker is loud and scary when it’s honking and can easily spook bikers. You might be annoyed, but you will drive away unharmed.
7. Bikes: Don’t listen to your mp3 player while riding on the street. It inhibits your ability to map out your surroundings, and easily distracts you from the road.
8. Bikes and Cars: If bikes are riding the wrong way down the street, there could be trouble. Though this is not technically illegal, it is dangerous and should be done sparingly, if at all. To prevent injury, bikes should always have reflectors at night, and cars should be aware that bikes might be heading in their direction.
9. Pedestrians: do not walk in front of bikes. Bikes might not look menacing when they’re headed towards you, but they will hurt you if you step in front of them. Even if there are no cars coming, you must also look for bikes in both directions to be safe.
10. Buses: be aware that you are sharing the road with cyclists. On some of Brooklyn’s more narrow streets, buses and bikes travel side by side. Be aware and be safe!
For more safety tips on how to avoid the most common collisions, check out BicycleSafe.com.
