My last long tour (about 600 miles) was riding along the narrow coastal highway in Oregon and California. About half-way through I bought an American flag kabout 12x18 inches) and fastened it so it flew above my rear rack. Before that, I'd have several cars a day honk at me (when I was doing nothing wrong), but after I added the flag, no more honks. I think many drivers can't bond with cyclists, but once they saw the flag they could.
These are such important tips, Thankyou! Another strategy I have found helpful on small highways with no safe shoulder is to "take the lane" while a car approaches behind you and wait for them to slow to a safe speed before moving over to the shoulder for them to pass. I have found that if you ride "clinging to the side" that many drivers don't slow and push you off the shoulder, especially when an oncoming car prevents them from going around you.
That's true. It's best to not drive too close to the shoulder, so if a car doesn't give you enough space you can still move closer to the shoulder if necessary.
Motorists are going to overtake cyclists in whatever way they can because they believe nothing should be allowed to delay them in their oh so important car trip. If you take the lane, it makes motorists choose between staying behind you until it's safe and legal to overtake or risk an unsafe and/or illegal overtake, probably getting too close to you in the process. It might annoy them, and some might even decide to "annoy" you back (some will do that no matter what the cyclist does). Either way, if you take the lane, motorists don't get the impression that you're ceding the lane to them because it is theirs and theirs alone. It isn't. Cyclists have the same right to that lane as motorists.
True! If there is enough space for them to overtake you then leave them all the space you can. If there is not enough room for both then you take the space to MAKE CLEAR that it would be too risky. This is specially good for junior drivers and also for quick drivers who often chose to risk the overtake when they see a tiny chance rather than slow down.
As a daily bike commuter, these are excellent tips! Thanks for posting this! My only tip I would like to add is to avoid using ear buds. Cycling on roads requires all your senses to keep you aware of your surroundings. Also, my rear view mirror keeps me aware of what is behind me. Excellent video!
Rear-view mirrors are my prime traffic control device, but beating up on cyclists for using ear-buds is just bike-hate. How do you reckon deaf people cope? What about the motorists who drive about in a steel box with the sound system thumping on high?
Don't think I was "beating up" on cyclists wearing ear buds. I think the word I used was "TIP" and "avoid". "bike-hate"????...come on! IMHO, the less you are aware of, or in touch with, your surroundings by using ear buds; the more you are at a disadvantage when riding with cars going triple your speed (this is called an opinion). I can hear a car coming fast or hear when it is a truck or hear if someone is using their horn or I can hear emergency vehicles. In addition, I always kindly signal that I am passing on bike paths, and many folks are totally clueless as they are plugged with ear buds. This often leads to a number of cyclists waiting to get around. I don't get worked up about it though. If one wants to hamper or eliminate a sense (hearing) they can use to help keep them safe when they ride, it is your choice. It was a tip, it was a suggestion. Don't really care either way. There is no hate involved here, Lordy! @@petesig93
@@andrewkleinhenz8487 - I think the earbud thing can easily be taken as just another victim blaming thing to beat 'cyclists' with. How does hearing an engine behind you make you any safer? And what do you do about wind noise? I do prefer to hear what's going on around me and will only use one earbud for that reason but I wouldn't want the use of earbuds used against me in the event of someone else being negligent.
@@petesig93when I was a dispatcher for bike couriers in the last century, we had a deaf courier on the team... he'd have accidents with cars like once a week... Your ears are your radar in traffic, and elsewhere... If you somehow hamper this sense, then you're seriously restricting your situational awareness....
Regular bike commuter here, also. Just a couple of things I've found helpful. Highly recommend wearing bike gloves to protect your hands in various situations and a realization I had while riding. Remember that when a driver yells at you, lays on the horn, etc. - it means they see you! Yay!
Thanks for the tips. One piece of tech I now find invaluable when riding is the Garmin Varia Bike Radar. Especially when I'm riding solo on quieter country roads. The unit is attached to the back of your bike and senses cars approaching from behind from about 140m away. A sound (beep) alerts you to vehicles approaching from behind and on your bike computer headset there are signals, in red, to tell you how many cars are approaching. The signal turns green once all the cars have passed. I used this every day on a recent round the world trip where I cycled in unfamiliar territories on unfamiliar streets. Although you can often hear cars approaching from behind in quieter surroundings that's not the case in more noisey environments or when you are pushing into a head wind.
They're now saying to use your right arm to signal a right turn as it's less confusing... The only reason why we once used our left arm to signal all moves, was because when cars didn't have turn signals in the USA, the driver could only place his left arm out of his car to be visible.
I'm in the US and aware of the supposed rule to do a weird motion with your left arm for a right turn. I did that about twice as a teenager. Then I realized it was stupid and confusing to anyone watching. Have used my right arm pointing out for many years. They can see my right arm perfectly well and I've never had a problem... But it seems like no matter how dumb something is (our road signs are different from the standard used everywhere else, we're incapable of switching to the much easier metric system, etc ) if the US can do its own thing, it will. Almost like it's to spite everyone else!
@Aella-ny9hu A lot of folks definitely learned it, so many Americans of course understand it. I was just saying that objectively it isn't a good way to signal a right turn. As another commenter mentioned, it's a holdover from the early 20th century when people didn't have turn signals in cars and obviously could only stick their left arm out the window. But on a bike, there's nothing blocking your right arm, so we should use it. The left arm signal isn't inherently clear and not everyone was taught it. So just use the one that's 100% intuitive for everyone. To not do that is to willfully put your life at unnecessary risk. I consider that foolish at best, wherefore my comment...
There is still a good safety reason to signal a right turn with the left arm in the USA. (This assumes you have hand brakes and use the conventional bicycle braking setup - right hand rear brake, left hand for front brake.) Keeping your right hand on the bars while signaling with the left means you have a rear brake (the right one) immediately available for stopping or slowing - and signaling with the right hand means braking with your left hand in an emergency/urgent slowing situation, which puts more rotational moment (turning force) on the fork and front wheel because due to your forward intertia, your braking hand will push forward on the bars to keep your body from moving forward off the saddle. While the front brake will slow you faster than the rear, without another way to stablilize the bars (i.e. two hands on the bars), you are more likely to crash due to the front wheel turning away the direction of travel. And feathering the front brake in an urgent situation is far harder than doing the same with the rear brake. Bottom line, if I am going to be slowing to make a corner and/or avoid drivers who are slowing, I want BOTH hands on the bars as much as possible for safety, so the signal will be quick, and a bent left arm (hand pointed up) will be spotted as a signal probably faster than a right arm sticking out.
@@teacherguy5084 I understand what you're saying, and you make very valid points. For me, I'm not going to be riding that fast into any 90° turn (left or right). In this day and age, I don't trust others to realize I'm making a right turn with my left arm doing the signaling. And usually I'm letting the driver waiting at the stop sign know that I'm turning right to let him know he can go. I remember watching a bicycle safety course video when they mentioned using the right arm would be less confusing to other motorists. They did say either way would be good though. What I really worry about is when tailing another vehicle, and while an oncoming vehicle is making a left, he may not see me, and crash into me while he's making a left turn. I always try to leave space and be very visible.
My nemesis over the past 37 years of touring has been large privately owned motorhomes. The drivers don't understand the suction effect they have and many don't give you enough room. A sample of the encounters I and an associate have had: I was almost taken out by a step that was not stored while riding Rte 41 across the Everglades... this after having the mirror go over my shoulder. In South Park, CO one was so close to my son that the mirror was over his head... thankfully it was a BIG motorhome as a lower one would have hit him. In Yellowstone an associate was intentionally run off the road by a motorhome on a twisty road "because he was going too slow." Tom said his cyclometer showed he was going the posted speed limit on the downhill. The motorhome was found at the next parking area and the driver admitted to a park ranger he did it... He was promptly arrested for vehicular assault. I now keep a sharp eye out for motorhomes and take action to keep away from them even if it means stopping in the weeds.
Good tips, I also use a mirror mounted on the handle bar to keep an eye on traffic behind. Photochromic glasses are also useful, clear in dim lighting and darker when sunny 😊
One more trick I like to do on country roads is taking the lane, as others have already suggested. And then listen for cars coming from behind and swerve to the right a bit, as they are passing you. This possibly goes against your precictability rule, but I found this great to get the amount of distance between me and moving cars as I feel comfortable with. Works best on country roads that are not too busy. If there are too many cars, you would be swerving constantly. But if the frequency of cars is relatively low, this works quite well I found!
Not really a safety tip, but I feel much better when giving a polite way to a driver who has passed me in a safe manner. It’s just my way of saying thanks for doing a polite pass and recognizing that the pleasant road encounter could have turned out differently.
Another tip: Don't be afraid to dismount and leave the pavement when a huge truck is coming from behind and another is approaching from ahead on the other side. The truckers will thank you!
@@paddyotoole2058 Of course not. Do you want to be a continual victim of bad motorist behavior? Note that I said if forced to bail, I'll bail. But if my behavior on a bike compels better behavior on the part of motorists, that's a good thing.
#4 addition: don't give drivers space by keeping close to road's edge. Many times drivers try to squeeze themselves trough between you and the opposite traffic. That's dangerous. Make them stay behind.
My closest call was being passed by a pickup truck while I was riding in a bike lane next to a four lane street. I felt the wind on my left arm and face as it passed me. His tires were on the painted line for the bike lane so very close. I've been riding for 60 years and, other than that, it's not been too bad.
I've bike toured in the US and Canada and find that when touring, car drivers generally treated us better on the roads, with exceptions of course. I agree with your advice. I've never tried the pool noodle thing, but did use a brig aht flag on a fiberglass rod straight out into the lane, when I toured on my recumbent. It did seem to gather attention! I ride with a friend who loves to ride out in the lane to be seen. Sometimes that is scary as you are anticipating that drivers will slow down! In my experience cycling, cars cannot tell how fast or slow you are travelling, especially on downhill runs. I try to respect car drivers, but also force them to respect my vunerability as a cyclist.
It's often better to keep your right hand on the handle and on the rear brake and use left for signalling, unless you can signal with your right safely.
@@nikzel I've only recently learned that meaning myself, too. It's similar to signalling "slowing down" or "stopping", so I've probably just mistaken it for that if anyone has even used it. But my point remains that keeping hand on the rear brake would be best.
What if, like in England, your rear brake lever is on your left hand? I’ve lived in many countries but grew up in England. Right hand is front brake. I switch all my bikes over to right hand front brake, wherever I live.
@@denverspin Same. I've also heard it called "moto style" because motorcycles are setup the same way. The default assumption is that US riders are hamfisted and would endo with a right brake.
I have prescription transition safety glasses for riding. They are relatively cheap, and riding is far more dangerous than most work sites where safety glasses are required. If you don't need prescription... safety glasses come "wrap around" and can be pretty cheap from a safety store.
I started bike touring in the 60s when it was kinda new. There was no bike touring equipment so the first trip I took I wore on my 30-40 lb. hiking backpack. At that time drivers honked at me , yelled at me, threw beer cans and other objects and one passanger in a car reached out and pushed me off the road. But today these things seldom happen as drivers over the years have learned to respect bikers and really don't want to hit us. One thing that has always be true over the years is big trucks are mostly professional and have always given me room.
I use a 42 inch stick with a fork at the end. When stopped I use the fork under the crossbar to prop up the bike and when riding I have it projecting out into the traffic. It is held in place by a bungee on the rear panier. I wrap the end in a loose hanging light blue nitrile glove to offer a little protection to any closly approaching vehicle and give them a friendly wave! I have found this to be huge, and positive, response as vehicles now go into the far lane. It works. Also I have both a mirror mounted on the handlebar and one on my glasses, that way I get two fields of rear view and keep bugs and sun out. Lastly, always pick routes that match your tires. I often ride on quiet gravel roads so that means that I feel secure pulling onto the hard shoulder of tarmac roads which are usually gravel. Never use earbuds, you loose any advanced warning of rear approaching vehicles. Safe travels.
I kept saying to myself, yep, yep, do that, don’t do that, yep, good idea. Thanks for the reinforcement. I wanted to add that having a mirror helps tremendously! If you can see them coming up behind you, you can prepare. Also, I have a ref whistle hanging on a lanyard around my neck and will give a blast if I see a car about to pull out ahead of me. Works well. Thanks again!
Tip no. 6, use helmet rear mirror. You see incoming traffic earlier. Next use wind deflector on helmet straps, you can hear your surrounding better. I use piece of fluffy udnerdoor insulation, sewed on straps.
There’s a balance between being safe and looking like a complete knob. Been cycling 40 years+ and thankfully stayed pretty safe; never needed either of these accoutrements.
Sincere question: What about riding too far into the gutter? I feel doing so invites motorists to pass when they shouldn't, makes them pass closer to me than they should, and exposes my tires to much more debris and thus causes a greater risk of getting a flat and/or crashing. I'm eager to hear your thoughts.
Take the whole lane that way motorist and elite cyclist can either pass on the left or back off follow and watch for your hand signal indicating your intentions
The UK highway code now tells cyclists to ride 1m from the kerb. I have had my fair share of close passes, but when they have happened I have nearly always realized that I was riding too close to the kerb. I think this results in me not being noticed by a driver who has mentally switched on their autopilot. Further out from the kerb I am recognized as a hazard that could make a dent in their paintwork and needs to be responded to and overtaken properly with an alteration of course and speed. The highway code reserves pulling out to the middle of the lane for occasions when I don't think it would be safe to be overtaken, including blind bends or summits and, of course, when I am turning right. Some idiots will overtake anyway, which is dangerous for them and me, but thankfully those who are aware of the new code (which has never been promoted by a government information campaign) are growing in number.
Agreed. Added bonus: when you’re further from the gutter/curb/shoulder, you have more room to dodge into (without having to go off the road) if someone _does_ get too close.
The gutter can magnify small mistakes and sometimes force you into unpredictable (maybe accidental) big movements, for example there is often a lip between the asphalt and the gutter and crossing the lip requires a more exaggerated swerve to exit the gutter, which is exactly what you should avoid if there is close traffic. That said, when I'm impeding traffic I do occasionally use the gutter when I have good visibility ahead and I'm comfortable doing so. On those occasions I'm doing it as a courtesy and I try to make it clear that my intent is to allow a car or two to pass. I think it's important to show visibly that cyclists and drivers are working together to share the road.
From 1980 to 2000 I usually did at least one bike tour/ year. Canadian & USA Rockies, Sierra Nevada Mt, Appalachians south & in New England. Olympic Mt in Oregon & Washington. New Zealand & the Alps in Europe. I had to rely on paper maps (no GPS)). The world has changed & the traffic is much worse now. travel on!
My son crashed two years ago. He broke his helmet in seven places. I don't even want to think what would happen if he was not wearing his helmet. He had a concussion. However today he is fine. Please wear a helmet.
Never wear black. It makes you a target for mentally deficient drivers. Google maps is great, but you might find deep sucking sugar sand! New Jersey Pinelands. There is no gravel in South Jersey!
EXACTLY. You are scary to them and that makes them go around you CAREFULLY. They think you are probably not skilled and may wobble when they are next to you. I wouldn't wobble when they are right next to you - only when they are several seconds behind you.@@rogerw-interested
If the traffic is packed I ride on the left-hand side of the white line which really pisses off the cars but then I know they are aware of me and I am in their space. If I ride on the right hand side of the line I am not in their space and they will buzz by me all day long. This strategy has been well documented in cycling magazines.
no disrespect but that makes no sense. you dont want to see the hazards in front of you? you create a blind spot for yourself?...edit- ohh, you mean city roads where there is already lighting. am a rural rider, need light to the front
Good advice. I stopped using the Left arm up and bent to signal a left turn years ago. too many oncoming drivers waved at me thinking I was waving at them. Instead, I put my right arm out and point at my turn. Most bikers rear blinker is not big and bright enough. Get a larger one. I have a white light mounted on the back of my bike pointed at my back wearing my lime green vest with reflective tape.
A varia radar unit coupled with a Garmin bicycle computer is indispensable in my riding. And the high visibility clothing is an absolute must if you expect to be seen and respected.
High visibility clothing will not get you respect - not from folk who have already decided to hate you regardless of how you dress or how well you abide by the law. Motorists are supposed to have respect for other road users regardless - and, as the person posing the greatest threat, should be looking out for them whatever they choose to wear.
@@hmmaho high vis. May not get you respected by everyone driving, though you do have the responsibility to yourself and others to be easily noticed. I drive a commercial truck and have to deal with hard to see vehicles, pedestrians and bicyclists on a daily basis. A lot of the traveling public are not thinking about their safety and how they can improve their chances, it is almost as if they want to go to the other side sooner rather than later.
Cars are painted in various colors because they are people's pets and we aren't very safety conscious in this country.. Look at statistics and you'll find white cars are in fewer crashes per mile than gray, green, and other blend-in colors.@@rangersmith4652
You may not get respect, but you will be seen better, and not everybody in a car is out to hurt somebody, so you are more likely to come home safe. And if you do get hurt while wearing hi-vis clothing, the insurance company will settle instead of trying to BS the court, and if the case gets to court, the auto driver's excuse "I didn't see them" will not be believed. And if you die, your heirs will collect.@@hmmaho
If when we drive we think like a cyclist and when riding we think like a driver, we would solve a whole lot of problems. "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you"
Not exactly a proactive safety tip, but I like to ride with my GoPro camera attached to the handle bars. The camera doesn't keep me safer than not having it there, but should there be a collision or other related issues, the camera may well capture it as evidence of what happened.
Unfortunately although I have not done any cycle touring, I regularly do cycle. I have found that in my country and where I live in my country , car drivers, even some truck drivers universally ignore or actively don’t see cyclists.
2:58 uhhhh that brings some bad memories... I got hit by a door.... The driver opened his door without cheking, my front wheel hit the door, I flew forward and hit my throat at the top corner of the door. Couldn't cough, laugh and deep breath for 2 months. Now I keep at least 2 meters from parked cars
the problem with dooring is most people set their mirrors incorrectly. they set them for 3 rear views and no sides views so a bike 2' from a cars side, they cant see you. tip i give is if a car behind you is blinding in all 3 mirror, 2 of them are set wrong. the other thing to note if your stopped behind a car and see the driver in all 3 mirrors, their mirrors are set wrong. you dont need the sides of the car, you know its there and not going anywhere, you need to see the other lane beside you. car passing me on the left, as i loose him in the back pilar, he shows up in the left side mirror. this is how you manage your blind spot
And if you leave a good gap to parked cars, passing cars pass too close or get aggressive.... I get no enjoyment from road driving, and stay off road cycle routes now.
Actually we felt much safer in Italy! We rode from Rome north to Lugano Switzerland (and then to Amsterdam). The cars are so tiny, and the people were not in a hurry, so we weren’t scared often on the roads!
Perhaps you felt less safe in the UK because of riding on the left instead of the right? I live and cycle in the UK and find that venturing into the EU and cycling on the right to be less comfortable and more risky.
Probably riding on the left created a little anticipation. Like in most countries, if one is not confident on the road, others pick up on it and will run right by you. This is probably what happened. I’ve rode bicycles in many countries. English drivers felt pretty considerate and cyclist aware.
These are all great tips - 100% agree with all of them! I just want to add that while riding against traffic IS more unsafe, it is also against the law. As you said earlier in the video, when you are riding your bike on the road, you are a vehicle and you must follow all the laws and regulations that apply to vehicles, including riding on the correct side of the road. Also, the left arm "right turn" signal is specific to driving in cars where you are seated on the left as people behind you can't see your right arm. So yeah, just point in the direction you are turning! :-)
Several years ago I transitioned to a recumbent trike. At that time these were very rare on the mid-Atlantic and I can say that I was concerned about being so low to the ground and out of the driver's normal line of sight. Using a vertical hi-viz flag doubled the passing space cars provided compared to riding my upright. Adding the horizontal boom flag doubled that space again. And ALWAYS deck out with the brightest flashing lights you can find. I mount 3 red on the rear and two white up front and have actually had drivers slow down and tell me that they saw my lights from far down the road and thanked me for being so easily seen... less stress for everyone sharing the road
If you drive really close to the shoulder, there is another risk: You can get off the asphalt and on returning, you fall on the street. Because the asphalt is higher than the shoulder. And falling into the lane is not very predictable for drivers behind you. This happened once in a group of road cyclists I was going with. Two of the cyclist fell and were sitting in the middle of the lane afterwards. No car nearby, so nothing else happened. I had a close call once with a car driver breaking in the last moment. It was a cabrio, so I could see that he was writing an SMS on his phone, which he had on his leg.
ho tanks for the the tips. I found out that stopping our bikes on a safe place and leave the most aggressive pilots was a safe idea. If we feel that it isn’t safe, we go back or we hitchhike, or we walk. No need to die and find a better road to go. Or take a ferry, train, bus to go inside big city’s if you don't like biking in (Istanbul was mad)
Great tips. I really only commute by bike but your tips are universally applicable, apart from the last one. In my country bicycles are not allowed to be wider than 1 meter, so I'd probably not get away with a pool noodle 😅
* I rarely signal a right-hand turn. Many times, I have been cut off by cars that are also turning right. That is because after they pass you, they behave as if you are stationary. * For regular commuting, I like the high-velocity roads, because they are more direct, they usually have no parked cars, long lines of sight, wider shoulders, fewer intersections, and intersections are controlled with lights. Down side: they are noisy and on/off ramp intersections are tricky. * Making a safe-left at a very busy multi-lane intersection. Cross the street, on the right, then at the corner, pick up your bike and rotate it to the left, then go when the light changes.
Instead of a pool noodle try a small flag of the nation you're in. On one tour I used a US flag. The "flag pole" was heavy wire connected to the rear of my bike frame, car mirror height, 70~80cm to the left of my center-line. That gave drivers a perceived (sacrificial) object to move over for. And if a driver hates cyclists maybe he'll give us a slight break because we're flying the national colors.
In Europe and Sweden, we have lights on the bike when it is dark outside so that bikes are visible. Cycle vest and reflexes we use when it is dark. Cyclists don't use light in daytime, because they are visible to cars. It is always good to use reflexes so you are visible. Whether you drive a car or a bike you need situational awareness to avoid incidents.
I definately recommend a pool noodle and NOT a stick, clickstand, or anything that might scratch another vehicle. I have hit cars with my pool noodle several times in slow heavy traffic, where my bike is the faster vehicle, and it was me who hit them. Even in cases where it is the car that has hit your stick, if you damage the car you can find yourself with problems with the police, and in some countries may even be sued for 'criminal damage' Also the kind of d*ck who will pass that close to you is also the kinda person who might then go road rage on you, and nobody needs that. The potential for road rage against cyclists is common in some parts of the UK for example.
I travel in the City , bike paths & open roads I found to be importants Red light & white light on all the times. Many years ago had to many closed calls also I did ask other drivers what part is most importan the answer was Lights also dont be angry for little things screaming on Car drivers. Thank you for bring this up :) Good & Safe Rides :)
I feel like the pool noodle will invite hostility. They already think we’re entitled, law breaking jerks. Also, almost no one on the road is human to a motorist. Everything is an object with potential to impede progress until you do something like make eye contact.
Agree... it might even be some kind of violation of the rules in many countries... and for a certain type of driver it is like an invitation to have fun by hitting the noodle... And often there are places where you need to squeeze through a tight spot or traffic, and you can't do that with something sticking out the side...
Glasses-mounted rear view mirror!!! Makes you look like a nerd but you can monitor anything approaching from behind. I occasionally wave drivers over (friendly) before they get to me if they appear to not be moving over.
Here's one I wish existed. How about a cel phone app that sends a warning tone to all nearby phones to alert drivers that a bicycle is nearby. (Because nobody looks at the road anymore)
Anticipation and alertness is key especially when in bad weather. Same for when you are fatigued. It’s easy to put your head down and hammer away when the weather is bad or when you are tired. Not being alert due to fatigue or weather is a common mistake. It only takes a second for something to go wrong and response time can be critical. Take a break if you are fatigued, stay alert in bad weather especially.
As a cyclist yoy have the freedom to uae your right hand / arm for signaing a right turn and your left for a left turn. Why bother trying to use non-universal, universal signals?
A few tips from a UK cyclist: NEVER squeeze up the sides of ANY vehicles that are waiting at a junction, the drivers are looking forward for their exit - left or right, not what's come from behind in the narrow space at the roadside. If you're ahead of the traffic and about to reach a junction, 'CLAIM YOUR SPACE IN THE LANE' - move nearer the centre of the lane as you approach the (stop point - giveway) junction, drivers behind can see you and see if you're about to go straight on or turn using CLEAR HAND SIGNALS. And ALWAYS wear a hi-viz jacket/vest in heavy or fast moving traffic - you might look like a dick in a yellow vest, but at least drivers should be able to SEE YOU looking like one. Finally, ENJOY the rough with the smooth of cycling adventures, even if you cause a bit of a traffic jam going up a hill, then so be it. All road users get there eventually... 🙏🏽
I ride in west Texas. 75mph 2 lane roads with narrow shoulders. Since I ride often on the same few routes most who drive on these roads are familiar with me and give me the entire lane. A friend told me to weave into the lane and hold 1 arm over my head. It works in sparse traffic. But I wear hi viz jersey and have a daytime taillight and headlight. Thanks for the good pointers!
You left out the most important visibility point. Make sure you are in the eyeline of other road users. That means keep out of the gutter, at least 2 feet, usually 3. Also, don't ride unnecessarily far out , 4 ft max.
A Flag. A Wheel. When on quiet and non automobile routes the pool noodle can ride on the flagpole. Pulling the flagpole provides a whippy stick that dog noses will not like. Before that it can also make a whooshing sound that most dogs will fear. A quick release wheel grasped by the spokes at the hub with the axle in the palm is a shield against a dog that just won't quit and can allow the pokey end of the flagpole through for poking deterrence. Before any of that I usually try the empty aluminum can drop distraction and will often travel with one handy for this specific purpose.
Another thing is, some drivers cause bikers to develop bad responses and habits. Take for example, drivers who just chuck the beer bottles through the windows. This causes loads of splinters to settle in the corner lane and that forces riders out into the road, Also, some drivers hug the curb in traffic. This causes cyclists to weave out in to the outer road between traffic. Be mindful.
Daily bike commuter and bike packer here. I don't know if it works in all countries, but at least in Europe when cycling in a city, take the whole lane by cycling in the middle of it. Then you force cars to stay behind you, and not pass too close or cut you off. Do this only on small roads where the speed difference is not to great!
Know when to take lane. Sometimes sqeezing to the right encourages drives to thread between you and oncoming. Safer to take the whole lane until it is safe for them to pass. Also know when to direct traffic with palm out or wave them through when safe to pass.
you waving me on matters not to me. we are all responsible for our own actions. if you wave and i crash, thats on me. its like cars that leave breaks in traffic so someone can turn left, the onus is on the turning car to do so safely
I'm a big fan of White light "tail lights". Although not red it will be seen further away. Regarding opening doors - kids and dogs jump out as well. You didn't discuss noise or music. When I here a motorcycle with the tunes cranked I am more aware there's something out there. Kinda like those annoying back-up buzzers on trucks & busses. Great Job, Funn video and I loved the bloopers - Yes I have hands too, Lol! Safe Travels!!
Use mirrors! Place small flashing light also at the end of your " pool noodtle" and lights on back of your helmet. That way as the height of your body can be utilized .
Two things, one is if at all possible never ride towards a rising or setting sun. Cars are totally blinded at times. Two is for me anyway to always run a Garmin Varia radar tail light! I carry a spare if I’m doing over a five hour ride, their approximate battery life.
I just use bikes to commute and wander with the family. When we're in group (2 or more bikes) I always ask for keeping the group during crossings and roundabouts as cars must not find a spot to get in between bikes. Crossings are done all together. Being part of a group is safer than being alone.
Excellent video. You left out (intentionally?) the "elephant in the room". Obeying traffic laws! Cyclists that don't stop at stop signs or traffic lights are 1) unsafe, and 2) the worst ambassadors. They propagate a lack of respect for cyclists...the last thing we need. One last point, I always ride out in the street to be seen. You addressed this with the weaving in-and-out of parked vehicles and making room for people opening doors.
This isn't an elephant in any room. Respect for cyclists is meaningless and worthless, because no other user group seems to require respect, and no one is an ambassador for anyone else. If a person breaks a rule or law, be it walking, riding a bike, horse or motorcycle, or in a boat or driving a car, that's on them, and doesn't reflect on anyone else.
Unfortunately motor vehicle drivers unused to seeing bicyclists stereotype cyclists as an excuse for their own bad behavior toward cyclists, which results in more danger and less respect for all cyclists. As cyclists we see lots of motor vehicle drivers so we know they aren't all jerks or inattentive, so I think we don't stereotype them that way - but it only takes one bad driver to kill you. I'm thinking cyclists should all be offered free cameras by the government, for continuous broadcasting of the traffic around them, streamed live to central servers. That would quickly build a database showing which car drivers are abusive/dangerous so their driver's licenses could be revoked and, no longer piloting metal monsters, they could join us as cyclists - it would keep us cyclists safe and make them healthier too.
Best approach strongly depends on the circumstances, so situational awareness is important. What often works well, position yourself aggressively by riding in the middle of the lane. It improves visibility, encourages cars to slow down and to overtake when traffic allows it instead of squeezing between the bike and opposing traffic. If there is a good reason for it, you can always move to the side. The children's toy is nice, but in my experience a flapping flag or cloth works better, it introduces some unpredictability encouraging cars to give more space. Most scary experience some half decent potholed low traffic road in Cameroon, cars swerved from one side of the road to the other to avoid potholes. Result, cars driving with a significant speed straight at me.
May not be feasible on a long bike trip, but for my day trips I use a rear light/radar system that is hooked up via Bluetooth to the navigation system that lets me know via audio and sight that there is a car(s) behind me and if they are coming at a "normal" speed or a high rate of speed. It does not alleviate my responsibility of looking over my shoulder or being aware of cars behind me before I, for example, switch lanes or go across the road diagonally, but it is another "tool" that I use, whereby I look down at my navigation system for any indication that there might be a car, I listen and I then look over my shoulder and then indicate with my arm that I am coming out of the end of the bicycle lane onto the road. It has three modes no light, flashing mode, or continuous light.
I'd say also on the long highways .if the road isn't that wide and not much traffic .its wise to get off the road if larger trucks is passing. They could have been driving long hours or just wont see you .
As continuing to be a Car Driver for Lyft and Uber I will say this with truth: The INNER FOLD are reckless, careless, and are full of disobedience when it comes to obeying simple signs, and lights on the road to help lessen car accidents. Here in Vegas a lot of them (car drivers) make up their own rules on the road and we have at least three car accidents everyday in this region of Nevada.
TBH, all road users are 'full of disobedience' be it not complete stops, jumping or running lights and each point the finger at the other to point out how bad they. hey, i do it too, either riding or driving
Great tips. I'd add one more: use a mirror. I've been using one for >50 years and feel very safe in traffic knowing what's behind me. If I ride a bike without a mirror, I feel vulnerable. Would you drive a car without using mirrors? I wouldn't! Would you ride a motorcycle without using mirrors? I wouldn't! These are the reasons I have mirrors on all of my 🚴
If the lane is not wide enough for a bike and a car safely at the same time, you need to own that lane. Let the cars pass as if they were passing a car. I like just right of lane center since it still seems like I'm on the right side, but I can't be passed unsafely within the lane.
intersections with traffic lights. Utah is horrible for running red lights. I was at an intersection. the light had 😅changed for my side to cross. there was a yellow blinking arrow which means “watch oncoming traffic before turning😮 left.” I did, but a driver blew thru the intersection with a red light. I happened to have my Go Pro running as I do at all Utah intersections. Captured his license plate number. Turned it into the cops. They found him later. Gotta a citation. I run cycling cameras front and rear especially on narrow roads and on city streets. Great vid.
Smple solution: USA AND Denmark should copy the infrastructure AND culture of the Netherlands. Simple, but very hard mentally for most Danes…and probably also for a car dependent USA.
I have never seen a hand signal like that. My cycling proficiency taught me it should be arm fully stretched with the back of the hand faceing the vehicles behind.
In most European countries, I prefer riding about 1 meter from the side of the road, so traffic coming from behind will have to slow down somewhat. Then I will gladly move a bit more to the side to let them pass.
Definitely take the eye protection. I have a damaged eye on the 'passing traffic' side, so have great difficulty checking behind for oncoming traffic. Protect those eyes! (also stops flies getting in your eye). Also get a side view mirror. I'm a great believer in the 'unkempt' look of the flappy high vis jacket. As a car driver the unpredictability of certain stereotypical cyclist types means that some get more care and attention, in the same way that bushes and walls are treated differently (you can scrape a bush, but not a wall) Work with the stereotypes when it helps you. (and don't forget you are trying to affect the 5% 'bad' drivers, not the typical driver that misses you! i.e. averages, as reported in studies, aren't the problem)
A big one you didn't mention. A mirror. I wear one on my helmet, have done so for 35 years. I can see everything behind me with it, I move my head and can scan. I can't ride without it
nice video and good tips. But I might add a helmet or glasses mounted mirror is my #1 safety equipment. I was cringing every time I saw you looking over your shoulder to see what was behind you. handlebar mounted mirrors, IMHO, are pretty much useless. every time you turn or move handlebar you lose field of view of what's behind you.
The standard hand signals are usually not undestood by drivers, and even when they are, they make you look dorky and you get no respect. I make a fist and point my finger and pump my arm, and this seems to get a very positive response from drivers. And for some reason pointing slightly down at the road instead of perpendicularly into the air seems to enhance understanding, even with people who have never seen a cyclist signaling before ever in their life. And when i see that they understand and respond appropriately, i change the fist into a thumbs-up, and they seem to appreciate that.
Studies found out that Light green is the best visible colour. A bit neon green. Better than yellow or white. Red doesn’t work well as some people are colourblind.
Hello, some time ago I found a video by a youtuber titled ‘Invisibility Training for Motorcyclists’. As a keen cyclist I found it very interesting, and I hope you won’t mind me sharing it.
All good advice , but I always wear a helmet. My life was saved by my helmet, and it hung in two pieces by the strap in my garage. I had a skull fracture, 3 missing days of memory, and concussion but the doctors told me it saved my life. Also, when on slow speed rural dirt roads with tight right corners where overtaking cars often go too fast and hug the inside of the lane can't see you in time to adjust. I've hard one car hit me and another run me off the road, in this situation. If I can see far enough back that there are no vehicles, I stay on the right but if it is a steep hill, I'm going really slow, and I don't have that visibility, I go to the far left of the road before the corner and back to the right maybe 50M after the corner straightens out. I have had one old couple that stopped and motioned me to the right, but otherwise never had a problem with this approach. I've ridden regularly including racing, touring and bike packing for 50 years.
Keeping to the most side of your lane is not allways a good option. Sometimes drivers will take advantage of your secondary position and close pass you instead of waiting for traffic in front to pass and use the other lane to overtake you safely. Its about keeping each others safe and not going as fast as we can.
That hand signal for turning right would confuse the heck out of me, how illogical to use your left arm to signal you are turning right! Here (Netherlands) we put out left arm straight out when we are going left, and put out right arm straight out when we are going right. Also i have never seen that ‘slow down’ signal, we dont really have a signal for that but i would make an movement from up to down with my hand if i wanted someone to slow down. (For example if an animal is crossing the road and i know the vehicle behind me can not see it.)
its prolly a north american thing for using left arm for everything. i could see the slow down signal being being confused with with a either a stop or left turn signal
Riding too close to the edge of the road is also dangerous, because it encourages car drivers to ‚slip by‘ you. Especially on smaller roads, or also on wider roads with line seperated lanes. If they have to overtake you correctly, they are fine. But if they think they can just slip by without crossing the lane line or steering a bit to the left, some will try. And that can be very close and dangerous. Plus there is rubbish, branches, gravel and manhole covers at the edge of the road. So in my experience, you are safer (and within the law) when cycling with a litte space from the edge line of the road.
Great video! I really like the tip about weaving in and out of parked cars. I’m guilty of this and had not thought about it from a driver’s perspective. I wear a mirror on my helmet to watch for cars coming from behind. When I see one, I use my left hand to give them a little wave. This serves two purposes: (1) It let’s them know I’m aware of their presence and (2) Shows I’m a person on a bike (and not just an object). In my experience, drivers give me much more room when passing when I do the wave 😊 Another reason for riding in the lane is that you are more visible from a distance. Drivers are more likely to see you if you’re in the lane. If you hug the shoulder, you look like a mailbox or some object at the side of the road. If it’s not safe to pass, I ride in the middle of the lane. Once it is safe to pass me, I move to the right and give the driver a “thank you” wave.
A few very good points but on a couple of shots you where almost off the road. Not only does this risk being thrown off by pot holes and drain covers and prone to punctures it also gives you nowhere to go/wobble room. Drivers will take as much if not more room than you give so give a little less without being selfish. Keep safe & happy travails
As a compulsive cyclist who has ridden hundreds of thousands of miles, all on the roads, I always ride : 1. With a mirror- watching every car approaching from behind. People who don't do this, don't make it to hundreds of thousands of miles. They end up as road kill. 2. Six or Seven feet from the edge, whether that is a shoulder or not. 3. Moving over to 2 feet from the edge as the car behind approaches. They appreciate this A LOT, as it shows them that you see them coming, and are being courteous to them. 4. Taking advantage of all the advantages of being on a bike. I don't stop for anything as long as it's safe. Look both ways sure, but stop signs and lights don't stop me if there's no cross traffic. I can commute in a city just as fast on my bike as in a car, sometimes faster, but always be on the safe side. Watch EVERY car and see what they are doing. Don't assume they will stop or yield to you when they should. 4.5. Getting good mileage-usually about 40 MPC miles per cheeseburger. When I get to the store, I don't need to park. I go right in and put the bike inside. Most stores seem to be fine with this. 5. Carrying almost nothing. I can't believe these people who commute or tour with tent, many clothes, sleeping bag, stove, food, OMG. Leave IT ALL at home. Plenty of food everywhere you go. People are always cooking out. Hungry? stop and offer them a dollar. Everyone is so nice to a cyclist. They always give you a free burger or hot dog. You need ONE set of clothes, the stuff you have on. Easy enough to wash it in a restroom or with a hose. You just don't need to carry a house with you. Easy to find a shelter. They are everywhere. Any out of business building with a carport, or even an operating business after hours, a park, or even a nice field. You lean your bike against a tree, or fence or something and then you lie down leaning against the bike. Easy to catch a few hours of sleep that way, during whatever part of the day is the right temp for sleeping. 6. Avoiding headwinds. On a given day while touring, if the wind is from the west I will ride north or south. Headwinds all day will take the joy out of a ride, unlike hills where there is usually a down after every up.
Mistake no. 4 should be the first one. You must assume as a cyclist that people (cars, pedestrians and cyclists) will screw up. "Right of way" thinking is useless. People will be looking at their smartphones, open their car door and not look both ways before crossing. Bus and truck drivers will not see you and be too close. Think of all the things that can go wrong and then assess how fast you can ride and where you should be in the road. If you see a bus behind you, consider pulling over in a driveway to let it pass. Even professional cyclists like Chris Froome get hit by cars because the driver is not looking. I'd say I've averted an accident like someone opening a car door or a person not looking, several dozen times. A great tool to see the alternative roads is GPS visualizer. You can see an area under several different maps just by selecting a pull down menu, create a trace and save it as a .kml or .gpx which can be viewed on an offline map. A high vis vest is a must for this type of riding in traffic, because it is on you, much higher up than anything else. In certain parts of Europe it is required by law for night riding.
Apart from getting something fly up from a car into your eyes, glasses also prevent insects or dust, a insect hitting you in the eye on a busy road could prove fatel 👀👍
My last long tour (about 600 miles) was riding along the narrow coastal highway in Oregon and California. About half-way through I bought an American flag kabout 12x18 inches) and fastened it so it flew above my rear rack. Before that, I'd have several cars a day honk at me (when I was doing nothing wrong), but after I added the flag, no more honks. I think many drivers can't bond with cyclists, but once they saw the flag they could.
Someone else posted a similar experience, so it looks like this is something we will try when we bike across the US!
@@slow_spokes That's a great idea! I once did the ride from Oregon to SF...some parts were really nice--some parts were hectic.
These are such important tips, Thankyou! Another strategy I have found helpful on small highways with no safe shoulder is to "take the lane" while a car approaches behind you and wait for them to slow to a safe speed before moving over to the shoulder for them to pass. I have found that if you ride "clinging to the side" that many drivers don't slow and push you off the shoulder, especially when an oncoming car prevents them from going around you.
That's true. It's best to not drive too close to the shoulder, so if a car doesn't give you enough space you can still move closer to the shoulder if necessary.
Motorists are going to overtake cyclists in whatever way they can because they believe nothing should be allowed to delay them in their oh so important car trip. If you take the lane, it makes motorists choose between staying behind you until it's safe and legal to overtake or risk an unsafe and/or illegal overtake, probably getting too close to you in the process. It might annoy them, and some might even decide to "annoy" you back (some will do that no matter what the cyclist does). Either way, if you take the lane, motorists don't get the impression that you're ceding the lane to them because it is theirs and theirs alone. It isn't. Cyclists have the same right to that lane as motorists.
Exactly this.
True! If there is enough space for them to overtake you then leave them all the space you can. If there is not enough room for both then you take the space to MAKE CLEAR that it would be too risky. This is specially good for junior drivers and also for quick drivers who often chose to risk the overtake when they see a tiny chance rather than slow down.
As a daily bike commuter, these are excellent tips! Thanks for posting this! My only tip I would like to add is to avoid using ear buds. Cycling on roads requires all your senses to keep you aware of your surroundings. Also, my rear view mirror keeps me aware of what is behind me.
Excellent video!
Agreed, rear view mirror definitely helps
Rear-view mirrors are my prime traffic control device, but beating up on cyclists for using ear-buds is just bike-hate. How do you reckon deaf people cope? What about the motorists who drive about in a steel box with the sound system thumping on high?
Don't think I was "beating up" on cyclists wearing ear buds. I think the word I used was "TIP" and "avoid". "bike-hate"????...come on! IMHO, the less you are aware of, or in touch with, your surroundings by using ear buds; the more you are at a disadvantage when riding with cars going triple your speed (this is called an opinion). I can hear a car coming fast or hear when it is a truck or hear if someone is using their horn or I can hear emergency vehicles. In addition, I always kindly signal that I am passing on bike paths, and many folks are totally clueless as they are plugged with ear buds. This often leads to a number of cyclists waiting to get around. I don't get worked up about it though. If one wants to hamper or eliminate a sense (hearing) they can use to help keep them safe when they ride, it is your choice. It was a tip, it was a suggestion. Don't really care either way. There is no hate involved here, Lordy! @@petesig93
@@andrewkleinhenz8487 - I think the earbud thing can easily be taken as just another victim blaming thing to beat 'cyclists' with. How does hearing an engine behind you make you any safer? And what do you do about wind noise?
I do prefer to hear what's going on around me and will only use one earbud for that reason but I wouldn't want the use of earbuds used against me in the event of someone else being negligent.
@@petesig93when I was a dispatcher for bike couriers in the last century, we had a deaf courier on the team... he'd have accidents with cars like once a week...
Your ears are your radar in traffic, and elsewhere... If you somehow hamper this sense, then you're seriously restricting your situational awareness....
Love the bloopers at the end, haven't seen that on RUclips before, great video, good advice.
Regular bike commuter here, also. Just a couple of things I've found helpful. Highly recommend wearing bike gloves to protect your hands in various situations and a realization I had while riding. Remember that when a driver yells at you, lays on the horn, etc. - it means they see you! Yay!
Thanks for the tips. One piece of tech I now find invaluable when riding is the Garmin Varia Bike Radar. Especially when I'm riding solo on quieter country roads. The unit is attached to the back of your bike and senses cars approaching from behind from about 140m away. A sound (beep) alerts you to vehicles approaching from behind and on your bike computer headset there are signals, in red, to tell you how many cars are approaching. The signal turns green once all the cars have passed. I used this every day on a recent round the world trip where I cycled in unfamiliar territories on unfamiliar streets. Although you can often hear cars approaching from behind in quieter surroundings that's not the case in more noisey environments or when you are pushing into a head wind.
They're now saying to use your right arm to signal a right turn as it's less confusing...
The only reason why we once used our left arm to signal all moves, was because when cars didn't have turn signals in the USA, the driver could only place his left arm out of his car to be visible.
Yes. It’s only in the USA have I seen a left arm signal to go right on a bike.
Use your right arm if going right.
I'm in the US and aware of the supposed rule to do a weird motion with your left arm for a right turn. I did that about twice as a teenager. Then I realized it was stupid and confusing to anyone watching. Have used my right arm pointing out for many years. They can see my right arm perfectly well and I've never had a problem...
But it seems like no matter how dumb something is (our road signs are different from the standard used everywhere else, we're incapable of switching to the much easier metric system, etc ) if the US can do its own thing, it will. Almost like it's to spite everyone else!
@Aella-ny9hu A lot of folks definitely learned it, so many Americans of course understand it. I was just saying that objectively it isn't a good way to signal a right turn. As another commenter mentioned, it's a holdover from the early 20th century when people didn't have turn signals in cars and obviously could only stick their left arm out the window. But on a bike, there's nothing blocking your right arm, so we should use it. The left arm signal isn't inherently clear and not everyone was taught it. So just use the one that's 100% intuitive for everyone. To not do that is to willfully put your life at unnecessary risk. I consider that foolish at best, wherefore my comment...
There is still a good safety reason to signal a right turn with the left arm in the USA. (This assumes you have hand brakes and use the conventional bicycle braking setup - right hand rear brake, left hand for front brake.) Keeping your right hand on the bars while signaling with the left means you have a rear brake (the right one) immediately available for stopping or slowing - and signaling with the right hand means braking with your left hand in an emergency/urgent slowing situation, which puts more rotational moment (turning force) on the fork and front wheel because due to your forward intertia, your braking hand will push forward on the bars to keep your body from moving forward off the saddle. While the front brake will slow you faster than the rear, without another way to stablilize the bars (i.e. two hands on the bars), you are more likely to crash due to the front wheel turning away the direction of travel. And feathering the front brake in an urgent situation is far harder than doing the same with the rear brake. Bottom line, if I am going to be slowing to make a corner and/or avoid drivers who are slowing, I want BOTH hands on the bars as much as possible for safety, so the signal will be quick, and a bent left arm (hand pointed up) will be spotted as a signal probably faster than a right arm sticking out.
@@teacherguy5084 I understand what you're saying, and you make very valid points. For me, I'm not going to be riding that fast into any 90° turn (left or right). In this day and age, I don't trust others to realize I'm making a right turn with my left arm doing the signaling. And usually I'm letting the driver waiting at the stop sign know that I'm turning right to let him know he can go.
I remember watching a bicycle safety course video when they mentioned using the right arm would be less confusing to other motorists. They did say either way would be good though.
What I really worry about is when tailing another vehicle, and while an oncoming vehicle is making a left, he may not see me, and crash into me while he's making a left turn. I always try to leave space and be very visible.
My nemesis over the past 37 years of touring has been large privately owned motorhomes. The drivers don't understand the suction effect they have and many don't give you enough room. A sample of the encounters I and an associate have had: I was almost taken out by a step that was not stored while riding Rte 41 across the Everglades... this after having the mirror go over my shoulder. In South Park, CO one was so close to my son that the mirror was over his head... thankfully it was a BIG motorhome as a lower one would have hit him. In Yellowstone an associate was intentionally run off the road by a motorhome on a twisty road "because he was going too slow." Tom said his cyclometer showed he was going the posted speed limit on the downhill. The motorhome was found at the next parking area and the driver admitted to a park ranger he did it... He was promptly arrested for vehicular assault. I now keep a sharp eye out for motorhomes and take action to keep away from them even if it means stopping in the weeds.
Arrested! Sweet!
Good tips, I also use a mirror mounted on the handle bar to keep an eye on traffic behind. Photochromic glasses are also useful, clear in dim lighting and darker when sunny 😊
One more trick I like to do on country roads is taking the lane, as others have already suggested. And then listen for cars coming from behind and swerve to the right a bit, as they are passing you. This possibly goes against your precictability rule, but I found this great to get the amount of distance between me and moving cars as I feel comfortable with. Works best on country roads that are not too busy. If there are too many cars, you would be swerving constantly. But if the frequency of cars is relatively low, this works quite well I found!
Not really a safety tip, but I feel much better when giving a polite way to a driver who has passed me in a safe manner. It’s just my way of saying thanks for doing a polite pass and recognizing that the pleasant road encounter could have turned out differently.
while nice and it is visible to a left turning driver, what makes you think someone that just passed you is looking in their mirror to see it?
Another tip: Don't be afraid to dismount and leave the pavement when a huge truck is coming from behind and another is approaching from ahead on the other side. The truckers will thank you!
No way I'm doing that unless they force me to do it. Ceding a lane to which I have the right only encourages motorists to behave badly.
I look it at as just being considerate to others who are out there on the roads trying to make a living.@@rangersmith4652
@@rangersmith4652Do you want to be raspberry jam?
@@paddyotoole2058 Of course not. Do you want to be a continual victim of bad motorist behavior? Note that I said if forced to bail, I'll bail. But if my behavior on a bike compels better behavior on the part of motorists, that's a good thing.
Smart and safe👍
#4 addition: don't give drivers space by keeping close to road's edge. Many times drivers try to squeeze themselves trough between you and the opposite traffic. That's dangerous. Make them stay behind.
A rear view mirror is a very good safety device to see vehicles (or whatever) approaching from behind. Personally, I like the eye-wear-mounted type.
Yes 😊!!!!
My closest call was being passed by a pickup truck while I was riding in a bike lane next to a four lane street. I felt the wind on my left arm and face as it passed me. His tires were on the painted line for the bike lane so very close. I've been riding for 60 years and, other than that, it's not been too bad.
I've bike toured in the US and Canada and find that when touring, car drivers generally treated us better on the roads, with exceptions of course. I agree with your advice. I've never tried the pool noodle thing, but did use a brig aht flag on a fiberglass rod straight out into the lane, when I toured on my recumbent. It did seem to gather attention! I ride with a friend who loves to ride out in the lane to be seen. Sometimes that is scary as you are anticipating that drivers will slow down! In my experience cycling, cars cannot tell how fast or slow you are travelling, especially on downhill runs. I try to respect car drivers, but also force them to respect my vunerability as a cyclist.
The bent left arm "turning right" signal was designed for motorists with inoperable signals. Just use your right arm to point right.
It's often better to keep your right hand on the handle and on the rear brake and use left for signalling, unless you can signal with your right safely.
I've been biking for 20 years in Europe. I've never seen anyone use their left arm to signal a right turn.
@@nikzel I've only recently learned that meaning myself, too. It's similar to signalling "slowing down" or "stopping", so I've probably just mistaken it for that if anyone has even used it. But my point remains that keeping hand on the rear brake would be best.
What if, like in England, your rear brake lever is on your left hand?
I’ve lived in many countries but grew up in England. Right hand is front brake. I switch all my bikes over to right hand front brake, wherever I live.
@@denverspin Same. I've also heard it called "moto style" because motorcycles are setup the same way. The default assumption is that US riders are hamfisted and would endo with a right brake.
I have prescription transition safety glasses for riding. They are relatively cheap, and riding is far more dangerous than most work sites where safety glasses are required. If you don't need prescription... safety glasses come "wrap around" and can be pretty cheap from a safety store.
Cool idea, where do you buy these?
I started bike touring in the 60s when it was kinda new. There was no bike touring equipment so the first trip I took I wore on my 30-40 lb. hiking backpack. At that time drivers honked at me , yelled at me, threw beer cans and other objects and one passanger in a car reached out and pushed me off the road. But today these things seldom happen as drivers over the years have learned to respect bikers and really don't want to hit us. One thing that has always be true over the years is big trucks are mostly professional and have always given me room.
I use a 42 inch stick with a fork at the end. When stopped I use the fork under the crossbar to prop up the bike and when riding I have it projecting out into the traffic. It is held in place by a bungee on the rear panier. I wrap the end in a loose hanging light blue nitrile glove to offer a little protection to any closly approaching vehicle and give them a friendly wave! I have found this to be huge, and positive, response as vehicles now go into the far lane. It works. Also I have both a mirror mounted on the handlebar and one on my glasses, that way I get two fields of rear view and keep bugs and sun out. Lastly, always pick routes that match your tires. I often ride on quiet gravel roads so that means that I feel secure pulling onto the hard shoulder of tarmac roads which are usually gravel. Never use earbuds, you loose any advanced warning of rear approaching vehicles. Safe travels.
I kept saying to myself, yep, yep, do that, don’t do that, yep, good idea. Thanks for the reinforcement. I wanted to add that having a mirror helps tremendously! If you can see them coming up behind you, you can prepare. Also, I have a ref whistle hanging on a lanyard around my neck and will give a blast if I see a car about to pull out ahead of me. Works well. Thanks again!
i like the whistle ideal, but there is bike horns as well
Get a rear view mirror and a bell or horn!
Tip no. 6, use helmet rear mirror. You see incoming traffic earlier. Next use wind deflector on helmet straps, you can hear your surrounding better. I use piece of fluffy udnerdoor insulation, sewed on straps.
There’s a balance between being safe and looking like a complete knob. Been cycling 40 years+ and thankfully stayed pretty safe; never needed either of these accoutrements.
@@paddyotoole2058put a go-pro on top of your helmet too, to complete the look :)
Sincere question: What about riding too far into the gutter? I feel doing so invites motorists to pass when they shouldn't, makes them pass closer to me than they should, and exposes my tires to much more debris and thus causes a greater risk of getting a flat and/or crashing. I'm eager to hear your thoughts.
Take the whole lane that way motorist and elite cyclist can either pass on the left or back off follow and watch for your hand signal indicating your intentions
The UK highway code now tells cyclists to ride 1m from the kerb. I have had my fair share of close passes, but when they have happened I have nearly always realized that I was riding too close to the kerb. I think this results in me not being noticed by a driver who has mentally switched on their autopilot. Further out from the kerb I am recognized as a hazard that could make a dent in their paintwork and needs to be responded to and overtaken properly with an alteration of course and speed. The highway code reserves pulling out to the middle of the lane for occasions when I don't think it would be safe to be overtaken, including blind bends or summits and, of course, when I am turning right. Some idiots will overtake anyway, which is dangerous for them and me, but thankfully those who are aware of the new code (which has never been promoted by a government information campaign) are growing in number.
Agreed. Added bonus: when you’re further from the gutter/curb/shoulder, you have more room to dodge into (without having to go off the road) if someone _does_ get too close.
The gutter can magnify small mistakes and sometimes force you into unpredictable (maybe accidental) big movements, for example there is often a lip between the asphalt and the gutter and crossing the lip requires a more exaggerated swerve to exit the gutter, which is exactly what you should avoid if there is close traffic. That said, when I'm impeding traffic I do occasionally use the gutter when I have good visibility ahead and I'm comfortable doing so. On those occasions I'm doing it as a courtesy and I try to make it clear that my intent is to allow a car or two to pass. I think it's important to show visibly that cyclists and drivers are working together to share the road.
From 1980 to 2000 I usually did at least one bike tour/ year. Canadian & USA Rockies, Sierra Nevada Mt, Appalachians south & in New England. Olympic Mt in Oregon & Washington. New Zealand & the Alps in Europe. I had to rely on paper maps (no GPS)). The world has changed & the traffic is much worse now. travel on!
My son crashed two years ago. He broke his helmet in seven places. I don't even want to think what would happen if he was not wearing his helmet. He had a concussion. However today he is fine. Please wear a helmet.
always always, no matter how skilled you are, poop will happen
Sometimes I will deliberately wobble my bike so that drivers think I'm less experienced or skilled than I am.
Never wear black. It makes you a target for mentally deficient drivers. Google maps is great, but you might find deep sucking sugar sand! New Jersey Pinelands. There is no gravel in South Jersey!
which makes you unpredictable, see rule #3 in video. to a driver, that doesnt make you 'I'm less experienced or skilled than I am' it makes you scary
EXACTLY. You are scary to them and that makes them go around you CAREFULLY. They think you are probably not skilled and may wobble when they are next to you. I wouldn't wobble when they are right next to you - only when they are several seconds behind you.@@rogerw-interested
If the traffic is packed I ride on the left-hand side of the white line which really pisses off the cars but then I know they are aware of me and I am in their space. If I ride on the right hand side of the line I am not in their space and they will buzz by me all day long. This strategy has been well documented in cycling magazines.
Aiming the front light beam towards the middle of the road whilst cycling in the dark works also. It makes you look wider.
no disrespect but that makes no sense. you dont want to see the hazards in front of you? you create a blind spot for yourself?...edit- ohh, you mean city roads where there is already lighting. am a rural rider, need light to the front
Good advice. I stopped using the Left arm up and bent to signal a left turn years ago. too many oncoming drivers waved at me thinking I was waving at them. Instead, I put my right arm out and point at my turn. Most bikers rear blinker is not big and bright enough. Get a larger one. I have a white light mounted on the back of my bike pointed at my back wearing my lime green vest with reflective tape.
you know that reflective tapes reflect the light towards the light source, and thus, none of it gets to the drivers?
A varia radar unit coupled with a Garmin bicycle computer is indispensable in my riding.
And the high visibility clothing is an absolute must if you expect to be seen and respected.
Then why not for pedestrians? And if "dull" colors make one invisible, why aren't cars painted in high-vis colors? Wouldn't that be safer?
High visibility clothing will not get you respect - not from folk who have already decided to hate you regardless of how you dress or how well you abide by the law.
Motorists are supposed to have respect for other road users regardless - and, as the person posing the greatest threat, should be looking out for them whatever they choose to wear.
@@hmmaho high vis. May not get you respected by everyone driving, though you do have the responsibility to yourself and others to be easily noticed.
I drive a commercial truck and have to deal with hard to see vehicles, pedestrians and bicyclists on a daily basis.
A lot of the traveling public are not thinking about their safety and how they can improve their chances, it is almost as if they want to go to the other side sooner rather than later.
Cars are painted in various colors because they are people's pets and we aren't very safety conscious in this country.. Look at statistics and you'll find white cars are in fewer crashes per mile than gray, green, and other blend-in colors.@@rangersmith4652
You may not get respect, but you will be seen better, and not everybody in a car is out to hurt somebody, so you are more likely to come home safe. And if you do get hurt while wearing hi-vis clothing, the insurance company will settle instead of trying to BS the court, and if the case gets to court, the auto driver's excuse "I didn't see them" will not be believed. And if you die, your heirs will collect.@@hmmaho
If when we drive we think like a cyclist and when riding we think like a driver, we would solve a whole lot of problems.
"Do unto others as you would have them do unto you"
Not exactly a proactive safety tip, but I like to ride with my GoPro camera attached to the handle bars. The camera doesn't keep me safer than not having it there, but should there be a collision or other related issues, the camera may well capture it as evidence of what happened.
Unfortunately although I have not done any cycle touring, I regularly do cycle. I have found that in my country and where I live in my country , car drivers, even some truck drivers universally ignore or actively don’t see cyclists.
0:24 - riding right on the edge line. Gutterhugging is a death wish!
* Stay Safer; Ride Wider!
2:58 uhhhh that brings some bad memories... I got hit by a door.... The driver opened his door without cheking, my front wheel hit the door, I flew forward and hit my throat at the top corner of the door. Couldn't cough, laugh and deep breath for 2 months. Now I keep at least 2 meters from parked cars
I’m sorry that happened to you.
the problem with dooring is most people set their mirrors incorrectly. they set them for 3 rear views and no sides views so a bike 2' from a cars side, they cant see you. tip i give is if a car behind you is blinding in all 3 mirror, 2 of them are set wrong. the other thing to note if your stopped behind a car and see the driver in all 3 mirrors, their mirrors are set wrong. you dont need the sides of the car, you know its there and not going anywhere, you need to see the other lane beside you. car passing me on the left, as i loose him in the back pilar, he shows up in the left side mirror. this is how you manage your blind spot
And if you leave a good gap to parked cars, passing cars pass too close or get aggressive.... I get no enjoyment from road driving, and stay off road cycle routes now.
Thanks! Good tips! Just finished riding across Europe and we felt most unsafe on the roads in England!
Actually we felt much safer in Italy! We rode from Rome north to Lugano Switzerland (and then to Amsterdam). The cars are so tiny, and the people were not in a hurry, so we weren’t scared often on the roads!
Perhaps you felt less safe in the UK because of riding on the left instead of the right?
I live and cycle in the UK and find that venturing into the EU and cycling on the right to be less comfortable and more risky.
that’s so typical of that country. especially at roundabouts.
Probably riding on the left created a little anticipation. Like in most countries, if one is not confident on the road, others pick up on it and will run right by you. This is probably what happened.
I’ve rode bicycles in many countries. English drivers felt pretty considerate and cyclist aware.
These are all great tips - 100% agree with all of them! I just want to add that while riding against traffic IS more unsafe, it is also against the law. As you said earlier in the video, when you are riding your bike on the road, you are a vehicle and you must follow all the laws and regulations that apply to vehicles, including riding on the correct side of the road. Also, the left arm "right turn" signal is specific to driving in cars where you are seated on the left as people behind you can't see your right arm. So yeah, just point in the direction you are turning! :-)
Several years ago I transitioned to a recumbent trike. At that time these were very rare on the mid-Atlantic and I can say that I was concerned about being so low to the ground and out of the driver's normal line of sight.
Using a vertical hi-viz flag doubled the passing space cars provided compared to riding my upright. Adding the horizontal boom flag doubled that space again.
And ALWAYS deck out with the brightest flashing lights you can find. I mount 3 red on the rear and two white up front and have actually had drivers slow down and tell me that they saw my lights from far down the road and thanked me for being so easily seen... less stress for everyone sharing the road
If you drive really close to the shoulder, there is another risk: You can get off the asphalt and on returning, you fall on the street. Because the asphalt is higher than the shoulder. And falling into the lane is not very predictable for drivers behind you. This happened once in a group of road cyclists I was going with. Two of the cyclist fell and were sitting in the middle of the lane afterwards. No car nearby, so nothing else happened.
I had a close call once with a car driver breaking in the last moment. It was a cabrio, so I could see that he was writing an SMS on his phone, which he had on his leg.
how did he break? spine? skull? arms?
@@MrDobozHe brakes on his spne and ass.
ho tanks for the the tips. I found out that stopping our bikes on a safe place and leave the most aggressive pilots was a safe idea. If we feel that it isn’t safe, we go back or we hitchhike, or we walk. No need to die and find a better road to go. Or take a ferry, train, bus to go inside big city’s if you don't like biking in (Istanbul was mad)
Great tips. I really only commute by bike but your tips are universally applicable, apart from the last one. In my country bicycles are not allowed to be wider than 1 meter, so I'd probably not get away with a pool noodle 😅
* I rarely signal a right-hand turn. Many times, I have been cut off by cars that are also turning right. That is because after they pass you, they behave as if you are stationary.
* For regular commuting, I like the high-velocity roads, because they are more direct, they usually have no parked cars, long lines of sight, wider shoulders, fewer intersections, and intersections are controlled with lights. Down side: they are noisy and on/off ramp intersections are tricky.
* Making a safe-left at a very busy multi-lane intersection. Cross the street, on the right, then at the corner, pick up your bike and rotate it to the left, then go when the light changes.
Instead of a pool noodle try a small flag of the nation you're in. On one tour I used a US flag. The "flag pole" was heavy wire connected to the rear of my bike frame, car mirror height, 70~80cm to the left of my center-line. That gave drivers a perceived (sacrificial) object to move over for. And if a driver hates cyclists maybe he'll give us a slight break because we're flying the national colors.
well doesn't really work in a place where some people attack nationalists lol
In Europe and Sweden, we have lights on the bike when it is dark outside so that bikes are visible.
Cycle vest and reflexes we use when it is dark.
Cyclists don't use light in daytime, because they are visible to cars. It is always good to use reflexes so you
are visible. Whether you drive a car or a bike you need situational awareness to avoid incidents.
I definately recommend a pool noodle and NOT a stick, clickstand, or anything that might scratch another vehicle. I have hit cars with my pool noodle several times in slow heavy traffic, where my bike is the faster vehicle, and it was me who hit them. Even in cases where it is the car that has hit your stick, if you damage the car you can find yourself with problems with the police, and in some countries may even be sued for 'criminal damage' Also the kind of d*ck who will pass that close to you is also the kinda person who might then go road rage on you, and nobody needs that. The potential for road rage against cyclists is common in some parts of the UK for example.
I travel in the City , bike paths & open roads I found to be importants Red light & white light on all the times. Many years ago had to many closed calls also I did ask other drivers what part is most importan the answer was Lights also dont be angry for little things screaming on Car drivers. Thank you for bring this up :) Good & Safe Rides :)
I feel like the pool noodle will invite hostility. They already think we’re entitled, law breaking jerks. Also, almost no one on the road is human to a motorist. Everything is an object with potential to impede progress until you do something like make eye contact.
Agree... it might even be some kind of violation of the rules in many countries... and for a certain type of driver it is like an invitation to have fun by hitting the noodle...
And often there are places where you need to squeeze through a tight spot or traffic, and you can't do that with something sticking out the side...
Glasses-mounted rear view mirror!!! Makes you look like a nerd but you can monitor anything approaching from behind. I occasionally wave drivers over (friendly) before they get to me if they appear to not be moving over.
Here's one I wish existed. How about a cel phone app that sends a warning tone to all nearby phones to alert drivers that a bicycle is nearby. (Because nobody looks at the road anymore)
I am not a bicycle. I am a human being who's riding a bicycle.
Anticipation and alertness is key especially when in bad weather. Same for when you are fatigued. It’s easy to put your head down and hammer away when the weather is bad or when you are tired. Not being alert due to fatigue or weather is a common mistake. It only takes a second for something to go wrong and response time can be critical. Take a break if you are fatigued, stay alert in bad weather especially.
As a cyclist yoy have the freedom to uae your right hand / arm for signaing a right turn and your left for a left turn. Why bother trying to use non-universal, universal signals?
Sound advice. Stay safe out there guys.
That's cool to see my home in Sardinia googled in your video, thanks!
A few tips from a UK cyclist: NEVER squeeze up the sides of ANY vehicles that are waiting at a junction, the drivers are looking forward for their exit - left or right, not what's come from behind in the narrow space at the roadside. If you're ahead of the traffic and about to reach a junction, 'CLAIM YOUR SPACE IN THE LANE' - move nearer the centre of the lane as you approach the (stop point - giveway) junction, drivers behind can see you and see if you're about to go straight on or turn using CLEAR HAND SIGNALS. And ALWAYS wear a hi-viz jacket/vest in heavy or fast moving traffic - you might look like a dick in a yellow vest, but at least drivers should be able to SEE YOU looking like one. Finally, ENJOY the rough with the smooth of cycling adventures, even if you cause a bit of a traffic jam going up a hill, then so be it. All road users get there eventually... 🙏🏽
I ride in west Texas. 75mph 2 lane roads with narrow shoulders. Since I ride often on the same few routes most who drive on these roads are familiar with me and give me the entire lane. A friend told me to weave into the lane and hold 1 arm over my head. It works in sparse traffic. But I wear hi viz jersey and have a daytime taillight and headlight. Thanks for the good pointers!
You left out the most important visibility point. Make sure you are in the eyeline of other road users. That means keep out of the gutter, at least 2 feet, usually 3. Also, don't ride unnecessarily far out , 4 ft max.
A Flag. A Wheel.
When on quiet and non automobile routes the pool noodle can ride on the flagpole.
Pulling the flagpole provides a whippy stick that dog noses will not like. Before that it can also make a whooshing sound that most dogs will fear.
A quick release wheel grasped by the spokes at the hub with the axle in the palm is a shield against a dog that just won't quit and can allow the pokey end of the flagpole through for poking deterrence. Before any of that I usually try the empty aluminum can drop distraction and will often travel with one handy for this specific purpose.
Love the bloopers. Oh, and the content.
Another thing is, some drivers cause bikers to develop bad responses and habits.
Take for example, drivers who just chuck the beer bottles through the windows. This causes loads of splinters to settle in the corner lane and that forces riders out into the road,
Also, some drivers hug the curb in traffic. This causes cyclists to weave out in to the outer road between traffic.
Be mindful.
Daily bike commuter and bike packer here. I don't know if it works in all countries, but at least in Europe when cycling in a city, take the whole lane by cycling in the middle of it. Then you force cars to stay behind you, and not pass too close or cut you off. Do this only on small roads where the speed difference is not to great!
I've heard of the pool noodle, but not taken it to extend to click stands! Very good idea.
Know when to take lane. Sometimes sqeezing to the right encourages drives to thread between you and oncoming. Safer to take the whole lane until it is safe for them to pass. Also know when to direct traffic with palm out or wave them through when safe to pass.
you waving me on matters not to me. we are all responsible for our own actions. if you wave and i crash, thats on me. its like cars that leave breaks in traffic so someone can turn left, the onus is on the turning car to do so safely
I'm a big fan of White light "tail lights". Although not red it will be seen further away. Regarding opening doors - kids and dogs jump out as well. You didn't discuss noise or music. When I here a motorcycle with the tunes cranked I am more aware there's something out there. Kinda like those annoying back-up buzzers on trucks & busses. Great Job, Funn video and I loved the bloopers - Yes I have hands too, Lol! Safe Travels!!
Use mirrors! Place small flashing light also at the end of your " pool noodtle" and lights on back of your helmet. That way as the height of your body can be utilized .
Two things, one is if at all possible never ride towards a rising or setting sun. Cars are totally blinded at times. Two is for me anyway to always run a Garmin Varia radar tail light! I carry a spare if I’m doing over a five hour ride, their approximate battery life.
I just use bikes to commute and wander with the family. When we're in group (2 or more bikes) I always ask for keeping the group during crossings and roundabouts as cars must not find a spot to get in between bikes. Crossings are done all together. Being part of a group is safer than being alone.
Excellent video. You left out (intentionally?) the "elephant in the room". Obeying traffic laws! Cyclists that don't stop at stop signs or traffic lights are 1) unsafe, and 2) the worst ambassadors. They propagate a lack of respect for cyclists...the last thing we need. One last point, I always ride out in the street to be seen. You addressed this with the weaving in-and-out of parked vehicles and making room for people opening doors.
This isn't an elephant in any room.
Respect for cyclists is meaningless and worthless, because no other user group seems to require respect, and no one is an ambassador for anyone else. If a person breaks a rule or law, be it walking, riding a bike, horse or motorcycle, or in a boat or driving a car, that's on them, and doesn't reflect on anyone else.
Unfortunately motor vehicle drivers unused to seeing bicyclists stereotype cyclists as an excuse for their own bad behavior toward cyclists, which results in more danger and less respect for all cyclists. As cyclists we see lots of motor vehicle drivers so we know they aren't all jerks or inattentive, so I think we don't stereotype them that way - but it only takes one bad driver to kill you. I'm thinking cyclists should all be offered free cameras by the government, for continuous broadcasting of the traffic around them, streamed live to central servers. That would quickly build a database showing which car drivers are abusive/dangerous so their driver's licenses could be revoked and, no longer piloting metal monsters, they could join us as cyclists - it would keep us cyclists safe and make them healthier too.
Best approach strongly depends on the circumstances, so situational awareness is important. What often works well, position yourself aggressively by riding in the middle of the lane. It improves visibility, encourages cars to slow down and to overtake when traffic allows it instead of squeezing between the bike and opposing traffic. If there is a good reason for it, you can always move to the side. The children's toy is nice, but in my experience a flapping flag or cloth works better, it introduces some unpredictability encouraging cars to give more space.
Most scary experience some half decent potholed low traffic road in Cameroon, cars swerved from one side of the road to the other to avoid potholes. Result, cars driving with a significant speed straight at me.
May not be feasible on a long bike trip, but for my day trips I use a rear light/radar system that is hooked up via Bluetooth to the navigation system that lets me know via audio and sight that there is a car(s) behind me and if they are coming at a "normal" speed or a high rate of speed. It does not alleviate my responsibility of looking over my shoulder or being aware of cars behind me before I, for example, switch lanes or go across the road diagonally, but it is another "tool" that I use, whereby I look down at my navigation system for any indication that there might be a car, I listen and I then look over my shoulder and then indicate with my arm that I am coming out of the end of the bicycle lane onto the road. It has three modes no light, flashing mode, or continuous light.
radar, shoulder check and mirrors are good, dont rely on listening, as it has been pointed out, electric cars are a game changer
I'd say also on the long highways .if the road isn't that wide and not much traffic .its wise to get off the road if larger trucks is passing. They could have been driving long hours or just wont see you .
As continuing to be a Car Driver for Lyft and Uber I will say this with truth: The INNER FOLD are reckless, careless, and are full of disobedience when it comes to obeying simple signs, and lights on the road to help lessen car accidents. Here in Vegas a lot of them (car drivers) make up their own rules on the road and we have at least three car accidents everyday in this region of Nevada.
TBH, all road users are 'full of disobedience' be it not complete stops, jumping or running lights and each point the finger at the other to point out how bad they. hey, i do it too, either riding or driving
Great tips.
I'd add one more: use a mirror.
I've been using one for >50 years and feel very safe in traffic knowing what's behind me.
If I ride a bike without a mirror, I feel vulnerable.
Would you drive a car without using mirrors? I wouldn't!
Would you ride a motorcycle without using mirrors? I wouldn't!
These are the reasons I have mirrors on all of my 🚴
Great tip!
If the lane is not wide enough for a bike and a car safely at the same time, you need to own that lane. Let the cars pass as if they were passing a car. I like just right of lane center since it still seems like I'm on the right side, but I can't be passed unsafely within the lane.
That last one though!
intersections with traffic lights. Utah is horrible for running red lights. I was at an intersection. the light had 😅changed for my side to cross. there was a yellow blinking arrow which means “watch oncoming traffic before turning😮 left.” I did, but a driver blew thru the intersection with a red light. I happened to have my Go Pro running as I do at all Utah intersections. Captured his license plate number. Turned it into the cops. They found him later. Gotta a citation. I run cycling cameras front and rear especially on narrow roads and on city streets. Great vid.
Smple solution: USA AND Denmark should copy the infrastructure AND culture of the Netherlands. Simple, but very hard mentally for most Danes…and probably also for a car dependent USA.
I have never seen a hand signal like that. My cycling proficiency taught me it should be arm fully stretched with the back of the hand faceing the vehicles behind.
Great tips, thanks for sharing!
In most European countries, I prefer riding about 1 meter from the side of the road, so traffic coming from behind will have to slow down somewhat. Then I will gladly move a bit more to the side to let them pass.
Definitely take the eye protection. I have a damaged eye on the 'passing traffic' side, so have great difficulty checking behind for oncoming traffic. Protect those eyes! (also stops flies getting in your eye).
Also get a side view mirror.
I'm a great believer in the 'unkempt' look of the flappy high vis jacket.
As a car driver the unpredictability of certain stereotypical cyclist types means that some get more care and attention, in the same way that bushes and walls are treated differently (you can scrape a bush, but not a wall) Work with the stereotypes when it helps you.
(and don't forget you are trying to affect the 5% 'bad' drivers, not the typical driver that misses you! i.e. averages, as reported in studies, aren't the problem)
A big one you didn't mention. A mirror. I wear one on my helmet, have done so for 35 years. I can see everything behind me with it, I move my head and can scan. I can't ride without it
nice video and good tips. But I might add a helmet or glasses mounted mirror is my #1 safety equipment. I was cringing every time I saw you looking over your shoulder to see what was behind you. handlebar mounted mirrors, IMHO, are pretty much useless. every time you turn or move handlebar you lose field of view of what's behind you.
The standard hand signals are usually not undestood by drivers, and even when they are, they make you look dorky and you get no respect.
I make a fist and point my finger and pump my arm, and this seems to get a very positive response from drivers. And for some reason pointing slightly down at the road instead of perpendicularly into the air seems to enhance understanding, even with people who have never seen a cyclist signaling before ever in their life.
And when i see that they understand and respond appropriately, i change the fist into a thumbs-up, and they seem to appreciate that.
Studies found out that Light green is the best visible colour. A bit neon green. Better than yellow or white. Red doesn’t work well as some people are colourblind.
Yuo guys have a funny way of bieng serious. Cheers!
Thanks!
Hello, some time ago I found a video by a youtuber titled ‘Invisibility Training for Motorcyclists’. As a keen cyclist I found it very interesting, and I hope you won’t mind me sharing it.
All good advice , but I always wear a helmet. My life was saved by my helmet, and it hung in two pieces by the strap in my garage. I had a skull fracture, 3 missing days of memory, and concussion but the doctors told me it saved my life. Also, when on slow speed rural dirt roads with tight right corners where overtaking cars often go too fast and hug the inside of the lane can't see you in time to adjust. I've hard one car hit me and another run me off the road, in this situation. If I can see far enough back that there are no vehicles, I stay on the right but if it is a steep hill, I'm going really slow, and I don't have that visibility, I go to the far left of the road before the corner and back to the right maybe 50M after the corner straightens out. I have had one old couple that stopped and motioned me to the right, but otherwise never had a problem with this approach. I've ridden regularly including racing, touring and bike packing for 50 years.
Tremendous and hilarious all in one 😂🎉😮
Keeping to the most side of your lane is not allways a good option. Sometimes drivers will take advantage of your secondary position and close pass you instead of waiting for traffic in front to pass and use the other lane to overtake you safely. Its about keeping each others safe and not going as fast as we can.
That hand signal for turning right would confuse the heck out of me, how illogical to use your left arm to signal you are turning right! Here (Netherlands) we put out left arm straight out when we are going left, and put out right arm straight out when we are going right.
Also i have never seen that ‘slow down’ signal, we dont really have a signal for that but i would make an movement from up to down with my hand if i wanted someone to slow down. (For example if an animal is crossing the road and i know the vehicle behind me can not see it.)
Same in Italy
its prolly a north american thing for using left arm for everything. i could see the slow down signal being being confused with with a either a stop or left turn signal
Riding too close to the edge of the road is also dangerous, because it encourages car drivers to ‚slip by‘ you. Especially on smaller roads, or also on wider roads with line seperated lanes. If they have to overtake you correctly, they are fine. But if they think they can just slip by without crossing the lane line or steering a bit to the left, some will try. And that can be very close and dangerous. Plus there is rubbish, branches, gravel and manhole covers at the edge of the road. So in my experience, you are safer (and within the law) when cycling with a litte space from the edge line of the road.
Great stuff😀👍
Thanks!
I’m a cyclist also I had a few Close calls most people don’t pay attention while driving a Motor vehicle & I notice people texting and driving
Great video! I really like the tip about weaving in and out of parked cars. I’m guilty of this and had not thought about it from a driver’s perspective.
I wear a mirror on my helmet to watch for cars coming from behind. When I see one, I use my left hand to give them a little wave. This serves two purposes: (1) It let’s them know I’m aware of their presence and (2) Shows I’m a person on a bike (and not just an object). In my experience, drivers give me much more room when passing when I do the wave 😊
Another reason for riding in the lane is that you are more visible from a distance. Drivers are more likely to see you if you’re in the lane. If you hug the shoulder, you look like a mailbox or some object at the side of the road.
If it’s not safe to pass, I ride in the middle of the lane. Once it is safe to pass me, I move to the right and give the driver a “thank you” wave.
the video showing it really brought home the fact of disappearing from view
A few very good points but on a couple of shots you where almost off the road. Not only does this risk being thrown off by pot holes and drain covers and prone to punctures it also gives you nowhere to go/wobble room. Drivers will take as much if not more room than you give so give a little less without being selfish. Keep safe & happy travails
As a compulsive cyclist who has ridden hundreds of thousands of miles, all on the roads, I always ride :
1. With a mirror- watching every car approaching from behind. People who don't do this, don't make it to hundreds of thousands of miles. They end up as road kill.
2. Six or Seven feet from the edge, whether that is a shoulder or not.
3. Moving over to 2 feet from the edge as the car behind approaches. They appreciate this A LOT, as it shows them that you see them coming, and are being courteous to them.
4. Taking advantage of all the advantages of being on a bike. I don't stop for anything as long as it's safe. Look both ways sure, but stop signs and lights don't stop me if there's no cross traffic. I can commute in a city just as fast on my bike as in a car, sometimes faster, but always be on the safe side. Watch EVERY car and see what they are doing. Don't assume they will stop or yield to you when they should.
4.5. Getting good mileage-usually about 40 MPC miles per cheeseburger. When I get to the store, I don't need to park. I go right in and put the bike inside. Most stores seem to be fine with this.
5. Carrying almost nothing. I can't believe these people who commute or tour with tent, many clothes, sleeping bag, stove, food, OMG. Leave IT ALL at home. Plenty of food everywhere you go. People are always cooking out. Hungry? stop and offer them a dollar. Everyone is so nice to a cyclist. They always give you a free burger or hot dog. You need ONE set of clothes, the stuff you have on. Easy enough to wash it in a restroom or with a hose. You just don't need to carry a house with you. Easy to find a shelter. They are everywhere. Any out of business building with a carport, or even an operating business after hours, a park, or even a nice field. You lean your bike against a tree, or fence or something and then you lie down leaning against the bike. Easy to catch a few hours of sleep that way, during whatever part of the day is the right temp for sleeping.
6. Avoiding headwinds. On a given day while touring, if the wind is from the west I will ride north or south. Headwinds all day will take the joy out of a ride, unlike hills where there is usually a down after every up.
#6 Use a rear view mirror, either on the bike or on your helmet.
Mistake no. 4 should be the first one. You must assume as a cyclist that people (cars, pedestrians and cyclists) will screw up. "Right of way" thinking is useless. People will be looking at their smartphones, open their car door and not look both ways before crossing. Bus and truck drivers will not see you and be too close. Think of all the things that can go wrong and then assess how fast you can ride and where you should be in the road. If you see a bus behind you, consider pulling over in a driveway to let it pass. Even professional cyclists like Chris Froome get hit by cars because the driver is not looking. I'd say I've averted an accident like someone opening a car door or a person not looking, several dozen times.
A great tool to see the alternative roads is GPS visualizer. You can see an area under several different maps just by selecting a pull down menu, create a trace and save it as a .kml or .gpx which can be viewed on an offline map. A high vis vest is a must for this type of riding in traffic, because it is on you, much higher up than anything else. In certain parts of Europe it is required by law for night riding.
TLDR: ride defensively and assume that other road users are idiots and haven’t / can’t see you.
Apart from getting something fly up from a car into your eyes, glasses also prevent insects or dust, a insect hitting you in the eye on a busy road could prove fatel 👀👍