Appendix F: Bicycling In Traffic - Diamondback Bicycle Owner's Manual

APPENdIx f
Bicycling in traffic
Obey traffic signs & signals –
Bicycles must drive like other
vehicles if they are to be taken
seriously by motorists.
Don't weave between parked
cars – Don't ride out to the curb
between parked cars unless they
are far apart. Motorists may not
see you when you try to move
back into traffic.
Don't pass on the right – Motorists
may not look for, or see a bicycle
passing on the right.
Avoid road hazards – Watch out for
parallel slat sewer grates, slippery
manhole covers, oily pavement, gravel
and ice. Cross railroad tracks carefully
at right angles. To get better control
as you move across bumps and other
hazards, stand up on your pedals.
Never ride against traffic – Motorists
aren't looking for bicyclists riding on
the wrong side of the road.
Ride in middle of lane in slow
traffic – Get in the middle of the
lane at busy intersections and
whenever you are moving at the
same speed as traffic.
Go slow on sidewalks – Pedestrians have
the right of way. By law, you must give pe-
destrians audible warning when you pass.
Don't cross driveways or intersections
without slowing to a walkers' pace and
looking very carefully for traffic (especially
traffic turning right on a green light).
Keep both hands ready to brace –
You may not stop in time if you
brake one-handed. Allow extra
distance for stopping in the rain,
since brakes are less efficient
when wet.
Use hand signals – Hand signals,
using your left arm, tells motorists
what you intend to do. Signal as a
matter of law, courtesy, and safety.
Follow lane markings – Don't
turn left from right lane. Don't
go straight in a lane marked as
Right Turn Only.
Watch for cars pulling out – Make
eye contact with driver. Assume
they don't see you until you are
sure they do.
Watch for chasing dogs – Ignore
them or try a firm "NO!" If the dog
doesn't stop, dismount with your
bike between you and the dog.
Dogs are attracted to spinning
wheels and feet.
Ride in a straight line – Whenever
possible, ride in a straight line, to
the right of traffic, but about a door's
width away from parked cars.
Choose best way to turn left – There
are two ways to make a left turn.
#1 Like an auto – Signal, move into
the left lane and turn left. #2 Like a
pedestrian – Ride straight to the far
side crosswalk. Dismount and walk
your bike across.
Scan the road behind – Learn to
look back over your shoulder without
losing your balance or swerving left.
Some riders use rear view mirrors.
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