Rules for the Road

It may sound crazy, but cyclists should try to make life easier for motorists. After all, it's in our self-interest to make the road a safer, more pleasant place. Here are eight easy ways to minimize the chance of conflict. These are particularly effective for new or casual cyclists who have yet to develop the necessary confidence, fitness or bike-handling ability to be assertive in traffic.

1. Keep right. This most basic rule of sharing the road with motor vehicles is the one that cyclists are most casual about. If there's a wide, clean shoulder, use it. Barring potholes, storm grates, parked cars, glass and other hazards, it's usually easier (and safer) to ride to the right. If there is no safe shoulder, ride as far to the left of the white line as it takes to prevent drivers from attempting to squeeze past and put you in danger. Just avoid being in the traffic flow for no apparent reason.
2. Use common sense about riding abreast. It's enjoyable to ride side-by-side with a companion and carry on a conversation. But road and traffic conditions may be such that vehicles back up behind you when they could otherwise get by. It's usually best to restrict side-by-side riding to quiet, secondary roads. Even if you're alone, traffic may back up, especially on narrow, winding roads with limited visibility. Wave vehicles to come around when the path is clear.
3. Don't force vehicles to repass you needlessly. Let's say you're riding along a narrow, busy road and motorists are having trouble getting by. There are half a dozen waiting at the next red light, all of whom have already patiently overtaken you. Do you maintain your place in line, or do you zip past everyone on the right so you'll get the jump when the light changes? If you do the latter, you might gain 50 feet and save a few seconds, but you'll also probably create six antibicyclists when they get caught behind you again. Admittedly, the scenario becomes trickier if, by hanging back, you miss the light. There are two tactful ways around this: One is to only move up in line far enough to just make the light. The other is to ride to the light, but move out slowly and slightly to the right when it turns green, letting the cars through the intersection first. One other courtesy at traffic lights: Avoid blocking drivers who want to turn right on red.
4. Ride predictably. This one's easy. Ride in a straight line when you're cruising and use hand signals when turning or changing lanes. If you're riding erratically, it's difficult for drivers to know when to pass. They may let several relatively safe opportunities go by before becoming exasperated and taking a dangerous chance. Hand signals are a courtesy and an important part of safe cycling. Point with your left arm for a left turn, and your right arm for a right turn. Motorists feel more comfortable dealing with cyclists who communicate their intentions. More important, drivers tend to show them more respect.
5. Avoid busy roads. It's surprising how often you see cyclists on a busy highway, ruffling the delicate feathers of already edgy commuters. An alternate route doesn't have to be a residential street with stop signs every other block or a glass-littered, jogger-strewn bike path. Examine a detailed map of your area and you'll probably be surprised at the relatively quiet roads available nearby.
6. Make yourself visible. In conditions where motorists might not readily see you (an overcast day, for example), it's a courtesy and plain good sense to wear brightly colored clothes. Drivers will never blame themselves when they almost pull into your path after a too-casual look. Unfair, yes; but you can greatly enhance your safety by dressing to be seen. At night, it's a different story. Drivers who encounter cyclists riding without lights, reflectors and light-colored clothes are right to consider them menaces.
7. Be careful about "provocative" actions. At a red light, even friendly drivers are likely to be irritated by a cyclist riding in circles in front of them. Similarly, if you lean on a vehicle at a stoplight, be aware that some drivers consider their cars extensions of themselves. You wouldn't want anyone leaning on your bike, would you?
8. Return the favor.Cyclists come to appreciate little unexpected courtesies from motorists. For instance, we all nod a thank you to the driver who has the right-of-way but waves us through anyway. Try returning the favor. You might, for example, motion a driver to make his turn in front of you if you'll be slow getting under way. Who knows? That driver might look a bit more favorably on the next cyclist down the road