May 14, 2008 - It’s not a revolution, not yet anyway, but clearly more people are commuting by bicycle. Friday is national Bike-to-Work Day, drawing even more attention to the trend.
There are more bicycles on the road than there were a year ago, more than even a couple of months ago. Soaring gasoline prices have convinced some people that it is time to minimize the number of miles driving a car and maximize travel on foot or on a bicycle.
Before you hop on the seat, review the rules and hazards of the road for cyclists.
Some Mistakes Bikers Make:
• Riding against the flow of traffic
• Failing to use signals when changing lanes or turning
• Riding too close to parked cars (stay at least 3 feet away)
• Not wearing a helmet
• Failing to obey stop signs, traffic lights and lane markings.
Some Mistakes Motorists Make:
• Following bicyclists too closely.
• Failing to reduce speed when encountering cyclists
• Tooting the horn when approaching cyclists
• Passing too close to cyclists
• Failing to look for cyclists when opening a car door.
Advice For Cyclists from the Experts:
• Ride in a straight line; don’t swerve in the road or between parked cars.
• Wear brightly colored clothing. Be visible.
• The average /bike/ commuter travels at 10 mph; the more you ride, the faster you get. • Try out your bike-to-work route on a weekend, when traffic is light, to pin down the best route and get a feel for what the commute will be like.
• Worried about being sweaty when you arrive at work? Ride at an easy pace to stay cool and dry.
• Ride home at a faster pace if you want a workout.
• Panniers, which look like saddlebags, are a good choice for carrying things to and from work.
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