The warmer weather beckons avid cyclists to dig out their bikes again. As you do so, it is important that you not only don your protective gear, but that you also stay mindful of safe cycling habits.
Though you hope that drivers share the road safely, there are some who do not drive defensively and create dangerous situations, even accidents. To help avoid such situations, there are a few things that you should look out for.
Opening doors and street parking
People entering and exiting their vehicles can be particularly hazardous to cyclists, especially if the driver is not paying attention. The same is true for drivers entering into traffic from parking along the street. Therefore, it is up to you to be vigilant. According to the traffic laws, cyclists have the right to ride in the street. If you would rather ride along the right side of the lane, it is important to watch ahead for drivers entering and exiting their vehicles or traffic.
Driveways
Similar to opening a car door, some drivers are not as cautious as they should be when exiting their driveways. In some cases, even alert drivers may miss cyclists who are riding along in their blind spots. With this in mind, it is important for you to be aware when riding in areas with several driveways. If there are quite a few driveways down a block, it may be best to simply ride in the street.
Drivers turning
When drivers underestimate their proximity to a cyclist, it can create a dangerous situation. This is particularly true when drivers pass cyclists or turn in front of them. In such instances, you may only have a few seconds to react, in which case a hard turn or braking may be your only options to prevent serious harm.
These are just a few tactics to help avoid car accidents while cycling. Though it puts quite a bit of responsibility on you, being so vigilant helps to protect you from serious injuries.