As another cyclist death on Toronto streets focuses attention on the dangers to riders, here are a few strategies that can make life safer for those who ride.
Be alert and ride defensively
Drivers aren’t out to kill you, but ride as if they are. Be conscious of potential hazards, scan the road ahead for potholes, street car tracks, cars pulling out, pedestrians about to cross the road etc. Leave enough space between parked cars so should a door open it won’t hit you.
Don’t trust drivers to signal turning, be particularly cautious overtaking on the curbside when approaching right hand turns, if it’s a truck, hang back until you’re past the turn
Be prepared to stop, make sure your brakes work and travel at a speed appropriate to the situation, allow for a longer stopping distance if it’s wet.
Ride predictably
Pick your line and don’t weave in and out of traffic. At intersections try and make eye contact with drivers so you can be sure they’ve seen you. Signal your turns.
Give other cyclists room
It’s bad enough when cars overtake too closely, don’t be the asshole on a bike who does the same thing.
Ride visibly
Lights are essential after dark, and useful on dull rainy days, without them you’re pretty much invisible. Reflective tape on your bike is cheap and effective. Consider what you’re wearing,
Ride lawfully
If you’re blasting through red lights and riding to wrong way down one way streets it’s just a matter of time before you have an accident. If cyclists are to gain respect from motorists, we have to ride responsibly, and act as if we value out own lives.
Slow down
You’re most at risk when rushing – trying to beat a changing light or turning left in front of on coming traffic, slow down and get home unscathed.
Use an appropriate bike
Is a brakeless track bike really the best way to get around a the city?
Choose your route
Changing your route by a couple of blocks can make all the difference, try and choose roads already popular with cyclists so drivers will be used to sharing the road. The Toronto cycling map shows bike paths and recommended routes. Ride the City is an interactive route planner and its suggestions are normally pretty good.
Wear a helmet
It could save your life.
