How to Ride a Bicycle in Traffic

Practicing Safe Driving

1. Try riding in parking lots first. If you haven't ridden much in traffic, parking lots are a good place to get some practice in. You'll be riding around cars, but at a much slower pace than you would be on the road.^[1]

   1. Work on pedaling between cars and stopping to let traffic pass you as needed.
   2. Make sure you are comfortable with your bike. You should be capable of performing all the basic operations, such as accelerating, changing gears, braking, looking over your shoulder, and signaling. Adjust things like the seat height and the brakes if you need to.

2. Start off on the easy side streets. When you decide to hit the road, stick to side streets at first. Don't try heavy traffic before you are used to traveling with cars. Gradually build up your stamina on larger roads by traveling them during quieter times. That way, you can familiarize yourself with the streets and any obstacles.

   1. For instance, go through neighborhood streets instead of the main thoroughfares.

3. Follow the flow of traffic. While you may prefer to see the traffic coming toward you, you must follow the rules of the road, too. In most areas, you're required to ride the same direction as the traffic. Doing so helps other drivers predict where you'll be on the road, making you safer.^[2]

4. Stay in the outside lane. In the United States, for instance, you generally stay in the right-hand lane at all times. That way, the cars on the road can more easily go around you, and you won't slow up the flow of traffic as much.^[3]

   1. You can move out of the lane when you need to for things like making a left-hand turn, passing a vehicle, or going around an obstacle.

5. Ride in a straight line. If you weave in and out, cars don't know what you're going to do next. By riding in a straight line in the center of the lane, you signal to the other drivers that your path is predictable.^[4]

   1. Unpredictability increases your chance of a crash because you're making drivers guess where you'll go next. If they guess wrong, you could end up in an accident.

6. Pay attention to traffic lights and signs. Just like cars, you have to stop at red lights and stop signs, as well as yield to oncoming traffic at times. Following these rules is important because it gives drivers a sense of what you're going to do next.^[5]

   1. For instance, if you come up to a 4-way stop with a car already there, the driver expects you to stop since it was there first. If you just run the stop sign, you risk getting in an accident with the car.

7. Use hand signals when changing lanes or turning. Since you don't have a turn signal on your bike, you have to use hand signals. To turn left, put your left arm straight out to the left. To turn right, you can either put your right arm straight out or bend your left arm at the elbow with your hand pointing up.^[6]

   1. To show you want to stop, bend your left arm at the elbow with your arm pointing down.

8. Make eye contact with drivers before turning or changing lanes. Unless you actually make eye contact with a driver, you can't be sure they see you. If they don't see you, they could turn or change lines and collide with you. Check to ensure they are looking into your eyes while you're signaling, then you can move lanes or turn.^[7]

9. Ride in bike lanes if they're available. Some roads will have lanes specifically for bikes, and you should always use them if they are available. Otherwise, ride on the main road in one of the primary lanes. In most areas, you have the right to use the road, and cars must go around you.^[8]

   1. Avoid riding on the sidewalks, as you can surprise drivers at intersections, leading to accidents.