Bike Shop Ontario: Common crashes#9: Rear End

Our bike shop Ontario is posting tips from Bicyclesafe.com about avoiding the most common bike crashes.

Crash #9: The Rear End
 

You steer slightly to the left to go around a parked car or some other obstruction in the road, and you get hit by an approaching car from the rear.

How to avoid this crash:

1. Never move left without checking behind you first. Some motorists will pass cyclists with only a few inches, so moving even slightly to the left could put you directly in their path. Practice riding a straight line while looking over your shoulder until you can do it perfectly. Many new cyclists have a tendency to move left when they look behind them, which obviously can easily cause one of these.

2. Don't swerve in and out of the parking lane if it contains any parked cars. It may seem like a good idea to ride in the parking lane, dipping back into the traffic lane when you see a parked car. This puts you at risk for a rear end accident. Instead, ride in a steady, straight line in the traffic lane.

3. Use a mirror. If you don't have one, get one from a bike shop (like ours). There are models available that fit on handlebars, helmet, or glasses. You should still physically look back over your shoulder before moving left, but having a mirror will help you monitor traffic.

4. Use turn signals. Never move left without signaling. Just put your left arm straight out.

Bike shop Chino Hills: Common Crashes #8

Our bike shop Chino Hills is doing a blog series revealing the most common bike crash situations, from Bicyclesafe.com, with tips to help you stay safe.

#8 The Left Cross
An approaching car makes a left turn right in front of you, without giving you room to stop, or slams directly into you. 

How to avoid this wreck:

 1. Never ride on the sidewalk. 

 When you come off the sidewalk to cross the street, you're not visible to turning motorists. It is generally much safer to ride in the street.

2. Get a headlight. Front headlights are necessary for safe night time riding. Also, you can be ticketed most places for not having one. They can increase your visibility in the day too.

3. Wear bright colored clothing, even during the day. Ok, maybe you prefer neutrals...but bikes are small and easy to see through even during the day. Yellow or orange reflective vests make a big difference in visibility. Reflective leg bands are also easy and inexpensive.

4. Do not pass on the right. Do not try to overtake slow-moving vehicles on the right. Doing this makes you invisible to left-turning motorists at intersections. Passing on the right is dangerous for a number of reasons. (see other posts in the series or check out Bicyclesafe.com)

5. Slow down. Try to make eye contact with the driver. If you can't catch their eye, slow down enough to completely stop if necessary. It is a pain, but it beats getting hit.