SAFETY TIPS

One of the main reasons people give for why they don't bike is; "Because it's dangerous". Riding a 40 pound bicycle on the same road as multi-ton vehicles can be a bit disconserting for even seasoned riders, so I have decided to make a list of a few of the most important things you can do to stay safe.

Use Hand Jestures

The biggest complaint of drivers is they just don't know what us zaney bicyclists are going to do. We dodge in and out of traffic, blow through stop signs and red lights and do all manner of crazy things that automobile drivers just can't prepare for.

One of the best things you can do to prevent an accident is use hand jestures. Most of you should already know the ones I am talking about. They are the same jestures used for car drivers. Hand jestures are used primarily with the left hand. Whenever possible, always use hand jestures when turning. Stopping, not so much, mainly because most bike riders need both hands on the breaks. You can also use the right hand to indicate a right turn, but do this only if you are sure that drivers can see it.

If You Don't Know, Follow The Rules For Cars

Most bicyclists are not legal experts on bicycle law, and bicycle law can vary from place to place. However, a good rule of thumb is, if you are unaware of what the bicycle law is, treat yourself as if you were driving a car.

If something is illegal in a car, more often than not, it's illegal on a bike. This is especially true in Oregon where most vehicle laws also apply to bicycles.

Traffic Lights & Signs Apply To You Too

We've all seen it, bicyclists blazing through stop signs and red lights like they weren't even there. This is probably the most common (and stupid) thing bicyclists do. In Oregon, it's just as illegal for a bicycle to run a red light as it is a car (the ticket is just as big as well).

This is also probably the biggest killer of bicyclists also. Riders taking a cursory look at an intersection and not seeing that semi-truck coming through. End result; and the rider gets squashed like a bug.

The plain and simple of it is; Just don't do it. Saving 30 seconds during your ride is not worth a trip to the hospital, or worse.

Assume You're Invisible

No matter how much us riders complain, the reality is; Automobile drivers are NOT always going to see you. Car drivers cut me off nearly every day and 99% of the time it's not malicious, they just don't see me. There's no use getting mad about it, just assume that they will and prepare for it when you're in a car's blind spot. Trust me, you'll have a lot more enjoyable riding experience if you're not road raging because drivers are too busy getting to work, talking on their cell phones or drinking their Latte's.

You May Have Right Of Way, But What Good Is It If You're Dead?

It's true, bikes do have the right of way on most streets, but as I mentioned before, a 40 pound bicycle is not going to stand up against a 2 ton car, traveling at 20+ miles an hour. If you know a mathematician, have him or her crunch the numbers and see how much kenetic energy that is. I can guarantee you it's enough to easily kill a Human Being.

Don't expect cars and other vehicles to give you the right of way just because the law says you have it. Sure you could sue them, or more accurately, it'll probably be your next of kin doing the suing...

Maintain Those Brakes

In the hilly environment that is Portland, strong brakes are a bikers #1 safety system. If your brakes fail coming down a hill with a busy intersection at the bottom, lets just say the results wont be pretty. Always ride a bike with both a front and a back brake and make sure either brake can stop you in case the other one fails.

If you have "V" or "U" brakes, make sure the pads are aligned with the wheel rim and that the entire pad makes contact with the surface. If you have the option, consider getting disc brakes, they are safer, have more stopping power and are less prone to misalignment.

Bicycle Bells

In Oregon, it's a legal requirement to notify people or other bikers, that you intend to pass. Many bikers just use the phrase "On Your Left!" but honestly, I find that this causes more problems than it solves since any intended audience cant tell weather this is an informative statement "I am coming up on your left." or a command "Get over to the left.". Many times you will see people dance a little jig as their mind processesses the statement.

A simple bicycle bell, which can be purchased for around $10 at any bicycle shop, is a much better option. They are usually much easier to hear than someone calling out down wind and from behind. And the sound is a lot less 'hostile', you might say. A few gentle rings of the bell and most people will automatically scoot over to the side without even thinking about it.

High Visibility Equipment (IE Lights & Reflective Gear)

Most bikers are pretty good about this. Making sure you are easy to see is the first step in making sure you don't wind up like the poor, unfortunate squirrel that tried to cross the road.

Oregon law sates that bikers which ride at night must be equipped with one forward mounted white light and one rear mounted red tail light (just like a car or motorcycle). During the daytime, this equipment is not required and simple reflectors suffice. However, in this instance, there is no such thing as "too much of a good thing". Bright colored clothes or some of that ultra-reflective bike wear will help too.

But keep in mind this; reflective items require that the car thats coming up on you have working lights (or at least, lights that are on). This is not always the case. Since it's your hide on the line here, I'd suggest spending the $10 to buy a battery powered tail light.

In my personal opinion, the more you look like the inside of a dance club, the better!