| There's one big problem with using a bicycle to run | | | | be particularly alert around driveways, corners and |
| errands and go to work; it can be dangerous. Car | | | | parked cars. |
| drivers are often not that careful and you have minimal | | | | It's particularly easy for a bicycle rider to hit an opening |
| protection. Take these steps to protect yourself as | | | | car door. It's best if you approach a parked car from |
| you ride. | | | | far enough out that they have a good chance to see |
| 1. Keep your bicycle in good condition. | | | | you, you have to dodge only a little if a door does |
| Regular tuneups aren't just for cars. They do bikes a | | | | open, yet close enough in that you aren't at risk from |
| lot of good too. Keep your tires inflated and your | | | | cars driving by. Not everyone checks when they open |
| brakes in good condition. Bicycles are simple enough | | | | a car door along a street, and even if they do, a rider |
| that you may be inclined to learn how to do a tuneup | | | | coming up from right behind the car may not have |
| on your own, or you can take it a couple times a year | | | | been visible in time. |
| to the bike shop. How often you go will depend on | | | | Cars that are turning can be particularly dangerous. If |
| how much you ride your bike. | | | | they turn right, they may use the bike lane to get past |
| 2. Use appropriate safety gear. | | | | other cars. If you're passing in front of a driveway |
| Never, ever forget your helmet, and remember that | | | | there may be cars pulling out and turning that aren't |
| other safety gear can help too. But that helmet is vital! | | | | aware of you. If you don't think a car sees you, do |
| Bicycle helmets have saved many lives. | | | | your best to keep it from hitting you. |
| If you ride after dark or even just at dawn, dusk or | | | | 4. Remember the laws you need to follow too. |
| cloudy days, have appropriate lights and reflectors on | | | | People driving in cars aren't the only ones who fail to |
| your bicycle. These can make you more visible to cars | | | | follow the rules of the road. Bicyclists can too. Try to |
| even when conditions aren't perfect. | | | | not be in such a rush that you do unsafe things. You're |
| 3. Remember that car drivers often don't think about | | | | in more danger from cars than they are from you. |
| bike riders. | | | | 5. Don't hug the curb. |
| Sure, they're supposed to. But too many don't. It can | | | | It feels safer, but it's not. Riding too close to the curb |
| help to avoid busy roads as much as possible, and to | | | | makes you less visible to many drivers. |