All Questions
49 questions
78
votes
11
answers
29k
views
Why is it safer to bike with traffic, instead of facing oncoming cars?
There has been an ongoing debate in my area's local newspaper, regarding biking with vs. against the flow of traffic. A recent incident in which a cyclist was hit from behind, and later died of his ...
- 3,893
59
votes
30
answers
15k
views
How can I make my bike (and myself) visible at night?
By winter I will be commuting on my bike at night. How can I make my bike as visible as possible to all car drivers?
- 1,827
55
votes
17
answers
10k
views
How to get over anger at inconsiderate drivers
Fortunately, I have very few strongly negative interactions with cars (most people generally seem to respect the way I ride), but those that do stick with me for a while.
The scenario is almost ...
- 763
48
votes
16
answers
10k
views
Best ways to avoid getting hit by cars?
When riding through city traffic, what are the best ways to increase the chance you are seen, given a bit of space, and are not touched by any vehicles?
- 5,528
35
votes
9
answers
2k
views
How can I be visible in the dark when I'm signalling a turn?
My bike and I are fairly visible at night--white light in front, red light in the back, bright yellow fenders, reflective tabs and a light on my helmet. I use hand signals to alert motorists when I'm ...
- 3,880
33
votes
10
answers
5k
views
Which states or countries have stop-sign-as-yield laws for bicyclists (Idaho stop law)?
In Idaho (PDF), bicyclists are allowed to treat stop signs as yields, and red lights as stop signs (essentially; see the actual law for details). This seems like a very reasonable approach, balancing ...
- 4,304
32
votes
8
answers
8k
views
How to indicate you are going straight?
I live in a country where people drives on the right.
Say I am riding my bike like this:
- main road
vvvv
vvvv - narrow path
vvvv vv
\ \ | |
\ \ |* | &...
- 423
30
votes
10
answers
11k
views
Arguments for/against bike lanes?
What are the arguments for and against bike lanes? Can anyone summarize the best reasons they're good for and bad for cyclists and automobile drivers?
For example, Are there some environments ...
- 18.1k
27
votes
4
answers
3k
views
Staying out of the blind spot of a truck that has camera "mirrors"?
As a little kid, I learned a simple rule when cycling around trucks, vans and buses to stay out of their blind spot: "If you can see the driver, the driver can see you". When stopping at an ...
- 375
26
votes
12
answers
1k
views
Safety guidelines for cycling in traffic
Please post your safety tips for cycling/commuting that should help you get to your destination place in one piece.
I came across a nice printed guideline a few years ago when working as courier, it ...
- 941
25
votes
2
answers
3k
views
Passing cars on the right, and later merging into their lane
My commute takes me along a fairly busy road, with 4 lanes of traffic and parked cars along most of it. There are no bike lanes, but in some places, it's wide enough that I can easily pass traffic on ...
- 4,304
24
votes
9
answers
4k
views
What are some alternatives to fruitlessly ringing my bell at a motorist?
I doubt that motor-vehicle drivers can hear the "ding" sound that a bicycle bell makes. What are some better alternatives?
23
votes
5
answers
4k
views
Is my stopping dangerous when Idaho Stop is de facto but not legal?
I've been bike commuting in the East Bay Area of California (5mi/day, plus public transport) for a few weeks now.
I recently attended an in-class safety course, where I learned the fine for not ...
- 341
20
votes
8
answers
7k
views
Bicycling and a Right Turn Only Lane?
When commuting with a bike I usually stick to the right lane (I am based in the USA). When approaching a right turn only lane while biking, should I stay in the turn lane and signal to the car behind ...
- 655
19
votes
10
answers
5k
views
Should cyclists on a bike path separated from the road overtake each other on the right or on the left?
I am going to assume right side traffic for this question. Switch all the left and right if you are in the UK. If you are cycling on a road with or without a designated bicycle lane you should stick ...
- 456
16
votes
4
answers
6k
views
Does it make sense to complain to companies about bad driving?
On my commute in this morning I found myself in another situation where I was in conflict with another road user. (Briefly, a truck and I arrived at a roundabout at a roughly similar time, but I was ...
- 11.9k
16
votes
4
answers
992
views
What is the best way to approach train tracks?
I commute on my bike through an industrial area and cross many train tracks. They very in degrees: most are perpendicular to the road, but some have a very low angle.
This question is two part:
What ...
- 636
15
votes
9
answers
2k
views
Is cycling in the Netherlands without a helmet safer than cycling with a helmet in the USA?
We moved to Netherlands and no one seems to wear a helmet. My teenage child did have a helmet but said she lost it. When my wife wanted buy her a new helmet, my daughter said she will refuse to wear ...
- 175
14
votes
4
answers
3k
views
Determining if a road is safe to bike on
How do you determine which roads are safe to ride on and which should be avoided? What traffic patterns do you feel comfortable riding in, and which ones set off alarms? What sorts of intersections do ...
- 4,304
12
votes
6
answers
10k
views
Is it legal to pass a car on the right when that car is turning?
So I've been poring over the bikes SE, and as a recreational biker and an automobile commuter, I'm naturally most interested in topics addressing how bikes interact with automotive traffic.
In one ...
- 223
12
votes
2
answers
5k
views
What do you do when a bus stops in front of you?
When a double decker bus stops in front of you, what do you do? Is it safe to attempt to overtake the bus?
- 2,574
12
votes
2
answers
2k
views
What is the proper technique for crossing railroad tracks?
I cross railroads as perpendicularly as is possible, but that's all I know to do. Safety is a priority, speed not so much. Specifically:
Is there an optimum speed?
Should you pedal through them ...
- 223
10
votes
4
answers
415
views
Supervising a beginner in traffic
Let's say you persuade some significant other to ride with you in the city. You both have good bikes, they are inexperienced, and you are (I am) used to commuting, including in traffic.
How do you ...
- 12.3k
10
votes
2
answers
4k
views
How do you ride on a road that doesn't have a bicycle lane?
I live in Washington State and here the law states cyclists have the choice to ride on the sidewalks, bicycle lane, or on the road with other traffic. I usually just ride to school and back, which is ...
user7156
8
votes
1
answer
5k
views
What is the best time to cycle during the day (traffic)?
I started cycling a year ago and I have a favourite route for my time trial training since it is very hilly. However, I cycle on a major road (just outside town) and thus I like to cycle when it is ...
- 234
7
votes
6
answers
1k
views
Left Turn Across Major Intersection
I'm new at biking, and have seen many examples of left-turn situations, but none that quite match this one. Simply, what is the proper / best way to complete the turn pictured below, or is it smarter ...
- 173
7
votes
4
answers
1k
views
How far do I “pull over” in a bike lane?
If I am riding down a marked bike lane on a road which is adjacent to the curb, and I need to stop for a very short time (e.g. to adjust something, turn on lights, or drink some water), how far should ...
- 387
7
votes
4
answers
1k
views
How to deal with motorist's road rage (after prevention has failed)
A few weeks ago I had my first experience where I really worried for my well-being at the hands of an angry motorist-- so, what can a cyclist do when being threatened and followed by a motorist?
...
- 3,535
7
votes
3
answers
2k
views
How to cross major road 3 way intersection
I'm curious about the best way to get across this intersection. I will be traveling north (top of the picture is north), and want to turn left at this light. Path indicated by red arrows. As can be ...
- 173
7
votes
2
answers
394
views
How to get back on the road again?
I am from Mumbai, India. And as some of you might be knowing, it is a pretty crazy traffic on roads here. Many times, it so happens that trucks, cars etc. may force you to get off the road while you ...
- 201
6
votes
7
answers
3k
views
How to handle motorists' dangerous behaviour with an impassable group?
I rode in a Velowagen (1) with over 300 cyclists on the national bike route in Switzerland, while on a narrow countryside road a few cars began piling behind us and one of them started trying to pass ...
- 339
6
votes
6
answers
696
views
Dealing with homicidal drivers [duplicate]
I do a 35km return commute into a big city. Almost daily, someone tries to run me over.
Just in the past month I've experienced the following:
I filter to the front of the traffic, wait at the ...
- 237
6
votes
2
answers
696
views
In city traffic, is sitting more upright safer than more aero positions?
I like the handlebar height lower than the average road bikes I see in my city. Am wondering if I am putting myself in more risk.
- 1,300
6
votes
4
answers
1k
views
What bicycle safe anti-car road spikes exist?
I am curious if there is a technology that allows bicycles to run over it, but will destroy car tires.
From my understanding, usually poles like this are placed on trails to prevent vehicles from ...
- 169
6
votes
4
answers
1k
views
If a lane is going to expand should the left lane be taken prior to the expansion?
This is US law and roads.
Drive on right side.
Speed Limit is 45mph (72kmh)
And as @Benedikt Bauer pointed out solid white lines are not supposed to be crossed.
In the morning though there is very ...
- 584
6
votes
4
answers
2k
views
Cycling traffic signs and rules in Germany
I'm over 30 and have just started cycling in real traffic, my first experience, as I have only ever ridden as a child in parks and such. I live in a university town in the state of Baden-Württemberg ...
- 171
6
votes
1
answer
556
views
Do cyclists make safer drivers?
Is there any research that suggests cyclists are safer drivers than drivers who don't cycle? Is there evidence to suggest the opposite?
Please remember this is not a discussion. Please include ...
- 2,153
5
votes
9
answers
1k
views
How would the "pros" bike this commute?
I've been putting up some pounds and have a bike gathering dust at home =D
I normally commute by bus or carpool, but would like an opinion from some more seasoned bikers on how you'd tackle this ...
- 59
5
votes
6
answers
4k
views
What statutes govern the directing of traffic by citizens in Massachusetts?
Are there laws or statutes governing the directing of traffic by citizens or "members of the public"?
A scenario I often encounter is one in which someone — typically another rider or pedestrian in a ...
- 1,444
4
votes
5
answers
2k
views
Is 32km possible to ride with my body condition? [closed]
My work place is 16km away from my home and the route I am traveling has traffic round the clock.
I am planning to get a Kross K- 40 26T Multi Speed Bicycle to travel but I weigh 80kg and I am not ...
- 43
4
votes
4
answers
655
views
Should I ring my bell before going around corners?
I'm in a town in Bavaria, Germany and the local custom with the more dangerous corners is to honk a horn or ring a bell. Will this actually make me safer?
Currently I am cycling in a half-urban ...
- 553
4
votes
2
answers
1k
views
Rules for rotary/roundabout?
Does a cyclist have the right of way in a traffic circle/roundabout/rotary (in the US)? Any tips for riding around one of these scary things?
This past summer, I was riding around a rotary (a.k.a. ...
- 143
3
votes
3
answers
20k
views
What does a flashing yellow arrow traffic signal mean?
While bike commuting in an urban setting, I've started noticing that some intersections have flashing yellow turn signals during part of the light cycle. What does this mean? If I am on my bike in the ...
- 3,893
3
votes
1
answer
367
views
Idaho Stop: Should I stop at a stop sign when an oncoming vehicle has a stop sign too?
In an "Idaho Stop" context, what is the best thing to do for a cyclist approaching a 4-way stop at the same time as a vehicle approaching from another direction? Should the cyclist
Proceed ...
- 151
3
votes
1
answer
182
views
Are high racers safer due to enhanced visibility compared to low racers or classic recumbents?
Naively, I would expect that a high racer is safer in traffic than a low racer. With the rider higher up, she or he should be more visible compared to being closer to the ground. Considering that ...
- 3,987
2
votes
1
answer
353
views
Safest position to ride on roads with cars
What is a hard and fast rule on where to ride within a lane, if one exists at all?
I've heard people say that you should ride as far over as you can while avoiding drains, potholes, small children ...
- 672
1
vote
3
answers
263
views
How should I approach safe cycling? [closed]
I have interest in biking to and from work, but have heard some horror stories from cyclists at work.
Short of asking coworkers on safe cycling practices, where should I go for a more authoritative ...
- 119
1
vote
1
answer
127
views
Best rear view mirror to purchase? [duplicate]
I have seen a lot of different types of Rear View mirrors. Ideas on which mounting/type is most used and why? ie: sunglass frame mounted, helmet mounting, handle bar mounting, or others. I ride both ...
- 33
-1
votes
5
answers
510
views
What are the possible practical consequences of breaking the rules of the road?
I was reading this question which seemed a totally weird thing to worry about and sparked my question.
I've always disregarded stop signs, lights, crossings and waving policemen as basically ...
- 1,658