Ways to Ride Safer on Roads

It’s understandable some Florida cyclists have thrown up their hands about riding on roads and opted for riding on gravel or trails.  Traffic, particularly in coastal communities, has dramatically increased.  Sharing the road with vehicles can range from a sweet ride, to concerning, to downright scary.

These cyclists are making their intentions clear. Good job!

Here are some suggestions curated from multiple sources, plus my own experience, that can make cycling on roads safer, less nerve racking and enjoyable.

Be Visible

• Always ride with flashing lights on the front and rear of your bike to make yourself easily seen.  Alert drivers of your presence on the road.

• Wear a colorful jersey or shirt; black, blue and darker colors are harder to see.  Go with light and bright colors that stand out against the backdrop where you are riding.

• When possible, ride in a group. Groups are more visible. Of course, find a group that rides your pace and distance. Visit ibisrides.com for group rides and clubs.

• Make eye contact with drivers.  Make sure they see you.  Give them a thumbs up to show your appreciation. 

Be Lawful

• Follow the rules of the road.  It’s the law.  In Florida cyclists must obey traffic signs and signals, the same as vehicles.

• Disobeying traffic signals and rules-of-the-road can reflect poorly on fellow cyclists.

Be Predictable

• Use hand signals.  Let drivers know what you intend to do.  Move your arm, point, make your intentions clear, particularly when turning.

• If you are riding in a group, hand signals are essential for letting your fellow cyclists know what is coming up in front of them.

Know and use these hand signals. Also, call out “car up” or “car back” to indicate a car approaching from the front or rear.

Be Considerate

Limit the size of your group to make it easier for motorists to pass safely.  Many cycling clubs split up the size of their groups into 10 or fewer riders, particularly if they are riding on a two-lane road.

Pick Safer Routes

• When possible, pick a route that has paved shoulders.

• If available, pick a route with bike lanes.  Bike lanes are 5-6 feet wide, providing a margin for safe passing by vehicles.

Read this “The ibis Flyer” e-blog below to find safe routes and then visit ibisrides.com for rides and routes that fit your pace and distance.

• Choose a day of the week when a route has less traffic.  Some roads are busy during weekdays, but relatively low traffic on weekend mornings.

• When possible, pick a route that is a four-lane road.  It allows traffic plenty of room to pass you.

Ride Slightly Wider

If there is no shoulder, ride two feet or so from the edge of the road.  By you riding slightly out from the edge of the road, drivers will naturally give you a wider berth when passing.  Motorists will also be more careful in passing, because they will be halfway over into the other lane.

Note how these riders are 2-3 feet from the edge of the road, encouraging motorists to pass wider.

• Riding side by side is permissible, as long as traffic is not impeded.  When traffic is approaching from the rear, move into a single line.   

Be Alert

• Be alert to what is ahead of you and behind you. 

• Use a mirror to be alert to what is coming up behind you.  Bike-mounted and helmet-mounted mirrors are available.

• Listen.  Wearing ear buds is unlawful in Florida.  Listen for cars approaching from behind.  Listen to your playlist or a podcast some other time.

• Anticipate potential hazards or problems before they occur.  Give them a wider berth or slow down – debris on the road, cars pulling out, car doors opening, garbage cans, animals in the road, potholes, and upcoming blind turns.

• Avoid quick swerving, if possible, particularly if you are riding with a group. 

If you have other ideas to ride safer on the roads, please comment below and share it with other readers.

Enjoy your ride and be safe(r),

Bruce