Some possible practices for riding in city/town traffic
Watch vehicle drivers habits/distractions as they travel from intersection to intersection to determine their habits, ie lane changer from light to light, 1st off the line, cellphone talker/texter (don't usually signal anything), arm waving talkers, heavy bass on Stereo,thump, thump, couldn't hear you anyway. Provide extra space around the above when you identify them.
Vary your speed when around other cars so you move ahead or behind them, so they are reminded of your presence.
Try to avoid steady speeds anywhere behind the front doors to 5 feet behind the rear bumper, (Still allows them to move over, but very close for your comfort if it occurs), if ahead of the front doors, they may see/hear you
When approaching an intersection with someone turning right or crossing your path weave a little within the lane to again bring attention as some drivers look for cars and don't register bikes so when you weave, it again may catch attention
Allow drivers space, as most cars follow too close, so when they have to stop suddenly to avoid another vehicle in front, guess where they try to escape, into your lane, even if you move over in the your lane away from the vehicles, you buy space and time.
Generally most drivers I find are reasonable, but when it comes to stop signs, the definition of "stop" has been redefined to "quick glance and roll through", At a 4 way Stop sign intersection, if in doubt, you are better to yield than try to contest, flick of the helmet or wave through with glove helps remind the driver acts of courtesy are still around.
When approaching intersections, watch your back, again watching the driving habits helps determine attentiveness of the driver as noted above. If the light changes, can they stop, if you hear tires screeching behind you and the light is still yellow .......quick glance in all directions, and if safe move out of the way.
Some ideas I have put in practice.
Watch vehicle drivers habits/distractions as they travel from intersection to intersection to determine their habits, ie lane changer from light to light, 1st off the line, cellphone talker/texter (don't usually signal anything), arm waving talkers, heavy bass on Stereo,thump, thump, couldn't hear you anyway. Provide extra space around the above when you identify them.
Vary your speed when around other cars so you move ahead or behind them, so they are reminded of your presence.
Try to avoid steady speeds anywhere behind the front doors to 5 feet behind the rear bumper, (Still allows them to move over, but very close for your comfort if it occurs), if ahead of the front doors, they may see/hear you
When approaching an intersection with someone turning right or crossing your path weave a little within the lane to again bring attention as some drivers look for cars and don't register bikes so when you weave, it again may catch attention
Allow drivers space, as most cars follow too close, so when they have to stop suddenly to avoid another vehicle in front, guess where they try to escape, into your lane, even if you move over in the your lane away from the vehicles, you buy space and time.
Generally most drivers I find are reasonable, but when it comes to stop signs, the definition of "stop" has been redefined to "quick glance and roll through", At a 4 way Stop sign intersection, if in doubt, you are better to yield than try to contest, flick of the helmet or wave through with glove helps remind the driver acts of courtesy are still around.
When approaching intersections, watch your back, again watching the driving habits helps determine attentiveness of the driver as noted above. If the light changes, can they stop, if you hear tires screeching behind you and the light is still yellow .......quick glance in all directions, and if safe move out of the way.
Some ideas I have put in practice.
