As we get the rust out...
Watch vehicle drivers habits/distractions as they travel from intersection to intersection to determine their habits, i.e. lane changer from light to light, 1st off the line, cell phone 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 should move ahead or behind them constantly, so they are reminded of your presence by your changes in position.
Try to avoid steady riding anywhere behind the vehicles 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 from the cross street into your lane or crossing your path in an opposing left turn, weave the bike a little within your lane to again bring attention, as some drivers look for cars and don't register bikes so when you weave, the headlight movement may catch their attention and may delay them from proceeding into your path.
Allow vehicles space, even in adjacent lanes, as most drivers follow too close, so when they have to stop suddenly, in the lane next to you, to avoid another vehicle in front, guess where they try to escape? Into your lane, even if you move over in 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 of vehicles you have passed 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 move out of the way.
Some ideas I have put in practice. Other posts to come.
Comments?
Watch vehicle drivers habits/distractions as they travel from intersection to intersection to determine their habits, i.e. lane changer from light to light, 1st off the line, cell phone 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 should move ahead or behind them constantly, so they are reminded of your presence by your changes in position.
Try to avoid steady riding anywhere behind the vehicles 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 from the cross street into your lane or crossing your path in an opposing left turn, weave the bike a little within your lane to again bring attention, as some drivers look for cars and don't register bikes so when you weave, the headlight movement may catch their attention and may delay them from proceeding into your path.
Allow vehicles space, even in adjacent lanes, as most drivers follow too close, so when they have to stop suddenly, in the lane next to you, to avoid another vehicle in front, guess where they try to escape? Into your lane, even if you move over in 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 of vehicles you have passed 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 move out of the way.
Some ideas I have put in practice. Other posts to come.
Comments?
