Bicycle Safety The future of travel

The Future of Travel As fossil fuels continue to dwindle; modes of transport will become smaller and smaller. Bicycles, mopeds, scooters, motorcycles, & small cars will likely become more and more prevalent.  This means that people need to understand the law as bicyclists It also means that those in automobiles must know bicycle laws, for the safety of the bicyclists

Some Basic Bicycle Laws in Utah Bicyclists are subject to all the rights and duties applicable to the operator of any other vehicle. A bicyclist must obey traffic lights, stop signs, one-way streets and other basic traffic laws. A bicycle may not carry more persons than it was designed for, except an adult may securely attach a child to a backpack. A bicyclist traveling at less than the normal speed of traffic must ride as near as practicable to the right-hand edge of the roadway except: to pass, make a left turn or avoid hazards. Persons may not ride more than two abreast except on paths exclusively used for bicycles. If a usable path exist for bicycles adjacent to a roadway, bicyclists must use the path and not the roadway.

More Basic Bicycle Laws in Utah A bicyclist must yield the right-of-way to any pedestrian and shall give audible signal when overtaking a pedestrian. A person may not operate a bicycle upon a sidewalk path or trail or in a crosswalk if prohibited. If not prohibited, then the bicyclist has the same rights and duties as a pedestrian. A person may not operate a bicycle in a negligent manner so as to collide with a pedestrian, bicyclist or other human powered vehicle/device. When making a left-hand turn, the bicyclist may use the left turn lane just as a vehicle does; or cross the intersection as close to the right curb as practicable (like a pedestrian), then proceed in the new direction from the right curb.

...and More Basic Bicycle Laws in Utah Bicyclists must signal intentions to turn right or left. The signal shall be at least 100 feet before turning and continuous so long as both hands are not needed, and shall be given while the bicyclist is stopped waiting to turn. Bicycle racing is prohibited on any highway or sidewalk except when approved by state or local authorities for special racing events. A bicyclist may not carry packages which prevent the use of both hands and shall keep at least one hand on the handlebars at all times. Every bicycle in use after dark (1/2 hour after sunset to ½ hour before sunrise) must be equipped with a white light lamp on front, red reflectors on the rear and reflective materials on both sides that are all visible for 500 feet. The rider may wear lights or reflectors in addition to those on the bicycle. Every bicycle must be equipped with brakes.

Bicycle Safety Riding a bicycle is an enjoyable way to travel and get exercise.  Unfortunately, bicycle riders are terribly exposed and stand a high chance of being injured in even minor collisions.  Physics is as Physics does - a 200 pound bike and rider will not win against a 4000 pound car.

Helmets are overrated! Helmets are important - but they are just a part of the armor of riding defensively. You are much better off learning to avoid cars and "hairy" situations, than just strapping on a helmet and riding. 

Practical Riding Tips Avoid busy streets. Find a different route that is less busy. Remember, you are not in a car, you don't need to take the exact same routes you would if you were driving.   Light up! The brighter the better! You want drivers to see you. Riding a bike is a time where it could save your life by being bright enough to be noticed. Consider a headlight, blinking red LED, & reflective clothing.a Take the whole lane when appropriate. The law states that bicyclists must be as far to the right as practical. A narrow road is not  one of those practical times. You are at risk of being clipped by a car if your are too far over in a narrow roadway.

More Practical Riding Tips Ride with the flow of traffic. It's the law for good reason. One study shows that you are three times as likely to get into an accident when riding against traffic.  Put a mirror on your bike - the more you see, the better. Choose slow streets to travel upon - the slower the collision, the better the chances of survival. Signal your intentions - learn the proper, recognized signals for turning.  Don't be distracted by music - having headphones in whilst riding is stupid. Why handicap one or your survival senses with music. Is the latest Britney Spears song worth dying for?

From a Motorists Point of View Don't just scan the road, scan the side of the road. Watch for things that are reflective! People wear and adhere reflective gear to get your attention. Now that you see someone, keep your eye on them. Be aware of all small vehicles around you.  Slow down upon seeing a bicyclist, they may not be aware of your presence. Bikes are nimble, they can turn on dime, sometimes right at you. Err on the side of caution. 

Bike Hand Signals Right Turn

Bike Hand Signals Left Turn

Bike Hand Signals Slow or Stop

These hand signals work for motorcycles as well

Questions True or False?    Bicycle safety doesn't really have anything to do with Driver's Education.

Questions False!   There is an entire section in the Utah State Driver's License Handbook devoted to bicycle safety.

Hand signals are for drama queens. Questions True or False? Hand signals are for drama queens.

Questions False! Hand signals let others know your intentions - so they don't accidentally kill you.

Questions True or False? A bicycle doesn't need headlights to drive after dark, because it isn't a car.

A bicycle must be equipped with lighting to operate in the dark. Questions False! A bicycle must be equipped with lighting to operate in the dark.

Question True or False? Reflective apparel will just make me look silly, and it doesn't make me any safer.

Questions False! Anything that you can do to draw attention to yourself will make you safer.

Questions True or False? Listening to my favorite music while riding is just as safe as not listening to music.

Questions False! You need all of your senses to help you survive riding a bicycle in traffic.