1. Left Cross A motorist fails to see a cyclist and makes a left turn--it accounts for almost half of all bike-car crashes. How to avoid this collision: Watch for drivers turning left across your path Don't ride on the sidewalk. Use a headlight. Wear something bright, even during the day. Don't pass on the right. 1

2. Right Cross A car is pulling out of a side street, parking lot, or driveway on the right. How to avoid this collision: Use a headlight. Slow down. If you can't make eye contact with the driver, slow down so much that you're able to completely stop if you have to. Ride further left 2

3. Right Hook A motorist passes a cyclist on the left and turns right into the bike's path. How to avoid this collision: Don't ride on the sidewalk. Ride to the left. Glance in your mirror before approaching an intersection. (If you don't have a handlebar or helmet mirror, get one now.) 3

4. The Door Prize A cyclist traveling next to parked cars lined up on the street strikes a car door opened by the driver. How to avoid this collision: Ride to the left 4

5. The Rear End A car runs into you from behind. This is what many cyclists fear the most, but it's actually not very common, comprising only 3.8% of collisions. How to avoid this collision: Use a mirror. Wear a reflective vest Get a rear light. Don't swerve in and out of the parking lane if it contains any parked cars. 5