29

Jul
2015

Share the Road: Safety Tips for Cyclists and Drivers

July 29th, 2015 | by admin admin | in Safety Advice |    0   

Cyclists are making the most of Metro Vancouver’s sunny summer. As ridership goes up, however, so do crashes involving bicycles. According to ICBC, five cyclists are injured every day in the summer in B.C. Too often, drivers are distracted or fail to yield the right of way. Here are some tips for sharing the road (and sidewalks) safely:

Drivers:

• Watch for and make eye contact with cyclists. When you turn left or right, when you exit a laneway or parking lot, when you open a vehicle door or pull away from the curb.
• Stop before a stop sign. Children may be riding on the sidewalk.
• Signal in advance and yield to cyclists if you need to cross a bike lane.

Cyclists:

• Wear a properly fitted helmet. Fasten the straps snugly and make sure your forehead is covered. Replace the helmet promptly after a crash.
• Plan ahead. Opt for routes with less traffic, especially if you’re a new cyclist.
• Be aware. Scan the road for hazards, such as potholes and gravel, and for vehicles exiting laneways and parking lots.
• Shoulder check. Hand signal, grip handle bars with both hands, and shoulder check again.
• Ride at least one metre away from parked cars. Watch out for occupied vehicles.
• Stay off sidewalks.
• Install a white headlight (visible at 150 metres) and a rear red light and reflector (visible at 100 metres).
• Wear bright clothes with nothing to catch on the bike chain.
• Wear close-toed shoes—never wear sandals or flip flops, or go barefoot.

The RCMP also has solid advice for young cyclists, children under 10, riding on sidewalks and on the roads. The article points out the importance of anticipating traffic behaviours: “A bicycle is the smallest vehicle on the road. It is important therefore, for cyclists to be visible, to ride predictably, to know how traffic works, and to communicate with other road users.”

Defensive navigation: a good rule for cyclists, pedestrians and drivers alike.

Note: This blog discusses general safety and security topics. It is not intended to provide comprehensive advice or guidance. In all matters of personal safety and security, we encourage readers to research topics in depth and consult a security professional about specific concerns.

Radius Security Vancouver, West Vancouver, North Vancouver, Burnaby, New Westminster, Richmond, Surrey, Langley, Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Port Moody, Ladner, Delta, Tsawwassen

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