Bicycle Driving Demonstrations

Contra-Examples II: Don't Do This!

When cyclists don't act as drivers of vehicles, they can make things difficult for themselves and unpredictable to other drivers. Avoiding these mistakes can make your cycling much more enjoyable, convenient, and safe.

Swerving around obstacles: Never swerve in and out between parked cars or on and off of shoulders in an attempt to stay far to the right all of the time. You may swerve directly in front of an overtaking vehicle when nobody expects a conflict. Ride in a reasonably straight line, providing yourself enough usable pavement to maneuver safely, and stay at least 3-4 feet away from parked cars so you don't get doored. LOOK BACK when you must merge laterally.

Improper destination positioning: These cyclists are about to go straight through this intersection, but they decided to pass other drivers on the right and then move onto the sidewalk. This makes them vulnerable to right-turning traffic and forces them to yield to or merge with straight traffic in the middle of the intersection before entering the narrow travel lane straight ahead.

Inadequate night equipment: Never ride at night without a white headlamp and bright rear reflector, and perhaps a rear lamp. Street lights don't provide adequate illumination for drivers to see and avoid you, especially at intersections.