World of Spokes

unwritten rules of the bike road.

1. When you're getting ready to pass another rider, its always better if the person you're passing knows you are coming. A simple "good morning" or "on your left" will do the trick, if you do not have a bell. On the flip side, if you are being passed, try and get over to your right because the rider behind you should be passing on the left.

2. Signaling is important for your safety and that of motorists and other cyclists. If you're making a left and the person behind you doesn't know, an accident is likely to occur. Using your left arm, put your arm straight out to signal a left turn. If you bend your elbow to point your hand up, then you are signaling a right turn. If you bend your elbow so your hand is down with your fist clenched, that means you're about to stop.

3. Stop at stop lights. I know how easy it is to just keep riding when no one is coming. I've been there, you're late for work, tired and ready to be home, whatever. If we want motorists to respect us and our space, we have to follow the same rules they do. Not to mention you can't see every car, biker, or walker coming. It comes down to safety and showing others that we are willing to play by the rules.

4. Thank people for stopping for you or giving you plenty of space when they pass. Again this is out of courtesy to drivers and other bikers, but I feel it goes a long way. If all motorists know about us is that we yell at them when they do wrong, its no wonder some many have a problem with us.

5. At a stop light when there is a line of cyclists in front of you stop behind them in a single file line. Sure if you have a friend its cool to stop two a breast and have a chat. But don't assume that you're faster than everyone in front of you or that your time is more important than their's. If you were in a car you wouldn't drive on the shoulder to get in front of a car, the same applies here. Respect others space, it will only slow you down a few seconds to pass them later and let them know you're coming around them.

Now I'm not just blaming the entry level riders for not following these rules. Plenty of folks who've been on bikes for years still refuse to abide by these rules. These are just suggestions of what we can do to make everyones experience on the road a more pleasant one. I've learned that if you try and apply these suggestions to your daily ride, people will respond positively to your efforts. Give it a try next time you're in one of these situations, you'll be suprised how much of a difference it makes.