Riding a Bicycle in Traffic Safely, An Adult Guide

By Dennis Eichenlaub

Cycling can give a feeling of freedom and independence. The simplicity of the bicycle allows a feeling of minimalism and elegance. When cycling, one can see America in a unique and wonderful way. One is in the open. The sounds, smells, shapes, textures, and colors are available to be enjoyed with all of one’s senses. Do you want to you ride fast, or exercise your cardiovascular system, or explore an interesting area, do some chores, or just enjoy the sheer pleasure of a great ride on a beautiful day? All of these are grand reasons for cycling on the road. But how does one ride safely?

This book for U. S. adults who drive cars regularly but who also want to bike on the road. Cycling has some risks, but the risks are not out of line with other things we do. Far too many cyclists are injured riding on the road. Some accidents are the fault of motorists. Some are the fault of cyclists. But almost all of the accidents can be prevented by the cyclist. The purpose of this book is to show you how to avoid accidents.

The book shows the reader step-by-step exactly how a cyclist keeps safe while riding in traffic. It shares the advice of experts in "how to" sections. It discusses the skills one needs to be a good rider. It reviews specific road conditions and how to handle them. It uses personal stories to illustrate important safety points. References are included for those who are interested in learning more about a specific area. In summation, it shows the reader how to be a safe and confident cyclist on US roads.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Dennis Eichenlaub
• Release date: Aug 27, 2014
• ISBN: 9781310488672

Dennis Eichenlaub

Dennis Eichenlaub is a retired engineer. Besides bicycling, his interests include hiking, reading, technology, and his family. He took up cycling in 2009 when it became obvious he needed much more aerobic exercise. Consulting with is doctor, he slowly increased the length of his rides. He enjoys cycling immensely, now riding several thousand miles a year. He thinks nothing of riding 40 miles for lunch. His wife thinks he's nuts. He rode from Asheville, NC to Bangor, Maine; doing the northern part of the ride one year and the southern part the next. He is relieved and proud to have completed his first book.

Book preview

Riding a Bicycle in Traffic Safely

An Adult Guide

By Dennis Eichenlaub

Riding a Bicycle in Traffic Safely

An Adult Guide

Dennis Eichenlaub

Copyright 2014 by Dennis Eichenlaub

Smashwords Edition

Cover Design Copyright 2014

by (http://DigitalDonna.Com)

License Note

This book is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This book may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to your favorite book retailer and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1 ~ Welcome

Why Ride on the Road?

Is this Book for You?

Chapter 2 ~ Safety

Chapter 3 ~ Legal

Chapter 4 ~ Driving Psychology

Why Don't They See Us?

Be Seen - Use Bright Flashing Lights

How Motorists Decide

Defensive Driving

The Three R’s of Cycling

Body Language

Common Motorist Mistakes

Right Turns and the Big Mac Attack

Chapter 5 ~ Street Skills

Hand Signals

Maneuvers

Chapter 6 ~ Where to Ride

Ride on the Right

Keep Empty Space to the Right

Do Not Hug the White Line

Where to Put Your Line

Chapter 7 ~ Driving a Bicycle

Share the Road

Emergency Maneuvers

Traffic Laws

Find a Good Route

Right-of-Way

Other Stuff

Chapter 8 ~ Difficult Road Conditions and Other Hazards

Heavy or Fast Traffic

Right-Hand Turn Lanes

Traffic Circles, Traffic Calming, and Intersections

Hills

RR Tracks, Uneven Pavement, and Squirrels

Sun Glare

A Hazard that’s Easy to Avoid

Chapter 9 ~ Difficult Drivers

Jack

School Bus Drivers

Big Trucks

Drivers with Trailers

Good Sam

Impaired Drivers

Chapter 10 ~ Summary

Acknowledgements

If my wife were to write a book about being a bicycle widow, she would probably start it with these two words: He's nuts! In spite of her total disinterest in cycling, she shows a lot of interest in supporting me. She encourages my adventures, listens to my stories, and tolerates all the time and energy I put into cycling. My hobby and this book wouldn't exist without her support. Thank you, Danita.

I also want to thank Don. He didn't make the trip, but he's the one that made me believe I could ride the Blue Ridge Parkway. He also proof read the first draft, and offered several suggestions that lead to improvements in the text.

Chapter 1 ~ Welcome

If you’re reading this, you are interested in riding your bicycle safely in traffic. Whether you are riding on the road and want to improve your skills, or you want to start riding on the road, welcome. I’ve put a lot of thought into this book. I hope it helps.

Who am I? I’m a person with a life time of experiences, as they say. I got into bike riding late in my life. My goals were to get more aerobic exercise and have more fun. I ride on sidewalks, paths, paved trails, unpaved trails, and on the road. Most of my riding is on the road. Now that I’m retired, I ride about 5,000 miles a year. Over all, I’ve ridden well over 20,000 miles. I have never once had a collision or an accident with a car or other motorized vehicle. My longest ride was 1,000 miles over three weeks. My shortest ride was less than 2 miles. I have worked hard on riding safely. Now I am sharing what I learned with you.

If you like to get right to the bottom line, you don’t have to skip ahead to the end of the book. Here’s the bottom line, right up front. The key to riding safely on the road is to:

• Follow the rules of the road. It’s what motorists expect you to do.

• Be visible. Motorists can’t avoid you if they don’t see you.

• Use the three Rs of cycling: Read, Ride, and Review.

• Ride defensively. Ride from the beginning of the trip to the end with no unsafe situations.

• Find a good route. Avoid roads with heavy traffic and complex conditions.

• Own the space you need to ride safely. Keep 3 feet of empty space to your right.

• Ride confidently and signal your intention clearly. Indecision = Confusion = Trouble.

• Beware of right-turning traffic. Do not pass on the right. Stay left of right-turn lanes.

• Don’t be a jerk. Share the road.

• Be a happy biker. Share the fun.

That’s it.

Why Ride on the Road?

There are many great reasons for riding on the road. Half of all cyclists use paved roads. (1) Cycling can give a feeling of freedom and independence. The simplicity of the bicycle allows a feeling of minimalism and elegance. When cycling, one can see America in a unique and wonderful way. One is in the open. The sounds, smells, shapes, textures, and colors are available to be enjoyed with all of one’s senses. Do you want to test yourself and see how fast you can ride? Do you want to exercise your cardiovascular system with a low-impact sport? Do you want to explore an interesting area? Do you want to just enjoy the sheer pleasure of a great ride on a beautiful day? All of these are grand reasons for cycling on the road.

Do you want to commute or do chores? Environmentalists are quick to point out that cycling is a green activity. A