# Help me to ride my bike in traffic without becoming what I hate **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [June 2, 2005, 6:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-to-ride-my-bike-in-traffic-without-becoming-what-i-hate/306583 "2005-06-02T18:17:16Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Anaamika](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/5f9b8f/32.png) [@Anaamika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Anaamika)\ **Post date:** [June 2, 2005, 6:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-to-ride-my-bike-in-traffic-without-becoming-what-i-hate/306583/1 "2005-06-02T18:17:16Z")
What I hate: Bikers who don’t wear helmets, who rudely cut across traffic without looking, who seem to make up their own rules. I got a bike a couple of months ago, and I recently started riding it on main roads. My eventual goal is to ride it to work a couple of times a week. But I am stymied. How do I make a left turn at a light? Do I stay on the far right side? But then I would be cutting across traffic. Do I go near the double yellow line? Do I wait for the cars to stop, and then cut across? And how does this differ if there is a left-turn lane? Under what circumstances should I get off the bike and walk it across the street instead of riding it? Stupid question: Which side of the road do I ride on? With traffic, right? If a road is more trouble and more dangerous to cross than simply turn around, should I turn around and ride on the same side? I remember the old turn signals you’re supposed to use. Should I use them? Does anybody recognize them? Is there a website where there are laws for riding bikes on the road? Any other hints/tips/tricks for riding on the road? Understand that my #1 goal is safety, #2 goal is the laws! I don’t care about looking cool, or being able to shoot across the road as fast as I can. I just don’t want to get hit by a car! BTW, I always wear my helmet. ---
**Author:** ![Skywatcher](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/skywatcher/32/254_2.png) [@Skywatcher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skywatcher)\ **Post date:** [June 2, 2005, 6:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-to-ride-my-bike-in-traffic-without-becoming-what-i-hate/306583/2 "2005-06-02T18:45:15Z")
[Here’s California’s bike laws](http://www.chp.ca.gov/html/bicycleriding.html); I think it will answer all your questions. Bike laws do vary a bit from state to state (and juridiction to jurisdiction), mainly in regards to sidewalk riding and helmets. ---
**Author:** ![Athena](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/35a633/32.png) [@Athena](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Athena)\ **Post date:** [June 2, 2005, 6:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-to-ride-my-bike-in-traffic-without-becoming-what-i-hate/306583/3 "2005-06-02T18:50:02Z")
In most areas, bike traffic laws are identical to car traffic laws. Of course, in practice, this doesn’t always work. You do always want to ride WITH traffic, not against it. When riding in traffic, I typically stay on the shoulder of the road unless I want to take a left turn. In light traffic, I wait until there’s no cars, pull out into the left turn lane, and make my left turn just like a car. If you’re riding in heavy traffic, this obviously will not work. In these cases, it’s best to pretend you’re a pedestrian, and cross when a pedestrian would cross - ie, wait for the lights to change, obey any pedestrian signs, etc. If there’s actually pedestrians present, you may want to get off your bike and walk it through the intersection. \>\>If a road is more trouble and more dangerous to cross than simply turn around, should I turn around and ride on the same side? Hmmm… IMO you shouldn’t be riding on roads that are too dangerous to cross… ---
**Author:** ![Anaamika](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/5f9b8f/32.png) [@Anaamika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Anaamika)\ **Post date:** [June 2, 2005, 7:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-to-ride-my-bike-in-traffic-without-becoming-what-i-hate/306583/4 "2005-06-02T19:09:12Z")
> [@Athena](#): > > Hmmm… IMO you shouldn’t be riding on roads that are too dangerous to cross… Well, in my town there’s Route 9 which is a BIG 4-lane road, with a center turning lane. However, it’s also an approved bike route. So on the far right side, there’s a bike lane. My question was, do I stay on the bike lane no matter which direction I’m going? I just didn’t put all the details in. ---
**Author:** ![QuickSilver](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/quicksilver/32/7832_2.png) [@QuickSilver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/QuickSilver)\ **Post date:** [June 2, 2005, 8:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-to-ride-my-bike-in-traffic-without-becoming-what-i-hate/306583/5 "2005-06-02T20:07:53Z")
Just use that bicycle bell you like so much… Bring… Brrrring! I’m sure they’ll all get out of your way. 😛 Seriously, use the bike lane whenever you can but if it’s part of the road I don’t recommend using it going in the direction opposite the flow of traffic. Generally, you want to move with traffic. Look around a lot. Be very aware of your surroundings. Use hand signals. When using a car lane, stay to the right of the center line. Don’t weave around storm drains. Just occupy a space to the left of the drain (a few feet away from the sidewalk). Until you are sufficiently confident in traffic and your riding abilities, use crosswalks to cross multiple traffic lanes instead of the left turn lanes. Above all else, assume you are invisible to cars. Give them the right of way even if you have the right according to traffic laws. You’ll never win a fight with 3000lb+ of moving steel and glass. If you are in the right turn lane but going straight, get on the left side of the turn lane so you don’t get run over by a car turning right as you’ll be in the driver’s blind spot. ---
**Author:** ![Skywatcher](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/skywatcher/32/254_2.png) [@Skywatcher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skywatcher)\ **Post date:** [June 2, 2005, 8:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-to-ride-my-bike-in-traffic-without-becoming-what-i-hate/306583/6 "2005-06-02T20:16:29Z")
> [@Anaamika](#): > > Well, in my town there’s Route 9 which is a BIG 4-lane road, with a center turning lane. However, it’s also an approved bike route. So on the far right side, there’s a bike lane. My question was, do I stay on the bike lane no matter which direction I’m going? In this situation, I’d say it depends on how heavy the traffic is. Use the turn lane when it’s safe to do so, otherwise use a crosswalk to make your left. ---
**Author:** ![Anaamika](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/5f9b8f/32.png) [@Anaamika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Anaamika)\ **Post date:** [June 2, 2005, 8:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-to-ride-my-bike-in-traffic-without-becoming-what-i-hate/306583/7 "2005-06-02T20:19:44Z")
> [@QuickSilver](#): > > Seriously, use the bike lane whenever you can but if it’s part of the road I don’t recommend using it going in the direction opposite the flow of traffic. Generally, you want to move with traffic. Well, wait, I don’t think I understand. if I ride up on the right side of the road, where there is a bike lane, but none on the other side: Then when coming back I should cross over to the \*other \* side? This doesn’t even take into consideration that this adds a HUGELY dangerous left turn to my ride, which I’m afraid of taking, too. ---
**Author:** ![Archergal](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/c89c15/32.png) [@Archergal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Archergal)\ **Post date:** [June 2, 2005, 8:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-to-ride-my-bike-in-traffic-without-becoming-what-i-hate/306583/8 "2005-06-02T20:24:54Z")
Check out this [Bike Safety and Education](http://probicycle.com/mainedu.html) page. There’s also [How Not to Get Hit by Cars](http://bicyclesafe.com/index.html). There may be an Effective Cycling course in your vicinity too. Basically, if you ride a bike using most of the same rules you would use driving a car in traffic, you should be ok. The one additional thing you should remember is this: Ride as though you’re invisible. Don’t assume that people will see you. Bikes aren’t on most peoples’ radar. Good luck, and have fun! ---
**Author:** ![Anaamika](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/5f9b8f/32.png) [@Anaamika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Anaamika)\ **Post date:** [June 2, 2005, 8:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-to-ride-my-bike-in-traffic-without-becoming-what-i-hate/306583/9 "2005-06-02T20:33:47Z")
> [@Archergal](#): > > Check out this [Bike Safety and Education](http://probicycle.com/mainedu.html) page. There’s also [How Not to Get Hit by Cars](http://bicyclesafe.com/index.html). There may be an Effective Cycling course in your vicinity too. > > Basically, if you ride a bike using most of the same rules you would use driving a car in traffic, you should be ok. The one additional thing you should remember is this: Ride as though you’re invisible. Don’t assume that people will see you. Bikes aren’t on most peoples’ radar. > > Good luck, and have fun! Thanks! These are great links! I also found the NYS Bike Laws page, and that’s really helpful. Off to get a mirror! ---
**Author:** ![Skywatcher](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/skywatcher/32/254_2.png) [@Skywatcher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skywatcher)\ **Post date:** [June 2, 2005, 8:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-to-ride-my-bike-in-traffic-without-becoming-what-i-hate/306583/10 "2005-06-02T20:54:18Z")
> [@Anaamika](#): > > Well, wait, I don’t think I understand. > > if I ride up on the right side of the road, where there is a bike lane, but none on the other side: > > Then when coming back I should cross over to the \*other \* side? This doesn’t even take into consideration that this adds a HUGELY dangerous left turn to my ride, which I’m afraid of taking, too. A bike lane only in one direction? That is very strange. ---
**Author:** ![QuickSilver](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/quicksilver/32/7832_2.png) [@QuickSilver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/QuickSilver)\ **Post date:** [June 2, 2005, 8:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-to-ride-my-bike-in-traffic-without-becoming-what-i-hate/306583/11 "2005-06-02T20:56:16Z")
> [@Anaamika](#): > > Well, wait, I don’t think I understand. > > if I ride up on the right side of the road, where there is a bike lane, but none on the other side: > > Then when coming back I should cross over to the \*other \* side? This doesn’t even take into consideration that this adds a HUGELY dangerous left turn to my ride, which I’m afraid of taking, too. At the risk of repeating myself. 😃 You’re going to have to _butch up_. 😃😃 I know it sucks to ride in traffic when you’re not used to it. I used to think nothing of it and felt like I was invincible. Then, going the wrong way down a one way street, I wound up on the hood of a car that turned into me. The poor bastard never expecting some idiot (me) on a bike coming in the opposite direction. :smack: Anyway, I stick to bike trails now and don’t use the bike to commute. But if you intend to commute, you’re going to have to build some confidence and riding skills to pull this off. Are there intersections with traffic lights that you can use to cross the more dangerous intersections? ---
**Author:** ![Ethilrist](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ethilrist/32/4604_2.png) [@Ethilrist](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ethilrist)\ **Post date:** [June 2, 2005, 8:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-to-ride-my-bike-in-traffic-without-becoming-what-i-hate/306583/12 "2005-06-02T20:59:44Z")
If there’s only one side of the road with a bike lane on it, the return lane may be on an entirely different road (that’s much safer to ride on in that direction, given the dangerous left turn) a few blocks away, parallel to the one you know about. Check with your local DMV or people who maintain the roads to see if they know of one. ---
**Author:** ![QuickSilver](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/quicksilver/32/7832_2.png) [@QuickSilver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/QuickSilver)\ **Post date:** [June 2, 2005, 9:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-to-ride-my-bike-in-traffic-without-becoming-what-i-hate/306583/13 "2005-06-02T21:00:39Z")
> [@Lute Skywatcher](#): > > A bike lane only in one direction? That is very strange. It’s not uncommon in many cities. It’s their lame brained, half assed attempt to make streets safer for cyclists. Poor urban and traffic planning is what it is. ---
**Author:** ![scr4](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/59ef9b/32.png) [@scr4](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/scr4)\ **Post date:** [June 2, 2005, 9:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-to-ride-my-bike-in-traffic-without-becoming-what-i-hate/306583/14 "2005-06-02T21:44:25Z")
> [@Archergal](#): > > The one additional thing you should remember is this: Ride as though you’re invisible. Don’t assume that people will see you. Bikes aren’t on most peoples’ radar. “Ride as though you’re invisible” is a poor phrasing; that wrongly implies that you should stay out of the way of other traffic. What it really means (at least IMO) is that because car drivers don’t always notice bikes, you should _make sure they notice you_. It means riding at least 3 or 4 ft away from the curb, so drivers see you and consider you as part of traffic. (This will also leave room for evasive maneuvers if a car passes you too closely.) It means ride with traffic, never against it. It means ride on the road, not the sidewalk, because drivers don’t expect vehicles to come out of the sidewalk. And if the right-most lane is too narrow to share with a car, then you should take the lane for yourself, and make sure cars use the adjacent lane to pass you. _The_ most important factor in traffic safety is to behave predictably. Behave as if you’re driving a slow car, obey all traffic rules, and you’ll do fine. Get used to getting honked at. It happens, it’s nothing personal. Also, make sure you’ve got plenty of lights and reflectors, and try to wear light colored clothing. Wear a helmet and cycling gloves. (Not only do gloves provide padding, they will also save your palm if you fall and land on your hand.) You might want to get an [Air Zound](http://www.deltacycle.com/airzound/hornframe.php) as well - it’s the only way you can get the attention of a car driver. (But _please_ don’t use it at a pedestrian.) ---
**Author:** ![Quartz](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/quartz/32/267_2.png) [@Quartz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quartz)\ **Post date:** [June 2, 2005, 10:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-to-ride-my-bike-in-traffic-without-becoming-what-i-hate/306583/15 "2005-06-02T22:52:26Z")
Never forget your organ donor card. _Nurse: Doctor, this patient is going to need a transplant Doctor: Don’t worry. It’s been a hot day and it’s just started raining. There’ll be one along shortly._ ---
**Author:** ![vix](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/a88e4f/32.png) [@vix](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/vix)\ **Post date:** [June 2, 2005, 11:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-to-ride-my-bike-in-traffic-without-becoming-what-i-hate/306583/16 "2005-06-02T23:08:02Z")
> [@scr4](#): > > It means riding at least 3 or 4 ft away from the curb, so drivers see you and consider you as part of traffic. In Florida, this is illegal. According to the [Florida Department of Transportation’s Traffic laws](http://www.dot.state.fl.us/Safety/ped_bike/laws/ped_bike_bikeLaws2.htm): "A bicyclist who is traveling at less than the normal speed of other traffic must generally ride as close as practicable (safe) to the right hand curb or edge of roadway. (However, a cyclist going straight at an intersection should ride in a through lane, not in an exclusive right-turn lane. Section 316.074 requires the driver of any vehicle to obey all official traffic control devices, which include lane-use markings and signage.) A bicyclist may leave the right-most portion of the roadway in any of the following situations: when passing when preparing to make a left turn when necessary to avoid any hazardous condition, including, but not limited to, a parked or moving vehicle, pedestrian, animal, or surface hazard where a lane is too narrow for a bicycle and another vehicle to travel safely side by side" I would argue that it’s safer to be as close to the shoulder as possible, rather than in the center of the lane. Most of the cyclists around here seem to agree. ---
**Author:** ![scr4](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/59ef9b/32.png) [@scr4](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/scr4)\ **Post date:** [June 2, 2005, 11:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-to-ride-my-bike-in-traffic-without-becoming-what-i-hate/306583/17 "2005-06-02T23:25:32Z")
> [@vix](#): > > “A bicyclist who is traveling at less than the normal speed of other traffic must generally ride as close as practicable (safe) to the right hand curb or edge of roadway.” 3 to 4 feet _is_ as “close as practicable (safe)”. Any close and (A) Car drivers may not see you, and (B) you have nowhere to go when a car tries to pass you with 2 inches to spare, or misjudges your speed after passing you and tries to move back too soon. You also run the risk of hitting road debries and falling into the path of a car, or swerving left to avoid debris and get hit by a car. Anyway 3 to 4 feet isn’t all that far - it’s 1/4 to 1/3 of the way into the lane, in line with the cars’ right wheels. > [@](#): > > I would argue that it’s safer to be as close to the shoulder as possible, rather than in the center of the lane. It may _feel_ safer, but my experience has taught me the opposite. When I’m too close to the curb, I get _many_ more car drivers who try to pass me with only inches to spare. Perhaps this is because they tune out everything that isn’t directly in front, or perhaps they mistakenly think the lane is wide enough to share with a bicycle. Whatever the reason, I get far fewer dangerous passes when I’m further out in the lane. By the way, one more very important thing to keep in mind: You have every right to be on the road, as much as any car driver! So don’t let drivers intimidate you with cries of “get off the road!” (Sadly it does happen.) Better to be yelled at than to be overlooked. ---
**Author:** ![Anaamika](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/5f9b8f/32.png) [@Anaamika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Anaamika)\ **Post date:** [June 2, 2005, 11:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-to-ride-my-bike-in-traffic-without-becoming-what-i-hate/306583/18 "2005-06-02T23:40:01Z")
> [@QuickSilver](#): > > At the risk of repeating myself. 😃 You’re going to have to _butch up_. 😃😃 You really deserve this. :rolleyes: I feel like saying more, but I will tastefully refrain. Would you let it drop, already? > [@scr4](#): > > 3 to 4 feet is as “close as practicable (safe)”. All the websites I have seen say maintain 3 to 4 feet except under other circumstances. ---
**Author:** ![Helen\_s\_Eidolon](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/8edcca/32.png) [@Helen\_s\_Eidolon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Helen_s_Eidolon)\ **Post date:** [June 2, 2005, 11:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-to-ride-my-bike-in-traffic-without-becoming-what-i-hate/306583/19 "2005-06-02T23:47:00Z")
I’ve just started biking in traffic too, and I’m learned that sometimes I need to bend traffic laws to be as safe as possible. Left turns: if I’m on a road with no cars approaching, I’ll just move across. If there are cars and it’s a busy street, I’ll generally cross, riding, as if I were a pedestrian. Walking my bike: I do it whenever I feel that I can’t be safe riding. This is usually at at least one intersection on my way. Another thing I find myself often doing is going FIRST, before any cars, when a light changes, especially when I’m turning. The car you’re stopped next to can usually see you’re there and will expect you to be moving, while if you let a column of cars go, they get into it and, as I’ve found, don’t let you across. One last thing I can think of: I usually ride as far to the side as I can, but if I can see someone double-parked or a row of parked cars coming up, I try to get into the lane I would need to be in in the future BEFORE I get there, so I can do it safely. Which means sometimes I do ride as if I were a car. Anyway, I’m still new to this too. It’s a scary world out there for bikers! ---
**Author:** ![The\_Surb](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/ce73a5/32.png) [@The\_Surb](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Surb)\ **Post date:** [June 3, 2005, 12:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-to-ride-my-bike-in-traffic-without-becoming-what-i-hate/306583/20 "2005-06-03T00:09:01Z")
I have to agree with **scr4**. Do not ride so close to the curb that you can’t swerve potholes, drains, debris, etc. I maintain a 3-4 ft distance from the curb. I always hold my lane unless someone is being overly aggressive and then IF it’s safe I will move to the side. Most people are sort of polite and put up with it. This seems safer to me than to have someone guess that there is enough room to pass me when there isn’t. I also hold my lane at a stop sign and if no cars are coming in the opposite direction, I will let them go ahead of me, if not, I try to get through the intersection ASAP and then get out of the way. If I notice that I am holding up a line of cars, I will get off the road and let them go. But I have no problem holding my lane until I am safe to move over. I always use hand signals to move into my lane or when making a turn, I don’t want anyone not to know where I’m going. I stop (ok I admit I slow way down _sometimes_) at stop signs and red lights. Now having said all that, I ride my bike every day to work and back (3 miles each way) but, I live in a town of about 25,000 people. So I don’t deal too much with heavy traffic. But I did notice on my last trip to Chicago that there seem to be a lot more cyclists on the streets than there used to be. I have had only one or two problems in the last two years and noone has come close to hitting me. Although I did exchange some profanities one time in front of the Presbyterian church for which I’m probably going to Hell. Road rage and bicycles do not mix. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-to-ride-my-bike-in-traffic-without-becoming-what-i-hate/306583.md?page=2)