How can I ride without being a jackass?

[contradictacat.livejournal.com]

Dear Oracles of The Internet,

Since moving to a place that is just far enough from a T stop to make walking inconvenient yet too close to be completely comfortable taking the bus, I've decided to take up biking. While I've learned how to ride a bicycle, I haven't ridden since before I left for college and that was in suburbia. Which means I have no blinking idea how to ride in a city.

So I come to you, O wise sages, where do I learn how to ride a bike in a city without being a complete jackass and a danger to myself and others?

(xposted to b0st0n)

Comments

[badseed1980.livejournal.com]

Where do you learn? I don't know the answer to that, but I'll tell you the two things that I see most often that piss me off with cyclists: running red lights and going the wrong way on one-way streets. Don't do that, and you'll already be doing a lot better than a lot of people! And thanks for actually caring and realizing that yes, there are rules, and yes, they apply to cyclists. :)

Oh, and nice icon.

[ron_newman]

Depends on the one-way street. Elm Street? Bad idea. Orchard Street, where I live? Fine, as long as you stay to the right, and use a light at night. Everyone in our neighborhood is used to two-way cycling on that street by now, as it's so common. I think the same goes for most such small residential side streets in Somerville or Cambridge.

[ron_newman]

There isn't really any difference between riding in the city (Somerville) or the suburbs (Arlington, Belmont, Medford). Just do what you're used to doing.

[frotz.livejournal.com]

I would certainly argue that point; suboptimal behaviors that weren't originally as much of an issue (wrong-way riding, riding on sidewalks, etc.) can become much more of one in higher-density areas.

To answer the original question, Massbike has a class which, I'm given to understand, is focused largely on dealing with riding safely and usefully in urban traffic: http://www.massbike.org/education/bike-safety-classes/

There's a significantly more intensive class on street riding skills under the League of American Bicyclists (http://www.bikeleague.org/) which is very good indeed, but a lot more of a commitment.

I also like Forester's Effective Cycling.

[contradictacat.livejournal.com]

Sorry, I should have specified. When I said "Grew up learning to ride a bike in the suburbs" I meant suburbs that look more like Western Mass or Fitchburg. Not Boston suburbs that are still fairly densely packed. Much, much different habits and bike culture there.

[mamabunny72.livejournal.com]

Contact Susan McLucas. She's based in Davis Sq!

http://www.bicycleridingschool.org/

[turil.livejournal.com]

From what I understand, she doesn't teach that much on road stuff. She teaches people to literally ride a bicycle.

[antimony.livejournal.com]

First thing: Being a jackass is good, at least when you're being a jackass in accordance with the laws. It may get you honked or yelled at, but it will keep you safer. Edit: people around here may not always like sharing the road, but they mostly know how to do it. I actually find it less intimidating that riding in suburban/rural Ohio because people are more predictable.

Take lanes (i.e. pull out far enough that cars have to change lanes to pass you) when you need them. Use your turn signals. If you drive, it's basically the same game of posturing for space except you have to do it all with your imaginary two-ton ego instead of a big metal box.

Second thing: assume every parked car is inhabited by gnomes that draw their power from popping open doors to hit cyclists. Don't hug them and let the gnomes eat you.

[turil.livejournal.com]

Obeying the laws and taking a lane when it's not wide enough for more than one vehicle isn't being a jackass. It might piss off people who are already stressed out and don't know the laws, but it's inherently being respectful and safe.

Oh, and I like your gnomes metaphor. My own is "Don't ride like a rat." As in don't act like you're terrified to attract attention, and don't hug the outside edges of the road (especially when there are cars there). I tend to recommend driving so that the bike's wheels are in the same path as car's right wheels.

[bobobb.livejournal.com]

As a pedestrian and driver I ask that you do the following:
Wear a helmet (its unfair to put your life in someone else's hands)
Learn hand signals and use them
Ride on the street not on the sidewalk
Don't run red lights
Don't go the wrong way down a one way street
Look out for people opening doors (though they should really be looking out for you)
Be prepared to take down the license plate numbers of dangerous or angry drivers
Have fun. Biking is awesome!!

[turil.livejournal.com]

Wear a helmet (its unfair to put your life in someone else's hands)

You're also putting your life in everyone else's hands when you walk or drive a bike or car with or without a helmet.

Helmets are barely useful. Occasionally, but certainly not to be relied on as ways to prevent death or injury. You can die quite easily with a helmet on because many crashes involve being hit in the chest area.

[shadesong.livejournal.com]

Yes, all of this, plus: Remember that pedestrians have the right of way, and stop for them in crosswalks!

[rramdin.livejournal.com]

As a bike and car commuter in Boston, I actually prefer bikers who're willing to go through red lights--as long as they're sure there's no possibility of oncoming traffic (like when there are walk signals parallel to your direction, the straight parts of T intersections). When I'm driving, I hate waiting for bikers to accelerate when they go into the intersection, and I equally loathe competing with drivers for the intersection when I'm biking. If you're not going through red lights, you shouldn't creep up past all the cars to the intersection; you should stop behind the car in front of you and take up an entire lane. Getting to the front of the intersection will maximize your probability of being doored, getting hit by right turners, and causing havoc when the light turns green. Boston is actually a great city for bikers, because the drivers are so used to sharing the road.

[pierceheart.livejournal.com]

like when there are walk signals parallel to your direction

Because there's ZERO chance someone would, I don't know, break the law and run a red light perpendicular to a walk light ...

I guess I'm really curious as to where a situation exists that there is a red light for traffic parallel to a valid walk signal that does not ALSO have a walk signal for the perpendicular pedestrian traffic - why is there a red light and a walk signal for parallel traffic unless it's at a four way walk signal?

I'm not saying it doesn't exist, I'm saying citation needed.

As a bike and car commuter in Somerbridge, Boston, etc all the way down to Quincy, I prefer knowing that bicycle riders are following the same laws as all other vehicles sharing the common space.

Bicycling Street Smarts!

[turil.livejournal.com]

Pick up a copy of this booklet at Ace Wheelworks (or Broadway Bicycle School, and maybe other shops in the area). It's excellent. You can also read it free online at http://www.bikexprt.com/streetsmarts/usa/index.htm . It's what several states use as their official bicycle driving manual that is handed out for free to all drivers.

The short version is bike like you belong, obeying all the traffic laws that apply to all vehicles (including bicycles), as well as just generally being aware of the fact that sometimes people don't see you (like the gorilla in a basketball game) and aren't able to pay as much attention to what they are doing as safety requires of them, so practice making emergency stops without doing and endo or crashing. :-)

Also, slow down. That's the best way to keep everyone safe. Speed is for competition, slowness is for collaboration.

[emannths.livejournal.com]

One thing not mentioned yet, which I view as kind of a "golden rule" of cycling in traffic: ride predictably. This means following all the rules of the road, but it also means things like not weaving through traffic, not passing other cyclists on the right, taking the lane demonstrably (i.e., if you take the lane, ride right down the middle of it, not just slightly outside the bike lane), and generally riding in such a way that won't surprise anyone.

A couple more tips (hmm, looks like this got long!):
* Traffic in Boston/Camberville is SLOOOW, so don't worry about inconveniencing people by taking the lane or doing other things that might "slow other down." They're not going to average more than 10mph anyway--they can wait behind you for 30 seconds.

* Assume that no car can see you out of the side/back of their car. This means that if you're going to pass a car or ride next to one, you should take it upon yourself to make sure that the car isn't going to turn into you. Drivers are getting much better about looking out for cyclists while making right turns, but it's better safe than sorry--don't pass a car that's about to make a right turn. Yield to cars about to make a right turn, and waive them along if it looks like they're trying to wait for you.

* Look drivers in the eye to help get them to notice you. Humans have a 6th sense for noticing that someone is staring at them. If you're worried that a driver might not notice you, stare them down.

* Communicate. Take advantage of the fact that you can actually say to pedestrians "go ahead," or tell another cyclists "on your left."

* If getting over to make a left turn at a big, busy intersection is too intimidating, you can do a "hook turn" (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hook_turn). Stay in the right lane, and when the light turns green, ride through the intersection and stop in the right lane of the perpendicular traffic and wait for the green light. It takes on extra light cycle, but it's less stressful, especially for multilane intersection.

Follow the rules of the road, ride predictably, and have fun. Drivers are now much more aware of cyclists than they were 5-10 years ago, and are generally quite accommodating. You'll be fine!

[42itous.livejournal.com]

I recommend reading a little handbook called Bicycling Street Smarts. Oh hey, it's available online! http://www.bikexprt.com/streetsmarts/usa/index.htm

As a bike commuter, my advice boils down to: Be Visible.

Drivers don't *want* to hit you, so you need strategies to help them avoid doing so. Be predictable by following traffic laws, but at the same time, don't ride in such a straight line that drivers think they can safely pass you with two inches to spare -- that's never safe.

Don't ride in the door zone (within about four feet of parked cars) -- if this means there isn't enough space for a car to pass you, then assertively claim the whole lane. This makes you more visible not only to the car behind you, but also to cars coming out of side streets. If you're going significantly slower than the speed limit, courteously move aside when you can, so the driver stuck behind you doesn't have a heart attack about being 30 seconds later to work.

Make eye contact where possible. Human brains are hard-wired to recognize a face as a face faster than any other object recognition, so if you're in a potentially dangerous position (making a left turn, or when a driver comes speeding out of a side street), turn your face toward the driver and look at their eyes -- it will make you more visible to them.

And to reiterate what others have said, use turn signals when claiming a lane and when pulling over to let people pass you -- another part of being predictable.

[intuition-ist.livejournal.com]

remember that cars inherently go faster than bicycles. if you are holding back traffic, fade right and let folks pass you. trust me, the drivers will thank you.

don't ride on the sidewalk.

follow rules of the road (i.e., don't blow through red lights just because no one's coming).

remember that cars are inherently less-maneuverable and *much* heavier than bicycles. try not to do maneuvers that stand a good chance of getting you squashed if someone miscalculates.

don't ride down the middle of the road. you end up pissing off *both* lanes of traffic instead of only one.

remember that bicycles also accelerate much more slowly than cars. if you're at an intersection, let a couple of cars go past before you push off into the intersection.

remember that it's about *sharing* the road, not about bicyclists getting to do whatever they want and making the cars stay out of their way.

[turil.livejournal.com]

Remember though that bicycles are vehicles, and are supposed to be in the road, wherever it is safest for them, not cutting in front of anyone else, and not pulling over to let others past them just because they want to go faster (unless you're on a rural road, maybe) exactly the same way as other vehicles do. Most lanes in the Boston area aren't wide enough for a car to share with a bicycle, so in most instances cyclists should not move to the right to let cars pass, and should instead stay near the center of the lane (though not in the middle of the road, as that is just silly, as you say, though I don't think anyone really does that).

I think the biggest problems come when people start thinking of bicycles and cars as being not the same thing. They are, legally, and practically, both vehicles on the roads, with the same basic operating procedures.

[qwrrty.livejournal.com]

Lots of good advice here. In answer to your original question ("where do I learn how to ride a bike in a city"), I just want to put in another plug for MassBike's road safety classes. They'll take up a few hours on a weekend afternoon, but the class is well worth it for the information and the confidence boost. Even if you already know intellectually how important it is to follow the rules of the road, the class will help instill a good sense of how to apply those rules when you're on a bike.

(Disclaimer: I have taken training as a League Cycling Instructor for the League of American Bicyclists, and so have worked with some of the folks who teach those classes, though I'm not currently actively teaching.)

[ukelele.livejournal.com]

Hey, first off, you are awesome for caring! :)

Second, The Art of Urban Cycling is a really good book. And the best way to learn to ride in a city is to get together with a group of other people who do (in a safe, legal fashion) -- you'll learn safety and confidence as well as style. Local bike shops can hook you up with a group that suits you.

Third, there are definitely easier and harder routes for novice cyclists; by all means pick something that's within your comfort level now even if it's not the fastest/most direct route, and work your way up to more direct-but-intimidating things as your skill increases. I used to commute regularly by way of the Powderhouse rotary and Harvard Square -- which are totally good fun once you are up to it -- but it took me a while to work up to them, too :).

Think ahead and use all your senses. As a responsible cyclist it's not enough to know your own behavior; you need to be scanning the road surface, anticipating others' behavior, listening as well as looking for hazards, or things that might develop into them. (Another place where riding with more experienced people is super-helpful: you learn what they look for.)

I think others have already covered everything else I'd say, though I want to reiterate -- be predictable, be visible, have fun.

[ron_newman]

I'd say the most important rule is: use a headlight and at least one tail-light at night. I prefer blinking ones, but not everyone agrees.

[perspicuity.livejournal.com]

one amusing observation: a headlamp alone will rob a lot of depth perception, esp important when judging holes/bumps (esp esp on trails).

a headlamp (spot) and a handlebar mounted flood lamp work well.

i have seen, and approve of, turn signal kits for bicycles. just like for motorcycles. i'm a little horrified that average drivers i ask don't KNOW hand signals. lights it is for me.

#

be seen - be heard

[perspicuity.livejournal.com]

right: rule one: be seen... this means conspicuity materials, so be perspicacious... oh English... reflectors, reflective safety materials, lights...

o bikes come with reflectors - a lot of owner's remove them for various reasons (like adding baskets/etc). don't. add more if possible...

o reflective vests (with or without lights) - allow people to see you more easily. i can't beging to count the number of people i've seen wearing dark clothes, and their bikes have no lights and often missing reflectors.

o reflective tape - also called conspicuity tape - www.identi-tape.com - everything from SOLAS marine tape to tape with colors (and sparkles). there is even tape that is flat black in daylight but reflects quite nicely at nite.

o LIGHTS. red rear, a good flood up front; headlamp on helmet too. like these:http://turbocatusa.com/ - good stuff. with the prevalence of LEDs and throwies and all kinds of farkles, being seen should be ... fun!

o armor - think like a motorcyclist - think about basic armor. gloves are great things. there are even articulated motorcross style stuff that looks badass. yar! accessorize.

o follow the rules of the road! stop when you're supposed to. don't filter (lane split) faster than traffic - though noting that lane splitting is typically frowned upon. don't speed - yah - that's funny sounding, but some cyclists can easily exceed the speed limit.

o check your safety equipment often. seems there's a trend with these "fixies", and many don't even have braking systems. saw a guy in davis t-bone a bmw, ruining his bike, and a car door. he ran away. bad form.

o LIGHTS! GET SOME! :> gawd. so basic.

o horn - there are some marvelous airhorns "he wants to COMMUNICATE - awwwoooogah"... love those. great for those moments of doubt "does they see me? well, they can HEAR me". honk honk.

o watch out for dogs. and peds. and children. be ready to stop. keep your hands over your brake levers (or other mechanism). be ready to STOP. practice even!

o make an obstacle course. learn to steer at speed, and slowly. if you have the right kind of bike, learning to bunny hop is awesome.

o extra paranoid? you can buy solid state keychain sized to larger video cameras to record your journey. possibly also altercations. just don't record audio when you do so. disable it, or defeat it - it's illegal (insert usual disclaimers on why/when/where/how). a video record is not, when in public and out and about (same).

be safe!

#

Re: be seen - be heard

[ron_newman]

A horn seems like overkill, but I like having a bell to gently tell pedestrians and slower bicyclists on bike paths that I am passing them. The bell is friendly. A horn would be perceived as hostile.

[ringrose.livejournal.com]

I was cycling to work for a while. I've since doing c25k and jog it three times a week because it's both better exercise and safer.

I don't care what Turil says. Always, always wear a helmet. When the helmet gets old, replace it: the foam degrades with time. When the helmet takes a strong blow, replace it: it's only designed for one impact. One head injury can do permanent, horrible things to your life.

No, it's not the #1 thing a cyclist can do to be safe. But it is something which is utterly in the cyclist's control.

[ron_newman]

When the helmet gets old, replace it: the foam degrades with time

This! I just replaced mine last week. It was only three years old, but it looked as if it had taken an impact, even though it never had.

[rikchik.livejournal.com]

My biggest tip that hasn't been mentioned enough - a bell. If you're spending any time at all on bike paths, a bell is the best way to let pedestrians know you're coming. Horns sound angry, and "on your left" seems to make people jump left half the time (plus if you're parched it can be hard to get any volume).

[squirrelitude]

My main piece of advice is simple: When you *do* disobey the letter of the law in favor of the spirit of the law, remember that you are acting as a second-class citizen of the road or sidewalk.

This means to always, always quickly and politely yield when you are: Riding on a sidewalk, going the wrong way on a one-way, making a right turn on red when there is a sign forbidding it, riding through an intersection that has walk signals in all directions.

(Needless to say, you shouldn't do *any* of these things as an inexperienced cyclist and do them only sparingly and on a case-by-case basis as an experienced one.)