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I enjoy bike riding, and lately I've noticed more and more bikers on Pittsburgh roads. With gas prices getting higher every day, it is clear that people are looking for alternate ways of getting around. Riding a bicycle is good for your health and good for the environment, but biking accidents can have tragic results. Here are some tips to make sure your bike rides stay safe.
Even though they aren't motorized, bicycles are considered vehicles, so you must obey all traffic laws and safety signals. Always signal with your left hand at least 100 feet before you turn, but keep both hands on the handlebars as you turn.
- Left turn: Extend your arm straight out to your side.
- Right turn: With your elbow bent, hold your arm up in an "L" shape.
- Stop or sudden slow down: With your elbow bent, hold your arm down in an upside-down "L" shape.
In heavy traffic areas like downtown Pittsburgh, it is especially important to ride on the right side of the street, with the flow of traffic. Stay about a car door's width away from parked cars in case someone unexpectedly gets out of a car in front of you. Follow the two-second rule when behind cars. After the vehicle in front of you passes a fixed object, begin counting. If you reach the object before you count to two, you are following too closely.
You need to be especially careful when you ride in wet weather. In Pittsburgh, it can seem as though we have endless stretches of rain, and during these times you have to use particular caution. Wet roads can make you slip or impair your brakes. Rainy weather can also affect visibility, so always wear bright or reflective clothing to make sure that motorists can see you.
You should also dress to be safe. Long pants and long-sleeved shirts can protect you from scrapes. Pants should be clipped so that they don't catch on any part of the bike, and gloves can reduce hand fatigue from gripping handlebars. Most importantly, helmets can reduce head injuries by up to 85%. So make sure that you buy one that fits properly and meets safety standards.
Enjoy your bike and the summer weather, but please ride safely!