Bicycles offer direct and convenient travel. However, cyclists must observe proper riding habits for safe journeys. The following presents a few guidelines for safer riding for cyclists and motorists:

• Always wear a helmet.
• Always ride in the same direction as traffic.
• Be predictable and ride in a straight line. Do not weave in and out of parked cars
• If the lane is wide enough to safely share with cars, ride to the right side. Do not try to share the lane if it is too narrow. Do not ride in broken pavement or debris at the side of the street. Take the center of the lane if necessary.
• Ride far enough in the lane around parked cars so that you will not collide with opening car doors.
• When proceeding straight through an intersection with right-turn lanes, move to the lane going straight and allow vehicles to turn right on your right side.
• When making a left turn, move to the left before completing the turn, just like a motor vehicle. If you do not feel safe doing this, ride straight and cross the street you want to turn onto. At the other side of the street, dismount and turn your bike in your desired direction, then proceed when it is safe and legal to do so.
• When riding at night, always wear light colored or reflective clothes, and use both front and taillights, as well as reflectors.

Motorists need to understand some bicycle safety as well.

• Be aware that bicyclists use city streets and watch for them.
• Understand that it is perfectly legal to ride a bicycle on city streets.
• Give cyclists enough room for their safety.
• If the lane is too narrow to safely share, cyclists are entitled to the whole travel lane.
• Cyclists must leave space between themselves and parked cars, and must go around broken pavement or debris.

When these guidelines are observed, bicycling can be a safe, enjoyable way to get around.

Ryan Snyder prepares bicycle transportation plans and is a member of the Los Angeles County Bicycle Coalition.ryansnyder@mediaone.net 323-571-2910

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