You have bought a bike as you want to use it as a transportation tool within the city. You are glad because this “exempts” you from the traffic nonsense. However, do you realize that being a cyclist also has to behave while cycling on the road? – And, this is cycling etiquette.
Perhaps you think cycling etiquette is pointless. I’ll leave that to you first. But, I believe you saw the scenario below.
You were driving to work. You stop at the junction, waiting for the traffic light to turn green. While waiting, you saw a cyclist emerging at full speed and crossing the junction recklessly.
Then, he got hit by a car. Luckily, nobody was hurt.
Seems like cycling on the road is not safe, huh? In fact, it doesn’t matter whether we are driving or cycling, our ATTITUDE matters the most.
After all, we want to be safe and enjoy while cycling on the road. And this is the importance of cycling etiquette.
In this post, we are gonna discuss the common cycling etiquette DOs and DON’Ts so that you can be safe and enjoy while cycling on the road.
1. DOs
1.1 Follow traffic rules
Bicycles are much smaller than cars and motorcycles. So, it shouldn’t be a “burden” while riding on the road, right?
If you agree with this, try to think again. It’s not surprising that many cyclists think they can ignore traffic rules.
Regardless of the size, bicycles are motor vehicles. This doesn’t exempts cyclists from obeying the traffic rules.
Thus, if you were to ride on the road, you MUST follow traffic rules, such as following traffic light, sign boards, speed limit, etc.
Reluctant to follow? You will be one of the cyclists in the scenario above. Not only this, you may get fined for non-compliance.
1.2 Wear a helmet
Just a simple question for you. Since you ride short distance within the city, do you think you need to wear a helmet?
Surprisingly, many cyclists think it is ok NOT to wear a helmet. Their speed is slow and they won’t likely have accidents.
Well, do you think their arguments are valid? – Again, I leave it to you.
Think about this. Wearing helmet is a must for motorists. The reason is simple. That’s to protect themselves from getting head injuries or being death.
Same applies to cycling! Unfortunately, many cyclists ignore this.
This article, based on various studies, shares some relevant facts about the importance of a helmet while cycling:
- Helmets reduced the chance of serious head injury by 60 percent
- Cyclists without helmet who had a head injury are 3 times more likely to die than those who are injured while wearing a helmet.
Do you want to be part of the statistics? I hope NOT!
Then, you know what to do, don’t you?
1.3 Use bike lanes
Many people FEEL that cycling on the road is dangerous.
For drivers, it’s already tiring to check the hectic traffic, moreover bicycles. For cyclists, they have to keep checking the traffic, while making sure they maintain their balance……
Hence, many countries create bike lanes to protect the cyclists’ safety. Thus, remember to ALWAYS use bike lanes while cycling.
There are exceptions, though. Sometimes, drivers park their cars or trucks on the bike lanes, or there are obstacles on the bike lane, etc.
In these cases, you might need to divert from the bike lanes, if necessary. After all, safety is the utmost importance. So, use your judgment.
Or, why not stop cycling for a while and walk instead? After you have passed through the “obstacles”, continue cycling.
1.4 Park properly
I believe you had this experience before. When driving, while looking for a car park, you were thrilled as you’d found the last parking slot.
While approaching, there was a motorcycle or bike on that slot. You know how it feels, right?
Likewise, this upsets drivers. So, when you want to park your bicycle, remember to park properly. Don’t abuse the convenience at the expense of other’s right.
Usually, bike parking slots are available. Depending on the location, there could be bike racks, bike lockers, or bike poles.
What if there is no bike parking slot? Well, you can park your bike by the pole. And don’t forget to lock your bike as well……
1.5 Use hand signals
Drivers give signals to the other drivers or pedestrians when turning, reversing and changing lanes. Of course, this is to avoid accidents.
Again, cycling is essentially the same as driving. Cyclists need to give signal when riding on the road, too.
But how to do this?
That’s why you need to know hand signal. In fact, you should’ve already learned this while having your driving license. The hand signals for motorists are applicable to cyclists as well.
Cyclists use hand signals for MANEUVERING and showing OBSTACLES. This helps communication for pair or group cycling.
Not only this, other users know your message. And hence, this avoids accidents.
For maneuvering, get to know the basic:
- Turn left – extend the left hand to the left
- Turn right – extend the right hand to the right. Or, lift the left hand and bend the elbow perpendicularly upwards.
- Slow down – gently flutter the palm (either hand)
- Stop – lift the hand (either hand) and bend the elbow perpendicularly downwards
Remember to look over your shoulder to check when maneuvering.
For showing potholes or obstacles, simply point to the direction of the obstacles.
1.6 Be friendly
You can’t open the door because you carry many things with your both hands. While awkwardly trying to open the door, someone helps you open.
You are truly grateful. So, you give him a smile and say “thank you”. He smiles, too.
A small positive act is uplifting, right? And this always reminds us to be friendly.
This is also true for cycling, and it’s part of cycling etiquette.
You might encounter cyclists riding towards you sometimes. What you can do is simply use your hand to wave at them and smile.
They might be surprised by your kind act and wave at you back, or nod or smile. – Don’t you think this is exquisite?
Do the same when other cyclists wave at you, too.
Sometimes, you can’t cross the junction as the traffic is too rushed. Then, a car slows down and stops to let you cross instead. You can do the same to the driver too, as a “thank you” to him.
Or, you meet a road rage who is constantly insulting you or giving you “middle finger”. Instead of being aggressive, resist the urge. He has attitude issue, but not you. Why not simply dismiss and ignore the stupidity?
1.7 Keep on the lane
We always see cyclists riding on the edge of the roads. But, do you know that cyclists can also occupy the lane, just like drivers?
While it is uncommon, you can do this in group cycling.
However, always remember to keep on the same lane all the time, even when you overtake other motorcycles or bicycles.
That’s because it’s dangerous if you cross the lane. Drivers won’t expect cyclists riding on the opposite direction. When they find out, it might be too late to react.
1.8 Be visible at night
Do you ride at night often? If yes, this is exclusive for you.
As a general rule, be VISIBLE all the time while using the road, whether we are drivers, pedestrians, or cyclists. This rule is even more crucial especially driving or cycling at night.
Remember the rule for motorcyclists? They need lights and reflectors.
Same rule applies to cycling! No lights for your bike? Well, install front and rear lights if you need to ride at night! – And don’t give yourself excuse not to install, ok?
Don’t ever compromise this when cycling at night. While you might think it’s not a big deal for yourself, think for the drivers.
You are literally “invisible” as the driver can’t see you at all. If the driver hits you because of this, who is at fault?
1.9 Control your speed
You don’t need a car plate for your bicycle. So, you might not get caught by the speed trap if you’re speeding.
That means you might not need to bear legal repercussion! – Well, of course this depends on the countries regulation.
Is it tempting to “race” while cycling? Think twice before you intend to! And I can tell you this is utterly irresponsible!
Unless you are in a cycling competition, there’s absolutely no reason to sprint while cycling on the road.
Follow the traffic rule. Observe speed limit.
Sometimes, you don’t know the speed limit. In this case, benchmark against the REGULAR speed of the car. – Well, some drivers drive too slowly, but this is not the point.
Your speed shouldn’t exceed the cars’ regular speed. Well, I mean smooth traffic here.
2. DON’Ts
2.1 Ride on sidewalks
With that being said, you can’t find any bike lane.
Since you think it’s dangerous to ride on the road, you think of riding on sidewalks. At least, you feel safe.
Again, this is completely a MISCONCEPTION.
Whether you agree or not, let’s think from the pedestrian perspective. What would you think if you saw a bike coming towards you suddenly while walking?
Bear in mind that you might not be able to dodge it. And guess what happen? – You got hit!
Clearly, cycling on sidewalks is not as safe as you think. In fact, there are 2 reasons why you should never ride on sidewalks.
Accidents
A report from Cornell University states that cyclists on a sidewalk are 1.8 times higher risk of bicycle-motor vehicle collision than those on the roadway, due to blind conflicts at intersection.
Apart from this, accidents between the cyclists and pedestrians are also common due to sidewalk cycling.
Fine and jail
Some countries condemn cyclists for the aftermath of sidewalk cycling. In Singapore, a cyclist was taken to court for knocking down and injuring an elderly woman due to sidewalk cycling.
The elders got fractures on her right arm. However, he disappeared without helping her.
As a result, he was found guilty with a 3-week jail sentence.
2.2 Use headphone
Many people love to use headphone listening to music while walking on the streets. They might think they look cool.
To me, I loathe using headphone while walking. The reason is simple. I wouldn’t know what might happen around me. And what if there is emergency siren or whatnot, I couldn’t react at all!
And that’s why using headphone while cycling is even worse.
Remember you need to be aware of the surrounding while cycling. And you need to act instantly if your hear something odd.
Listening music while cycling seems cool. But it puts you in a vulnerable position.
Well, is it that hard to put away the distraction while cycling?
2.3 Tailgate
3-second rule is another golden traffic rule. Keep a distance of 3 seconds between you and the vehicle in front of you.
Sadly, some cyclists ignore this rule. And they always like to tailgate.
Most of the time, they are at the blind spot of the drivers. When the drivers change direction, the cyclists don’t have enough time to react and hit the vehicles. Worse, some fall down and get crushed by the vehicle.
So, who is to blame here?
2.4 Get too close to parked cars
Again, I believe you had this experience before.
You parked your car and you were about to open the door. Suddenly, a motorist / cyclist passed by at full speed. You were shocked.
However, you felt lucky as you hadn’t opened the door yet. Had you opened the door 1 second earlier, disaster happened……
This shares the similar principle to tailgating.
Whenever you approach a car parking next to the road, remember to spare some space. That’s because you won’t know if the door is suddenly open.
I remember I saw an accident when I was a kid. It was a die-on-the-spot accident. Apparently, the motorist got knocked down because of the sudden open door by the driver. Then, he was crushed to death by the approaching truck.
2.5 Enter the main road straight
Yet another reason why drivers dislike cyclists.
Again, this is my personal experience. While driving, a cyclist, at the junction, entered the main road without checking the traffic. I was about to hit him.
This gave me a sudden shock. I had an emergency brake as a result. Luckily, I didn’t lose control and didn’t cause any accident.
This is why they always think they are “small”. It’s too damn dangerous. And it’s no joke.
Again, following the traffic rule is the ultimate cycling etiquette.
Slow down and stop at the junction, check the traffic if it is clear. Then only enter the main road. – That is what we learned since kindergarten, and I dunno why people don’t follow this. Pshhhh
2.6 Do stunt
Albeit this is rare, this happens, too.
Some cyclists perform stunt while cycling, such as superman glide or stand-on-the-bike cycling.
This, of course, is attractive. They might think that is cool. I presume they have this monologue and scene in their mind, “look, that’s superb, he’s so brilliant, and I wish I could do just like him……”
But, it’s pure stupidity and ignorance. Leave this for BMX bikes. They aren’t supposed to do the stupid stuff on the road, per se.
These idiots really deserved it if they fell or suffered injuries. – And it’s not worth any sympathy.
2.7 Lane split
Lane splitting is common. Whenever you are stuck in traffic, you could see motorists or cyclists riding between the lanes. While sitting in your car, you could only look at them helplessly, wishing you could pass through the traffic just like them……
Despite that, land splitting is debatable.
Here’s the thing. Lane splitting is supposed to reduce traffic jam. Yeah, sort of.
Plus, many argue that lane splitting helps prevent motorists getting hit by the motorists behind. Hence, it reduces accidents. – Or, doesn’t it?
In contrast, some hold different opinion. While it may reduce accidents like mentioned above, it doesn’t mean lane splitting is safe, though.
Many accidents happen when the drivers change the lane without knowing the motorists coming. The motorists don’t have enough time to respond at all.
Same thing applies to pedestrian, too. Motorists could accidentally hit the pedestrians when they cross the streets……
Hence, lane splitting is illegal in some countries / states. But, even if lane splitting is legal, you have to think carefully.
To me, I don’t recommend lane splitting for cycling. After all, it’s up to you.
2.8 Talk / text while riding
When cycling, this is truly ridiculous. Imagine yourself being multitasking to check the traffic and text or talk on the phone. – Don’t you think this is too much?
If you are a multitasker, you don’t find any problem. But, let’s think about this.
Even it’s illegal to do so while driving. On what ground that texting / talking on the phone while cycling is Ok? – It’s not tough to let yourself free from distraction when cycling.
Also, it’s NOT ok to chat with the cyclist next to you.
Think again. You are literally distracting him and yourself. – Unless the conversation is necessary.
General rule while cycling: be focus and mindful.
2.9 Litter / spit
Ok. So you want to be a responsible cyclist and follow the above cycling etiquette.
But, one thing could betray you if you did this: littering or spitting.
Ironically, littering is quite common. I can’t stand those cyclists who drink and eat banana or snacks while cycling. Then, they throw away the bottles, covers or banana skins on the streets.
“Wake up! It’s not a race! You are not setting your PB!” I wish I could yell at them.
Of course, littering is absolutely disgusting.
If they want to drink or eat, why not stop for a second? Finish the thing, throw the rubbish properly and continue riding. Is that hard?
And, I don’t have to talk about spitting……
Final thought: cycling etiquette
Clearly, when cycling on the road, you need to be safe. Also, you want to behave and be nice so others respect you.
That’s why cycling etiquette is crucial for cyclists. In fact, drivers and pedestrians should also know cycling etiquette to “interact” with the cyclists.
And this is how we can avoid accidents together.
Cycling on the road is not dangerous. Attitude is. Get the right attitude, enjoy cycling on the road. Observe cycling etiquette, respect each other and don’t compromise safety.
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