FEND Journal / City Riding
The Rules of Biking in the City
The written and unwritten rules every urban rider should know, from helmets to red lights to dooring.
Cities have seen a huge influx of bikers over the past year. With more people anxious about riding in close quarters on public transportation, bikes are a new wave suitable for many. This barebones form of commuting is only growing, which means more and more riders on the road.
Biking is a wonderful way to get around, with real health and environmental benefits. But safety is often overlooked, and it's something we should all keep in mind the next time we pedal into the city. Here are the written and unwritten rules of biking in the city.
Protect your head
This is probably the most important unwritten rule, but it goes without saying (and with saying): always wear a helmet when riding, even on the shortest trip. Helmets significantly reduce the risk of serious head injury. A few things to remember: make sure the helmet fits properly, since it won't do its job if the fit is wrong. And wear it correctly. We've seen the whole gamut, from riders with the helmet unbuckled, to wearing it too far back, to even wearing it backward.
Be seen and be heard
Riding during the day is one thing, but you should always be prepared when riding at night or in limited visibility. We don't all have night vision, so making yourself visible to others, including cars, helps keep you safe. Make sure you have active lighting on the front (white light) and back (red light) of your bike. Most states require a white front light, and a red rear light is typically recommended. Pro tip: there are many new options using hi-visibility clothing and reflective stickers for your helmet.
Bells are another way to make yourself predictable and heard. City streets get noisy, with horns beeping and sirens blaring. When interacting with other riders or cars, a bell is the universal signal to be heard. Some states require cyclists to have a bell and lights, or you'll be ticketed.
Riding with pedestrians
Pedestrians always come first.
Even on a bike, you should always mind the rules of the road. A beginner cyclist can reach 10 mph with ease, and a collision at that speed could seriously injure both parties. Take it easy when you ride, and remember that pedestrians aren't always paying attention. When you ride through the city, keep them in mind at all times.
Be predictable
Do your best to avoid sporadic behavior while riding in the city. It's a dense area with almost no room for error. Be predictable: maintain steady speeds and turn with hand signals. Check your surroundings when turning and avoid sharp cuts. Brake and accelerate gradually rather than making jumpy movements, so people have time to adjust to you. You can't anticipate hundreds of people's actions every second, but make yourself as predictable as possible.
Bike lanes
Whenever you have the chance to use a bike lane, use it. Sometimes they're blocked by parked cars or bold pedestrians, but it's still the lane intended for you. Cyclists also have rightful access to the general travel lane. When there are obstructions in the bike lane, switch to the general travel lane using predictable movements. When you shift back, stay close to the curb to keep your distance from moving vehicles.
Red light etiquette
Red light etiquette on a bike is similar to driving a car. Make a full stop and wait until the light turns green. In some states you can treat a red light like a stop sign when no cars are around, but check your local laws, and it's always best to simply stop. Blowing through a red light is one of the most dangerous things you can do on a commute.
Car doors
Car doors are an unwritten rule for both drivers and bikers in the city. It happens so often that the term "dooring" was coined. People getting out of a car should check both sides before opening the door. It doesn't always happen that way, and dooring can cause a nasty spill if you aren't careful.
The effects range from a damaged bike to serious injury or worse. When you see parked cars, glance over and check whether anyone is inside. Be especially cautious around a taxi, Uber, or Lyft, where people are likely to jump out. Steer clear of the door zone to be safe.
Turning drivers
Getting hit by a turning driver can be even more dangerous than getting doored. As you approach an intersection, remember that drivers are nowhere near perfect when they turn. Stay alert for other drivers turning in the same direction, especially those taking tight turns. If you're behind a car, watch for brake lights and turn signals. And watch for taxis and Ubers cutting corners, since their eyes might be on the sidewalk instead of on bikers.
Use eye contact
The power of eye contact doesn't just apply to conversation. It confirms you have the attention of drivers and pedestrians around you. Look for eye contact before you make a turn or cross the street. It's much easier to pick up a head nod or hand signal showing that someone is yielding. Eye contact is your friend, and it makes you more predictable to others on a bike.
Passing other riders
There will be other cyclists going through the same city struggles as you. Before you pass another rider, use your voice while you're behind them. A simple "on your left" or "on your right" before passing prevents surprises. Pass decisively and only under safe circumstances. Find a moment with no obstructions in the bike lane, ideally on a straightaway. Most riders have no problem letting you go around.
Riding on the sidewalk
The sidewalk is for pedestrians, not bicycles. Riding on it is dangerous for several reasons. It's crowded with people walking, stopping, and turning, and they aren't always paying full attention. Pedestrians aren't prepared for a bike flying by, and they typically aren't checking behind them.
Locking your bike
Don't attach your bike to anything that isn't secure. That tree that looks like the perfect parking spot? It can be cut to steal your bike, and it isn't kind to the tree either. Road signs aren't a bad option when there are no racks around and you're not obstructing the sign, but lock the bike on the side facing away from the road. Cars racing to parking spots can swipe into your bike.
Where not to park your bike
Are you blocking anything or anybody? Be mindful of handicap ramps with railings and avoid parking on the main road. If you find a bike rack, keep etiquette in mind. Are you taking up more than one spot? Did you cram your bike in and accidentally lock it to another? A few questions worth asking before you park.
It's not a race
The city can be hectic. It's unpredictable and often pushes us to leave earlier for work than we'd like. There are hazards everywhere: potholes, debris, doors opening. Even when you're running late, avoid the race mentality. Higher speeds mean less reaction time. During those chaotic commuting hours, everyone has somewhere to be, and other people and drivers are rushing too, so keep your safety bubble at all times. And most importantly, strap on your helmet and enjoy the ride.
Ready. Set. Ride.