I’m a bicycle advocate, so I have a tendency to concentrate on the benefits of cycling. Unfortunately, I have to admit that some riders give cycling a bad name. It seems like every time I ride, I see teens without helmets, cyclists riding against the flow of traffic, ignoring stop signs and traffic laws.
It’s maddening to see riders with irresponsible and dangerous behavior. Beyond the obvious concern for safety, bad cycling gives those of us who are responsible riders a lot of grief. There’s a form of transportation profiling that happens: A motorist encounters an obnoxious cyclist, and then harbors resentment toward all riders, no matter how law-abiding. Sometimes that resentment translates into aggressive behavior by drivers towards cyclists, generating dangerous and sometimes fatal situations. It’s also hard to lobby for more bike infrastructure if cyclists set a bad example. Decision-makers and law enforcement officials will want to see less, rather than more bikes if there are too many cyclists making poor choices.
Cyclists need to know their rights as well as their responsibilities. That’s why the mission of the Culver City Bicycle Coalition is not only to advocate for biking, but also to educate. We recognize the benefits of smart cycling for ourselves and for everyone on the road. On Earth Day weekend, the coalition organized a bike rodeo to teach kids safe riding, and distributed a lot of bike information at the EarthFest at Kenneth Hahn State Park. Last week, we hosted the first of a two-part class called Confident City Cycling to teach adults responsible riding with the non-profit organization Sustainable Streets. This week, our members are participating in a community meeting on the Safe Routes to Schools program at Linwood E. Howe Elementary. Every week, our main educational outlet is this column.
Here’s a quick review of the basics for safe riding:
- Never ride against the flow of traffic: It’s incredibly dangerous. Motorists can’t safely anticipate a wrong-way rider. It’s also against the law.
- Follow the rules of the road: Cyclists have to obey traffic rules like motorists do. It’s safer and smarter.
- Ride predictably: Don’t weave in and out of traffic, turn suddenly or stop abruptly. Drivers and pedestrians have to be able to read cyclists’ behavior so they can act accordingly.
- Speaking of pedestrians, they have the right of way. Be courteous and safe.
- Wear a helmet: It’s the law for ages 18 and under. It should be common sense for the rest of us. After all, what’s more important – protecting one’s hairstyle or brain?
- Lighten up: Be visible with light-colored clothing and a front and rear light.
Want more? See la-bike.org/take_your_bike/bike_law_101.html.
Please ride safely. Set a good example for others. Be a bike ambassador – let your behavior show motorists, pedestrians, public policy makers and taxpayers that we belong on the road. Inspire someone to get behind a nice pair of handlebars and ride. After all, May is National Bike Month.
Bike Safe, Bike Smart! is a weekly column to promote responsible cycling by providing information, education and advice about riding. It’s written by members of the Culver City Bicycle Coalition (CCBC), a local chapter of the Los Angeles County Bicycle Coalition. The CCBC hosts a family ride each month. For more information, go to ccbike.org.