Safe Road Bike Riding in Areas without Marked Bike Lanes or Paths

Road bike riding tips for when there are no marked bike lanes or paths pertain to where on the road to ride, the traffic rules cyclists and motorists must follow (a bicycle accident attorney in Aurora will examine adherence to traffic laws when examining negligence for a bike accident), and equipment or gear that can make the cyclist more visible.

Of course, when marked paths or lanes are available bicyclists should use them. It is safer not only for the bicyclist, but for everyone who shares the road.

Bicycle Safety Tips: Unmarked Lanes and Paths

When there is traffic, there are several road bike riding tips for avoiding an accident. Although it might be obvious, it bears reminding that bicyclists should obey all traffic signs, signals and laws.

Traffic laws do not apply solely to motorists (a bicycle accident attorney in Aurora can use motorist traffic violations to hold the driver liable for an accident), and any road bike riding tips should start with obeying traffic laws.

When there isn’t a marked lane, bicyclists should ride to the right for bicycle safety. The only occasions for which this wouldn’t apply is if the bicyclist plans to turn left, the rider is passing another cyclist, or is avoiding a hazard in the road. This also means riding with traffic, not against it.

Keep in mind that when riding to the right, it doesn’t mean the bicyclist has to do so in the gutter. In fact, this can reduce visibility and may present numerous hazards to the bicyclist.

Bikes are allowed plenty of space on the road, even when it’s unmarked. Anytime a vehicle decides to pass the bike, there must be at least three feet of space between the bike and the vehicle that is passing. If not, and it causes an accident, a bicycle accident attorney in Aurora may point to this as evidence of a motorist’s fault for the accident.

Although two bikes can ride side-by-side, if it would interfere with the flow of traffic, riders should travel single file. However, under no circumstance should there ever be more than two bikes riding alongside one another. When riding on roads without a shoulder, it’s generally safest to ride single file.

When the path isn’t marked, this can leave a motorist unprepared when coming upon a cyclist. Never assume that others will yield the right-of-way or that the bike is visible to drivers. Of course, this can be helped by making sure the bike has headlights and taillights when riding at night. Reflectors or bright colors can also increase visibility and bicycle safety.

Other Road Bike Riding Tips for Bicycle Safety

Of course, wearing a helmet is an obvious road bike riding tip to improve bicycle safety, as it can provide protection to the head in the event of an accident. Further, if not wearing a helmet and the rider suffers a head injury, a bicycle accident attorney in Aurora may see a claim reduced if the rider is considerably partly responsible for the injury severity.

Riders should also avoid weaving in and out of traffic. Taking advantage of the maneuverability of the bike by engaging in this behavior could endanger the safety of pedestrians, motorists, other bicyclists and the rider, so riding safely, following traffic laws, and following commonsense bicycle safety rules are among the most important road bike riding tips.