Tuesday, May 15, 2012

Bike shop Downey: Top ten bike wrecks- #8 Bike shop Downey: Top ten bike wrecks-#7 The Left Cross

Our bike shop Downey is doing a blog series exposing the most common bike wreck scenarios, from Bicyclesafe.com.

#7 The Left Cross
A car coming towards you makes a left turn right in front of you, or into you. 
  How to avoid this wreck:

 1. Don't ride on the sidewalk. 
 When you come off the sidewalk to cross the street, you're invisible to turning motorists.

2. Get a headlight. Front headlights are needed for night time riding. It's required by law most places. They can increase your visibility in the day too.

3. Wear something bright, even during the day. It may seem silly, but bikes are small and easy to see through even during the day. Yellow or orange reflective vests really make a big difference. Reflective leg bands are also easy and inexpensive.

4. Don't pass on the right. Don't overtake slow-moving vehicles on the right. Doing so makes you invisible to left-turning motorists at intersections. Passing on the right is dangerous for a number of reasons.
5. Slow down. If you can't make eye contact with the driver, slow down enough to completely stop if necessary. It may be inconvenient, but it beats getting hit.

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