Bike shop Downey: Top ten bike wrecks-#9 The Rear End

Our bike shop Downey is posting tips from Bicyclesafe.com about avoiding the most common bike wrecks.
Wreck #9: The Rear End
 

You move slightly to the left to go around a parked car or some other obstruction in the road, and you get nailed by a car from behind.

How to avoid this wreck:

1. Never, ever move left without looking behind you first. Some motorists like to pass cyclists within mere inches, so moving even slightly to the left could put you in the path of a car. Practice holding a straight line while looking over your shoulder until you can do it perfectly. Most new cyclists tend to move left when they look behind them, which of course can be disastrous.

2. Don't swerve in and out of the parking lane if it contains any parked cars. You may be tempted to ride in the parking lane, dipping back into the traffic lane when you encounter a parked car. This puts you at risk for getting nailed from behind. Instead, ride a steady, straight line in the traffic lane.

3. Use a mirror. If you don't have one, get one from a bike shop immediately. There are models that fit on your handlebars, helmet, or glasses. You should always physically look back over your shoulder before moving left, but having a mirror will help you monitor traffic without looking behind you.

4. Signal. Never move left without signaling. Just put your left arm straight out.