By: Darren Rieck
Ok, now that I see more of you sharing the bike path with me while the weather warms-up and the desire to lose some unwanted winter pounds entices us to get outdoors, please take caution to a couple words of experience-based wisdom. I may have missed a few, but here are some basic Rules of the Biking World:
1) Keep Your Head Up!
Look where you are headed, not at the ground or where you have been. If you want to look at a site or need to stop, pull over to your right and then get off the path completely before stopping. If you are talking with someone, Do Not Look at Them when speaking, look forward only!
2) An Obstacle or a Threat.
Everything on the bike path falls into the category of "obstacle" or "threat". An obstacle can become a threat, and all threats need to simply become obstacles. This is the defensive mindset that will keep you riding, not falling.
3) Follow the laws and rules of driving a car.
Yes, you have both the rights and responsibilities of a car on the road.
4) Pedestrian Walkers
If you are walking (jogging) on the bikes-only path: Stop. Exit right. Your safety is in danger, and worse, you are putting bikers in danger of a head-on collision as they pass you while you force them into the opposing traffic lane. In a desperate situation, bike riders will avoid the more dangerous head-on collision, increasing the likelihood of the walker (jogger) getting hit. REMEMBER: Walkers (joggers) on bikes-only paths have no legal stance if they are hit and can be sued by a bike rider, so pedestrians should avoid bike paths.
5) Keep to your Right.
Stay to your right as much as possible and NEVER be surprised that a bike is passing you. If you anticipate a biker behind you wants to pass, Do Not look behind you! Pay attention to what you are doing, look forward and stay straight while keeping right.
6) Never Turn Blindly.
This happens almost every trip; someone in front decides that they have gone far enough and simply pulls a 180 degree turn without first looking. If you are going to turn around, slow down as you pull over to your right. Make a complete stop on the side of the path; look both ways before proceeding in the direction you choose.
7) Anticipate other peoples' actions.
If you are really paying attention to what you are doing, then you are also keeping an eye on the bikes in front of you. All intersections are possible turns for others, so expect someone to turn at the last minute because they may not have read this. Don't Forget: there are people behind you too.
8) Be Aggressively Defensive
Defensive driving is the key to avoiding collisions of any type. Be actively and aggressively defensive in your riding without rewarding poor biking skills of others by stopping for them to let them continue making a mistake. This will increase the likelihood of you avoiding incidents and help others to become more alert. This may entail vocalizing your intentions or what others should do by directing traffic.
9) Keep General Societal Malaise at Home.
Let's face it, more and more people are living in their world, a self-centered existence that cares about themselves only and is not responsible for their actions. “ I am on the road. You watch out for me as I take my course, my way.”
This will likely get you killed on the bike path. The bike path isn't the place for society to stop for you or start paying attention to you, so don't expect that.
10) Keep Your Head Up!
Yes, it's that important --I had to list it twice.
Biking for transportation is a great deal of fun, and I have ridden my bike nearly daily since 5th grade with a handful of incidents. Follow these simple guides, and you will enjoy riding without taking the fun away or injuring yourself or someone else.
Good Luck & Keep It Up!
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