can bicycle riders take left lane face oncoming traffic in va

Phones (and other devices with a screen).Being aware of your surroundings means avoiding some of the most common safety distractors: Situational awareness is why we see a car door open into the bike lane ahead, and with some careful maneuvering, allows the opportunity to avoid a serious accident. Situational awareness refers to knowing what is happening around you and it’s one of the most important safety skills you can have. By observing local traffic laws, you are making your riding decisions much more predictable to others with whom you share the road.Ĭommon sense tells us that we need to be focused on the road when we’re driving our car because taking our attention away from the road could prove to be a dangerous, even deadly decision apply the same thinking whenever you ride your bike. Traffic laws set forth a behavioral code that helps maintain order and safety. avoid riding on highways, expressways, and interstate routes.stick to marked bike lanes whenever possible.Observing traffic laws and being aware of your surroundings are two of the most obvious safety suggestions.Įven though local ordinances vary throughout the country, there are some basic riding principles that can be applied anywhere: Many cyclists, especially those who are newer to the sport, don’t know that in the eyes of the law, bicycles are viewed as 'vehicles', so the same road rules and responsibilities that apply to motor vehicle drivers also apply to bicycle riders, too. By investing a small amount of time learning local riding ordinances, familiarizing yourself with the most common bike-car collisions, making responsible decisions, and maintaining a constant awareness of your surroundings, you can greatly reduce the chances of becoming involved in one yourself. While it’s impossible to predict how motorists will behave, there are still plenty of ways to reduce your chances of being hit by a motor vehicle.

A popular belief is that riding a bicycle is a dangerous pastime, but it doesn’t have to be. As a cyclist, there are few experiences more terrifying than that of being hit by a car.

Can bicycle riders take left lane face oncoming traffic in va