Bike safety: roads better than trails

According to the “Biking to Work Manual,” planning the safest route involves taking fewer left turns. Bicycles rarely get hit by a car from behind and are more apt to have an accident on bike trails than on the roads. Trail hazards exist perhaps because of a false sense of security. Even when there are two clearly marked lanes for opposing traffic, walkers and bicyclist often walk and ride side by side taking up both lanes. Frankly, a bike riding 15 miles an hour (the posted speed limit on many trails) could do considerable damage to an adult, a child or a pet. With blind curving trails, this is something to avoid at all costs.

Also, riding on the street is much less scary than it appears from the sidewalk. I find this to be true. http://www.biketraffic.org/trickstips/traffic/surprisefacts.htm
I ride on streets except for rush hour traffic on a small stretch on Lincoln Avenue between Willow and Lonus streets after a few near misses. Bike lanes on Willow and San Fernando streets are great for fast biking. Front and back flashing lights and a fluorescent green windbreaker make me more visible to motorists while a rear-view mirror keeps me aware of where they are.

Another secret to safety is being aware of your pecking order as a bicyclist. Normal automotive driving habits don’t apply. For instance, if a bus pulls over to drop and collect passengers, a bike doesn’t have the power to speed up and pass it. Also, if a light turns yellow at a four-lane intersection, it is time to stop the bike. Unless the bike is moving at full speed, the light will turn red while peddling through the intersection. It is not worth the safety risk to run a red light. Finally, pedestrians often seem to ignore bikes as they stroll in front of their speeding wheels while jay-walking. It is best to slow down around pedestrians on roads and trails.

Roads and trails offer biking benefits. Roads are smooth, fast and direct while trails are picturesque, curvy and slower. The combination of the two make for a varied commute that can be completely enjoyable and possibly frightening at times. Without external protection, biking can be risky. However, keeping alert while following safety rules will keep bikers as safe as possible while enjoying the scenery and the ride.


Bibliography

Google Images

Bike Traffic.org