There is no way around it. The only long term solution for safer cycling is better cycling infrastructure. That means lanes that separate cyclists, pedestrians and cars completely. Not merely white lanes painted on the road that are nothing more than a placebo. However, separate cycle lanes are complicated, costly and take time to build. Until that time, we need to show a bit of kindness to each other on the road. Here are some top tips for a better time on the bike:
1. Leave a little wiggle room
If you’re a driver give the cyclist a little bit of room. Even if they’re blocking traffic in peak hour, which we all know can be frustrating, it’s just not worth it to sit there honking your horn or taking the risk of clipping the cyclist as you try to squeeze past. Cyclists are entitled to be on the road so wait till its safe to pass and move on with your day.
2. Be considerate of motorists
If there’s one pet hate I have of fellow cyclists it’s when you are waiting at a traffic light in your car and a cyclists pulls up right in front of you. You are entitled to do this by law (I don’t know for sure) but sometimes you have to look at the law and say to yourself “I might be entitled to do this, but do I really need to.” Don’t pull up right in front of a car when you know you’re going to slow them down. It’s really annoying. Stick to the left hand side if it’s possible and every one will be a lot happier.
3. Don’t run red lights
It’s tempting to run lights on a bike but don’t do it, especially not at busy intersections. I’m not a stickler for rules but use your common sense. Running red lights is hardly ever a good idea. Your life is worth more than the ten seconds you’ll save crossing the intersection early.
4. Indicate
This goes for cyclists and motorists. If people know what you’re going to do next they can take action to avoid you. Cars, use your indicators and bikes stick out your arm well in advance of turning.
Most of these problems could be avoided if we had better cycling infrastructure. But until we do, follow these 4 easy rules and everyone will have a better day.
Separate Lanes for Bicycles 
Reblogged this on Room for Kindness and commented:
The road is one of the main places where kindness is often the last thing on everyone’s minds. Our friends at ‘Claim the Lane’ have written up a few tips on how to be kind and share the road with cyclists, definitely an interesting read. Check out their page for more info on cyclist rights and help endorse separate lanes for bicycles!
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As a fellow cyclist this is some great advice, like you said in tip 3 it is never worth running the red, too many close calls of thinking I was faster then I actually am have supported that!
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