Category Archives: Safety

As Far Right As Practicable

In the last post, I mentioned the often-used rule of bicycling on the road: Ride as far to the right as practicable. But what exactly does that unfamiliar word — “practicable” — mean? Here’s what it’s not: It doesn’t mean … Continue reading

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What Does “Car Back” Mean to You?

It happens every time more than one cyclist is riding on the roads. Sooner or later, one will raise the call, “Car back!” It’s an important warning, because whenever we cyclists tangle with two tons of metal, we’re going to … Continue reading

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Cheating Death

No, nothing serious. But lately, I do feel at the end of my rides as though I have cheated death. Each time. It’s a combination of things, really. For instance, on Saturday’s ride with my wife. Out on the shoulder … Continue reading

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Bike Checks

Earlier this week, Pat and I were about to take a short ride in the neighborhood. While I waited with the bikes in the driveway as she finished putting on her shoes, I glanced down at the rear wheel of … Continue reading

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Filed under Maintenance, Safety

When Nice Drivers Cause Problems

Just the other day, I mentioned that sometimes when drivers are nice to cyclists (it does happen!), it can cause safety problems. Sure enough, on our club ride Sunday, we ran into that very situation — twice. One of my … Continue reading

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The Hidden Danger of Bike Lanes

Normally, I’m a fan of bike lanes. In my area, which is a subrban-style neighborhood, they’ve been striped on most of the arterials. It’s reassuring for me to know that if I stay in my lane and the cars stay … Continue reading

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Aerobars on Group Rides = Bad Idea

It seems that whenever I show up for an organized ride, the pre-ride announcements always include a caution not to use aerobars in a group. And then, a few miles into the ride, I usually get passed by riders down … Continue reading

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Filed under Safety, Technique

“If You’re Just a Courteous Rider…”

One of the rides I took this past summer got me thinking. It was in an area close to where I work, but since I work 30 miles from where I live, I don’t often make the trip there just to … Continue reading

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Keep It Safe — But Keep It Fun

Wow, that post on cycling more cautiously sure got a lot of attention! In case you missed it, my friend David reminded us in the comments that accidents can happen even to the safest of bikers, because we have no … Continue reading

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Getting Cautious

The comment by Blackpearl in the last post triggered some resonant thoughts in my mind. He’s concerned that road riding is losing its attraction for him, because it’s just becoming too dangerous. I’m not there yet, but I do think … Continue reading

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Filed under Safety