Five Simple Defensive Driving Tips To Create Safer Streets For Cyclists & Pedestrians Too
Drivers are trained to see other drivers, but what about everyone else out there?
There’s been plenty of talk lately on the war on cars and the lack of protected biking infrastructure and sidewalks. Advocates of all ages and backgrounds have made their presence felt more than ever in public city meetings to undo and correct land use, transit systems and zoning laws. Many of these changes will promote us to share our neighborhoods and our streets. This shouldn’t be a problem now, should it?
It doesn’t take much to be inclusive when getting around town. This means including cyclists and pedestrians onto your radar when behind the wheel. Defensive driving typically only refers to avoiding potential accidents with other vehicles.
Don’t believe me? Check out this entire article by one of the nation’s largest insurance companies.
Simply, not one mention of being alert for cyclists and pedestrians. Deprioritizing cars over other methods of transportation isn’t something you can do overnight but here’s 5 tips that will instantly create safer streets for all.
Check Your Side View Mirror on Right Turns
While this is important whenever turning right, it’s extremely critical on streets with bike lanes. Also, ensure your turning signal is on. It’s the only way a cyclist will know you are turning.
This is a good time to remind everyone that pedestrians in a crosswalk have the right of way, so drivers must yield.
I should also mention while turning right on red is legal in many municipalities, this can be extremely unsafe for cyclists who can’t see your signal light cycling on the road you are turning onto.
Avoid Blocking Crosswalk When Possible
The crosswalk allows pedestrians to cross and is a marker that cars should avoid blocking. Poor city design will sometimes put drivers into a situation where they aren’t able to see oncoming traffic when no stop signs or lights are present.
This is typical in areas where on-street parking is permitted. I won’t rant on this topic today but if you absolutely have to do this in order to safely proceed, make eye contact with any pedestrians that may be crossing and allow them to cross first. Pull far enough into the lane for people to go behind you while you await the chance to proceed. This isn’t ideal but prevents a situation where there could possibly be mixed signals.
Give Cyclists ATLEAST 3 Feet When Passing
Drivers should ensure they give cyclists plenty of clearance when passing. I believe you should also give cyclists 3 feet or more in front of you when it isn’t safe to pass. No tailgating. Cyclists may “take the lane” on tighter roads. This simply means they will move to the center of the lane to ensure they aren’t clipped by a close pass when there’s no shoulder or buffer.
Know Bike Hand Signals
Bikes are legally allowed on the road so it’s important to know how they will communicate with you. The hand signals above are pretty universal. While many may argue they rarely see cyclists use hand signals, I could argue drivers rarely use turn signals as well. Communication on our roads are imperative. We must all do our part to promote safer streets.
Back into Parking Spaces
While parking methods typically are chosen by preference, when in busy lots or denser areas reverse parking should be the standard. In fact, many municipalities will enforce ‘Reverse Parking Only’.
Reverse parking allows the driver to see pedesterians, cyclists and vehicles clearly. ‘Reverse Parking Only’ parking also controls the traffic so it moves in one direction. Many tend to be distracted most in a parking lot where calls, texts and even selfies are often made. Reverse parking helps inattentive drivers have a better chance of preventing an accident as they’re more likely to stop themselves when poorly transitioning from being preoccupied.
These 5 simple tips will promote sharing of the road and inclusivity to however someone gets around town.
