{"id":189569,"date":"2022-05-20T09:23:30","date_gmt":"2022-05-20T09:23:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.welovecycling.com\/wide\/?p=189569"},"modified":"2022-10-07T07:30:39","modified_gmt":"2022-10-07T07:30:39","slug":"our-10-rules-for-using-bike-lanes-safely-efficiently-and-enjoyably","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.welovecycling.com\/wide\/2022\/05\/20\/our-10-rules-for-using-bike-lanes-safely-efficiently-and-enjoyably\/","title":{"rendered":"Our 10 Rules for Using Bike Lanes Safely, Efficiently, and Enjoyably"},"content":{"rendered":"

Fuelled by the pandemic and the demand for greener modes of transportation, cities worldwide have been investing significant resources in cycling infrastructure. Around the world, policymakers have been approving more and more bike lanes to ensure that they can support the increase in two-wheeled travellers.<\/strong><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

As such, the chances are better than ever before that you live somewhere where getting around by bike is a safe and viable option, which is fantastic! But it also means that you should familiarise yourself with how they work. Whether you\u2019ve got conventional bike lanes, contra-flow lanes or the buffered variety, some rules apply. From passing correctly to watching your speed, let\u2019s get into the rules<\/a> you can follow to make the most of these welcome additions to our cities.<\/p>\n

\"London<\/a>
Whether you\u2019re dealing with bike lanes that share the streets with cars, or fully protected separated lanes, there are several overt and unspoken rules to be aware of when enjoying this fairly new urban infrastructure. \u00a9 Profimedia<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

1. Be a defensive cyclist<\/strong><\/h2>\n

In a perfect world, everyone on the road will have read and memorised this list, and we\u2019d have nothing to worry about. But, as you know, live in a perfect world we do not. The point is, even if you\u2019re riding in a protected bike lane, you shouldn\u2019t assume other cyclists and pedestrians don\u2019t pose a potential hazard. It is necessary to pay attention and be prepared to brake if a dog or kid dashes into the lane or comes to an abrupt stop.<\/p>\n

2. Keep a steady (and reasonable) pace<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Unless you\u2019re the only bike on the road, please, don\u2019t plan on claiming any KOMs while riding in a bike lane. Cyclists of all varieties should feel safe and welcome on public lanes, so this isn\u2019t the place to show off. Likewise, if you\u2019re starting to feel exhausted or aren\u2019t sure about getting up a hill, it\u2019s best to carefully move aside and walk your bike on the sidewalk. Try to keep a similar pace to those around you, and you\u2019ll be just fine.<\/p>\n

3. Make sure your bike is in good working order<\/strong><\/h2>\n

In the same way that you wouldn\u2019t drive a car knowing it had mechanical problems\u2014you have an obligation to ensure your bike is fit for the road before taking it out. Riding something with faulty brakes, flat tyres, or janky shifters is dangerous to both you and those around you.<\/p>\n

4. Sport a lid and make everyone happy<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Again, in the interest of protecting yourself and putting your fellow riders at ease\u2014you should always wear a helmet<\/a> when riding in a bike lane. Statistically, bike lanes are safer for cyclists than the open road\u2014and that is why we love them. Nevertheless, accidents still happen, and it’s important to be safe.<\/p>\n

5. Ensure you\u2019re visible to those around you<\/strong><\/h2>\n

In addition to sporting a securely fastened helmet, you should wear visible clothes and remember that bike lights are critical if you\u2019re riding during dawn or dusk. Visibility<\/a> is a must.<\/p>\n

6. Never block traffic<\/strong><\/h2>\n

If you suddenly need to answer a phone call, are inspired to take a picture or just otherwise need to get off your bike\u2014pull off to the side, dismount and move to the sidewalk. This allows the flow of traffic to continue and helps keep everyone safe.<\/p>\n

7. Always pass correctly<\/strong><\/h2>\n

If you know how to behave in a car on the road, you can apply the same logic to bike lanes. If you’re a slower rider, stay to the right. If you’re planning on overtaking a cyclist, pass on the left. Before doing so, check the lane to see that no one is riding in your direction. Once you’ve passed the rider, move back into the right lane and repeat.<\/p>\n

8. Follow the same traffic rules as usual<\/strong><\/h2>\n

On top of the proper passing protocol, don\u2019t forget that you\u2019re subject to the other rules of the road too. When you\u2019re on your bike, you should still obey all stoplights, traffic signs and pedestrians. Be aware that dashed lines in bike lanes mean turning is allowed but that you should watch out for motorists and other cyclists before making a move.<\/p>\n

9. Tell your fellow riders what you\u2019re planning to do<\/strong><\/h2>\n

No one wants to be startled while riding their bike. It can be dangerous to whiz by another cyclist too quickly and catch them off guard. Ideally, you should have a bike bell or at the very least yell “on your left” as you pass a slower rider.<\/p>\n

10. Remember that it is always important to be kind, folks<\/strong><\/h2>\n

When more people ride bikes, we all win. At the same time, we all have off days, make mistakes, and are intimidated when trying something new. Try to encourage those around you and take a helpful and informative, rather than an aggressive or dismissive approach if you see someone who seems confused. If you have the skills to help a fellow cyclist out with a mechanical issue or share a tube or pump\u2014do so. Your efforts will go a long way to ensuring bike lanes continue to become a more popular and accessible travel option for everyone.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Fuelled by the pandemic and the demand for greener modes of transportation, cities worldwide have been investing significant resources in […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":99,"featured_media":189570,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[335,330],"tags":[6393,3276,4230,1746,6395,6394,2865],"global-categories":[3366],"class_list":["post-189569","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-safety","category-urban-cycling","tag-bicycle-lane-etiquette","tag-bicycle-lanes","tag-bike-lanes","tag-cycle-lanes","tag-cycling-in-the-city","tag-how-to-ride-on-a-cycle-lane","tag-urban-cycling","global-categories-cycling"],"yoast_head":"\nOur 10 Rules for Using Bike Lanes Safely, Efficiently, and Enjoyably<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Fuelled by the pandemic and the demand for greener modes of transportation, cities worldwide have been 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