Urban Cycling Safety: Navigating City Streets

Urban cycling offers many benefits but comes with unique hazards. Understanding city-specific risks helps you stay safe on your commute.

Urban-Specific Dangers

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Dooring Zone

• Ride at least 4 feet from parked cars

• Watch for occupants and brake lights

• Take the lane if bike lane is in dooring zone

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Intersections

• 50%+ of urban cycling accidents happen here

• Take the lane to prevent right hooks

• Make eye contact with drivers

• Don't pass trucks or buses on the right

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Pedestrians

• They often don't see or hear cyclists

• Always yield even when you have right of way

• Slow down in pedestrian-heavy areas

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Public Transit

• Buses stopping and pulling out

• Light rail and streetcar tracks (cross at angle)

• Rideshare pickups/dropoffs

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Delivery Vehicles

• Frequently stop in bike lanes

• Drivers exit quickly without looking

• Plan escape route when passing

Safe Urban Riding Techniques

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Lane Positioning "Taking the lane" is safer than riding in the gutter because:

• You're more visible

• Prevents unsafe passes

• Avoids debris and drainage grates

• Prevents right hooks

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Predictability

• Signal all turns and stops

• Ride in a straight line

• Don't weave between cars

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Defensive Riding

• Assume you're invisible

• Cover brakes at intersections

• Have an escape route planned

• Make eye contact before proceeding

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Speed Management

• Slower speeds = more reaction time

• Match traffic flow when safe

• Slow significantly at intersections