How to ride a bike in traffic?

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Sara

Hi guys!
So, I learned how to ride a bike about five years ago and I have done it only twice since. A few days ago, on my birthday, I got a bike. I really want to ride my new bike to school and to the gym but I am too scared to ride it in the street. Since I got it, I have been practicing in my neighborhood (a small number of cars are in my neighborhood). Whenever the street is empty, I am very good at it and I go in a straight line and everything, only I keep away from the sidewalk. On the street I will be obliged to ride near the sidewalk where the bicycle bands are. But whenever I see children or cars coming near me I get scared, try to avoid them and almost crash on the sidewalk. Any tips would be appreciated.

Answer
What are "bicycle bands"?? I suppose you mean "designated bike lanes". WORST thing ever invented. Class starts NOW! Read every single word. Watch every video.

http://www.bikexprt.com/streetsmarts/usa/ - USA
http://www.bikexprt.com/streetsmarts/lhd/index.htm - UK version - left side of the road
READ - https://www.stlbeacon.org/#!/content/14234/knowledge_is_best_protection_for_bicyclist
Classes in your area? Take them all - http://cyclingsavvy.org/
See parts 2 & 3 of this also...http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZFjCza5e1kw
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rU4nKKq02BU
Get a good helmet mirror!!!
http://safezonemirror.com/

As one of the videos explains, a little nervousness is to be expected at first. Go for rides on less used roads. If you need to get to a more congested area - find parallel side streets. I've been "car free" over 3 years - going on four. You have the same RIGHTS, duties & responsibilities as any other "VEHICLE" on the road. And yes...a bicycle is legally a "vehicle". Best piece of advice I can give you...in a narrow lane situation (less than 14' wide) "control" or TAKE THE LANE! Ride right smack dab down the middle. You are not impeding traffic - you ARE traffic. http://iamtraffic.org/

do i need to know anything important before bike riding on bike lanes in chicago?

Anthony

Its finally summer, and for once i plan on using the old bike in my garage to go places. Are there any rules or things i should know before I hit the streets?

Answer
Designated bike lanes are a joke! Separate but equal? My @ss! All a bike lane does is put you in the "no zone". "No officer, I didn't see the guy on the bike." Or if they do see you - the ignore zone. Ignore 'em, they got their own lane.

The most common occurrence in a bike lane is the old "right hook". Cars will pass on your left & make an IMMEDIATE right turn DEAD in front of you. As you approach a 3 way or 4 way intersection in a bike lane, scan around for cars possibly looking to turn. That's why a helmet mirror is important.
http://www.amazon.com/Safe-Zone-Bicycle-Helmet-Mirror/dp/B003LVHZ4O/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top/189-4719599-8876809

And what happens if you need to make a left turn? Now you are forced to cross out of the bike lane and cross one (or more) traffic lanes to get into the proper lane.

Rules? You follow the SAME rules & regulations as motorized traffic. Plus there is a separate set of laws for cyclists. http://www.cyberdriveillinois.com/publications/pdf_publications/dsd_a143.pdf See the illustration on page 7? Forget it!!! That shows a line of bicyclists riding way TOO close to the curb! NEVER ride next to the curb. A) Puts your tires in a vulnerable spot to pick up road debris causing flats. B) Motorists don't SEE you. ALWAYS ride away from the curb 5 feet or so. ALWAYS go around parked cars leaving 5 to 6 feet of space - out of the "door zone".

To my knowledge, there is no law stating you MUST use the bike lane. If cars are parked to close, crossing the white line - or a delivery truck is blocking the bike lane - scan with that mirror - LOOK - signal & get out of the damn bike lane.

I repeat...designated bike lanes are a joke! Most are designed by engineers & city planners who never ride a bicycle.

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