Be Seen! This is probably the most important thing about riding in traffic. Wear bright clothing and use lights, reflectors and reflective clothing if riding after dark or in poor lighting conditions. Lights and reflectors are required by law for night riding. If drivers are not quickly aware that you are in the road then you are at risk. Bright clothing with lettering is good because drivers are looking for signs and words on your jersey make you more visible.

Be predictable. Always ride near the side of the road but not in the gutter. It is dangerous next to the curb because debris gets blown there and you have limited space to maneuver. Ride smooth and straight about two feet from the curb and drivers should see you and give you room. Always obey traffic laws. Stop at stop signs and red lights. Ride with traffic. A bicycle is a vehicle authorized to be on the road, but must obey laws as any other vehicle. Don’t take undue risks. Don’t move into the pedestrian crosswalk if you are traveling through the intersection. If you move right to get in the crosswalk then a driver may think you are going right and turn behind you. Then when you move left to go through you are directly in front of the car!

Choose your route. If possible, find streets with little traffic. Use the intermediate streets that run between major arterials. Some of these streets will have bike lanes and will be much safer. Try not to ride during the heaviest traffic periods. If you commute find a route that may be longer but one that has little traffic.

Be careful! Always ride defensively and be aware of what is going on around you.

Scan the road ahead and look for cars that are moving in your path. Identify possible hazards. Predict potential problems. Look for driveways where cars may enter the road in front of you. If cars are parked on the side of the road watch for someone opening a door. If you are at an intersection and want to go through check for cars that are turning right. Always give cars the right of way. Never assume what a driver will do. After identifying any likely dangers decide what your response will be and then act on it.