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Safety: Cyclist errorsHere we look at the most common cyclist errors that contribute to crashes:
Fortunately, it's easy to avoid these errors. In one large study, nearly one-quarter of all crashes involved cyclists riding against traffic. If you're not sure where you should be riding, read our road position page. As a cyclist, you are considered a vehicle under the law, which gives you the right to use the road and the obligation to follow the rules of the road. By obeying the same laws as you would when driving a car, you avoid these common errors. Here are the typical crashes where cyclist errors play a role: 1. Drive Out
This crash occurs when a motorist enters the roadway from a cross street or driveway and fails to yield to a bicyclist. Why does the motorist fail to yield? In many cases, it's because the cyclist is not riding where the motorist is looking for (and expecting) traffic. (In one large study, 60% of Drive Out crashes involved cyclists riding against traffic, ie., on the wrong side of the street.) The most common Drive Out crashes from a driveway involve wrong-way cyclists on the sidewalk. What to do: Never ride against traffic. Use caution when riding on a sidewalk—assume that all driveways and cross-streets have traffic. 2. Ride Out
This crash occurs when a cyclist enters the roadway from a cross street or driveway and fails to yield to a vehicle. This is a common crash type that children are involved in. What to do: Be alert to traffic at all times. Look both ways before entering a roadway and obey traffic regulations. 3. Right Hook
This crash occurs when the motorist during a right turn fails to yield to a cyclist travelling in the same direction. It is often due to motorist error, however can be influenced by a cyclist passing on the right or riding in the motorist's blind spot. What to do: Avoid or use caution when passing on the right. Motorists are not trained to expect a cyclist to be there. Therefore, do not expect a motorist to know that you are there. Similarly, recognize when you are in a motorist's blind spot and avoid riding there. When a vehicle is to your left, assume that it may turn or move right. Be prepared to stop or take evasive action such as slowing or turning 4. Motorist Right On Red
This crash occurs when a motorist hits a cyclist while making a right turn after stopping. The vast majority of these crashes occur with cyclists riding against traffic—right where the motorist is not expecting them to be. What to do: Don't ride against traffic. When stopped at an intersection, don't wait in a blind spot. Position yourself visibly, well behind or well ahead of the lead vehicle. Sometimes it is safer to wait behind a car than to try and pass on the right. 5. Cyclist Sudden Turn Into Traffic
This crash occurs when a cyclist fails to yield to traffic during a turn. The most common cause of this crash is the cyclist not looking before turning. What to do: Before any change in direction, it is essential to look both ahead and behind. You may need to practice the core skill of looking back while maintaining a straight line. Remember, if it is not safe to turn, you may need to go past your destination and turn around. Sources
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