Giving Road Hazards the Runaround

Giving Road Hazards the Runaround

SURFACE HAZARDS

Hazard: Debris like piles of broken glass; gravel after a winter storm; fallen tree branches; piles of leaves; nasty, sunken sewer grates; and potholes

Ride Around: These are best avoided with good scanning techniques so you can move out of their way ahead of time. If you can’t avoid them, stand up on your pedals and relax your arms and legs. Don’t hit the brakes, as momentum is more likely to help you cruise over them.

Hazard: Wet leaves or wet metal (steel plates, manhole covers)

Ride Around: Brake and slow down before rolling over them. When your tires make contact, don’t pedal or brake at all. Coasting will glide you over, but any friction control (like accelerating or hitting the brakes) will cause your wheels to slide out.

Hazard: Railroad tracks

Ride Around: Always cross the tracks as close to 90 degrees as possible. By making your path perpendicular to the ruts, you’re less likely to fall into them. Also, use the techniques for debris and wet metal if the tracks are raised or rutted.

VISUAL HAZARDS

Hazard: Obstruction of view like fences, bushes, buildings, and parked vehicles

Ride Around: Slow down and take extra caution until the line of sight is clear.

Hazard: Rain

Ride Around: Remember that you and the vehicles have decreased awareness and less traction—a really bad combo. Ride a little slower than normal, take longer to slow down, and make yourself as visible as possible with bright clothing or lights.

Hazard: Dawn, dusk, and the sun

Ride Around: Remember that everything is harder to see at these times of day because of diffused light or, worse yet, the sun in the eyes of people driving around you. Use extra caution during these hours. Keep in mind, most people are either just waking up and heading to work or tired from a full day of punching the clock. Either way, ride as if drivers might be a little spacey.

COLLISION HAZARDS

Hazard: Dogs, kids, squirrels, and the cats that chase them

Ride Around: For any of the above, keep them in your peripheral vision in case they make a kamikaze run for it into the road. With dogs, be especially watchful of owners who use retractable leashes. They’re instant clotheslines for unsuspecting cyclists.

Hazard: Other cyclists

Ride Around: If riding on a shared path or in a group ride event, you’ll be cycling with people who may have no idea how to ride with others. Keeping this in mind, slow down and have a bell or call out a warning of “On your left!” before overtaking them.

Hazard: Motor vehicles

Ride Around: Keep an eye out for cars exiting or entering driveways or other turns. If it looks like a car is slowing but isn’t signaling, assume it is going to turn anyway and wait to see what it does before proceeding. The bottom line: It’s always better to be safe than sorry.