Riding Safely in Traffic

Many cyclists are afraid to ride in traffic. However, in urban areas it is almost impossible to avoid riding in traffic from time to time. During our training rides we will certainly find many occasions where riding in heavily trafficed areas is unavoidable. While there is always a need to be cautious when riding in traffic, there is no need for fear. By following the few simple rules discussed in this clinic you will find that riding in traffic is, while not necessarily "enjoyable", it is not something to dread.

The two most important factors that will ensure your safety while riding in traffic are:

stay visible: Assume that drivers of cars are not looking out for you. You have to do everything in your power to help them see you. As you read through the remainder of the rules here, notice how many of them are directly or indirectly related to making sure that other vechicles (includng other cyclists) can see you.
ride predictably: Riding in a manner that allows drivers to predict your actions goes along way to ensuring that they will stay out of your way. Again, notice how many of the rules discussed here have to do with increasing motorists ability to predict where you will be next.

The other thing to keep in mind when considering "safe riding" conditions is that there's not alot of rocket science in this...the basic rule for riding in traffic is to excersise your common sense!

When going straight ahead, use the right-hand lane. Stay at least a foot and a half from the curb to avoid curbside hazards such as gravel, sewer grates and manhole covers, and ride in a straight line.

Staying out of the gutter will also reduce the number of flats you get since there is generally more debris (glass, nails, etc.) in the gutter than in the right lane of traffic. If there is no ridable shoulder, ride as far to the left of the right edge of the road as necessary to prevent drivers from attempting to pass you.
Ride in a straight line at least 3 feet away from parked cars to avoid car doors that may open in your path (known as being "doored"). Keep to this line even if the cars are far apart, to avoid continuous swerving and to keep yourself in the motorist's line of vision.
When traveling along a row of cars that are parallel parked, be aware of which doors may potentially open. How? If you look through the rear and side windows (some times I even look in the side view mirror), you will usually see some kind of motion inside the car if someone is in there.
Do all that you can to be visible to drivers, but never assume that they actually see you. How do you know whether they actually see you? Make eye contact!
Ride predictably! Keep your speed relatively constant; don't weave into and out of the traffic lane: pick a line and ride straight along it; use hand signals (see below).
Use hand signals when turning, changing lanes and slowing or stoping.
Ride as if you have the right to occupy the lane of traffic...because you do have that right. Asserting your right to the lane (with your "body language" not shouting at drivers who appear to believe that you do not have this right) generally has the effect of causing drivers to yield the right of way to you. But always remember: there's right and there's dead right!
When making a left turn, safely change langes into the left hand lane (use the left turn lane if there is one) and make your turn from there.
Whenever a driver "does the right thing" (i.e., they clearly are watching out for cyclists) be sure to "thank them"...its always a good idea to reinforce proper behavior.