Be Safe: Urban Street Safety Tips

• Check for PW riders and pedestrians, especially in your blind spots.
• Make eye contact with them and yield as needed.

• Slow down and make your right turn behind them.
• The PW rider may be traveling faster than you realize, and a collision might result.

• At urban intersections, large vehicles like buses and trucks can block your view of oncoming PW riders.
• Be watchful to avoid a potential head-on collision.

• Move over a lane if possible.
• This is the Vulnerable Road Users Law, designed to protect (among others) PW riders and pedestrians.

• The Dutch Reach ensures that you check behind you first, and it works whether you’re on the driver’s or passenger’s side of the car.
• Check out this video for a clear illustration of how to do the Dutch Reach.

• Don’t stop, park, or travel in a bike lane with your motor vehicle.
• Stay out of the bike box at an intersection.

• Be patient; the cyclist is allowed to take this safety measure.
• Honking, arguing, or attempting to pass can create an unsafe situation.

• Use a navigation app (hands free!) if you’re unfamiliar with the area.
• Even loud music or conversation can be a dangerous distraction.
• Stay focused – your life and the lives of your fellow riders and drivers depend on it!

• The “bike” feature on a navigation app like Google Maps will recommend a route, and it’s usually the safest.
• Look for a route that uses bike lanes, multi-use paths, and side streets with fewer cars.
• Wear a well-made helmet that fits – every time you ride. Please protect your astonishing brain!

• Use/wear bright colors, reflective gear, and lights.
• Put flags on any trailer or cargo you are towing.
• Don’t assume you’ve been seen at intersections – try to make eye contact with drivers and avoid their blind spots.
• Make some noise! Use a bell and/or audible signals to alert or warn pedestrians and drivers.

• Check for drivers and pedestrians at the intersections.
• Make eye contact with drivers whenever possible and indicate your direction.
• Keep an eye out for bike-specific signals.

For "right hook” and “left cross” situations, remember this:

• When approaching an intersection with a bus or truck in your lane, position yourself behind and to the left of the vehicle so you will be seen by the driver as well as by any left-turning vehicles crossing the intersection.
• If you are along the right side of a truck or bus, the driver will not see you (check out the “Trucks in the Real World” video) and may inadvertently turn across your path.

• Holding the line keeps you in sight of drivers who are also turning.
• Check out this video about how to make a two-step turn.
• Use bike boxes at intersections when they are available.

• If possible, scan for people in cars who may be exiting them.
• Maintain this distance from parked cars even if you have to ride outside the bike lane.

• People may step out into the road unexpectedly and without seeing you.
• Cross straight over train or trolley tracks at a 90-degree angle (or as close as you can get) to avoid catching your tires in the tracks.

• Keep both hands on the handlebars.
• Keep distractions at a minimum.

• The City of Cambridge offers quick tips and helpful videos about using bike lanes, navigating intersections, and claiming the lane – as well as explanations about the City’s various bike lanes and signals.
• Boston offers videos and helpful tips about planning your route, where to park a PW, and how to navigate the city safely.

• The city is full of side streets, parking lots, and driveways busy with cars and PW riders.
• Don’t step off the curb assuming you’ve been seen.

• Successful eye contact with drivers and riders will ensure you’ve been seen.
• Even when you’re in a crosswalk, don’t assume drivers and riders will slow down and stop for you – check to make sure.

• Drivers and riders won’t be expecting you.
• Take special care around buses and trucks; the drivers have massive blind spots.

• Don’t wander into a bike lane (note they can be on the street or the sidewalk).
• Watch out for PW riders if you need to cross the bike lane to reach a ride-share vehicle.
• Listen for audible warnings from PW riders who may be sharing the sidewalk or pathway.

• When you need to use your phone, step away from the sidewalk and/or bike lane instead of creating an obstacle for others.
• Look up and scan around, especially when crossing a street or intersection.