Safety Tips from your Friends at ORbike

Where I live we have safety workshops, effective cycling and rules of the road. My best advice to cyclists is a) attend a class like that, no matter the cost, it WILL save your life you WILL learn information that is life saving and b) be bright, wear reflective clothing at night and bright colors at all times.

I don't ride on busy streets at all. I plan my routes to be on calm residential streets and I save the big ones for big cars. Part of the pleasure of me riding my bike is not to be in such a hurry anyway so residential streets are good even if I have to go a little out of my way. I agree with him on reflective clothing at night. Just be visible, really. Don't hide in blind spots or in the dark, lights!!!!!

I just read on Bike Portland.org that they closed the option of making a right turn onto Greely from Interstate where those big accidents occurred. WOOO HOOOO!!!!

Play the 'what if' game. What if the car that is passing me suddenly makes a right turn? What if that car waiting to leave the parking lot I'm just passing shoots out? Don't get so wrapped up in this that you lose touch with the here and now, but, still, plan ahead.

When you ride, you are entering a "safety zone," so dress accordingly. The dark colors you look so bitchin' in for the office party isn't appropriate for the bike. If you think you look funny wearing day-glo yellow...get over it! Visibility can't be overstressed: Safety requires that two vehicles (bike and car) avoid the same spot at the same time (collision). The only way to prevent this is by visibility. It's not just a nighttime lights and reflective gear thing, it's bright white and yellow for daytime...do everything you can to gain the motorists' eye as soon as possible.

Take the poll at KGW.com it is SOOO messed up right now with all these people saying bikes need to be more law following.

I won't wear flourescent, I just won't there has to be a better way. That poor person who was struck this morning was wearing a neon jacket. It didn't help. I want to be visible - YES! I am visible - YES! I have a huge rear red light, two front lights and a helmet light. I also have spoke lights for side view. I use a combination of rechargable batteries for the regular lights, magnetic for the rear and disposable for the spoke nights (only option on the kind I have) so I'm mostly not using a ton of batteries.

I bike in my real clothes. It does not have to be such a process of getting dressed and buying a whole nother set of gear for riding.

I recently purchased and installed a rear view mirror on my left handle bar. Since it's on the bar I don't have to remember it. It's not neon! I get a fabulous view of who's behind me and whether they are coming from safetyland or dangerville.

Mirrors.

Specifically head-mounted (allows movement of rear field of vision).

It's illegal to drive a car without one. As well it should be. Be a responsible, fully aware road user. Know traffic 360 and discover the ability to direct and respond to traffic situations on all sides.

The only argument against mirrors I have heard thousands of times. "I just look over my shoulder, dude." To me, a cyclist appears more vulnerable constantly shoulder-checking. Eyes in the back of one's head are immensely useful for a variety of other safety/amusement features as well.

STAY ALERT! That is absolutely my best advice. I see bikers run red lights unsafely (yes there is a safely) and cars run stop signs... and no matter what the transportation option is, lack of attention causes nearly all accidents - big and small.

I use all options. Two front lights, one rear, and a yellow jacket (carried in a pannier, not worn off the bike).
However the most important thing is to NOT ASSUME that any of these will be noticed. DON'T EVER ASSUME THAT SOMEONE WILL SEE YOU.
Most near misses that I've had were in broad daylight. I watch every intersection and prepare to stop whether there's a sign or not. Twice someone blew a sign and yelled at me for not stopping. I have my hands on the brakes all the time and whenever someone comes out of a side street or driveway, I'm watching them.
I also watch the front wheel of cars passing me or coming out of driveways. That will tell you when a car will move forward and in which direction. I also clearly communicate to other cyclists when I'm passing or turning so that they know. When I ride through Ladds, I pull to the left when slowing for the stop sign so people who don't do that will not hit me. Some people follow the law more and some do less. You cannot change that, however you can be aware of and prepare for it.

These are all really good ideas, thanks for keeping safety at the forefront of the conversation.