As one who commutes by bicycle to and from my place of vocation during the morning and evening rush, I would like to offer an important safety tip to my fellow cyclists, scooters, and moped riders.
The proper and safest portion of the road to ride is on the extreme right side of the road WITH the traffic flow. Not on the left against the traffic flow, and not on either sidewalk. Here are the reasons for this:
1) The sidewalks are used by children and walkers and it is unsafe and threatening for one to cruise along at 15mph on a sidewalk.
2) Riding against the traffic is a hazard for many reasons. A) In case of a mishap, there is no time for either a car or the cyclist to make an avoiding maneuver while traveling towards each other. B) In case of a collision, there is a lower chance of serious injuries if both the car and cyclists are moving in the same direction as opposed to a head on collision. C) Unfortunately, it is very common for a car making a right turn out of stop sign to look left while rolling past the stop sign and not see a cyclist riding against the traffic to the car’s right. One who rides against the traffic flow must be on high alert every block because of this.
On a lighter note, one of the joys of life is cruising past a line of stop and go traffic to the cars right side.
CS biker
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A mirror is necessary for this
As someone who bikes daily, I’m not crossing a high-speed road twice just so I don’t go against the flow of traffic.
The move is not to educate those who are already not thought of in road design, but to make the infrastructure for micro mobility options so they are safer and more comfortable. I’m talking wider sidewalks, separated bike lanes, bus lanes.
Education doesn’t work, especially when most of the people using bikes and scooters in the Lakewood area are under 18.
Follow the law, cyclists must ride with traffic and follow all road signs and signals.
Yes, also very good idea to have lights on by day also, in addition to nighttime when they are required by law. Helps for many things: Sometimes there are deep shadows on a road from tall trees, or it could be a cloudy day, or started riding by day and became sunset time, or sun is shining in driver’s eyes, but a headlight or taillight on bike will still be clearly visible.
I’d love to bike to work, but how do you deal with coming into work all sweaty? I’d need a shower after biking a few miles, especially in this weather!
Yes, and to shul too etc. A solution would be to have a “waiting” area where people can sit for 10-20 minutes to cool off. Or indeed, I believe some companies have installed showers for this reason – to help encourage biking.
Horrible advice…you are supposed to ride in the right side within the traffic lane…otherwise you risk parked cars and other issues. Also if you are to close to the curb you are encouraging cars to over run you rather they need to go around safely. Again the proper place to ride is in the path all all other cars right side wheels
Your comment and spelling clearly shows you are not a “pro bicyclist”.
The letter writer is absolutely correct, always ride your bike with traffic. That is also the law in New Jersey.
See: nj.gov/transportation/commuter/bike/faqs.shtm
But pro bicyclest (‘er bicyclist) is still right that must be careful even then. For example, a driver of a parked car can open his car door. This actually happened in Brooklyn, a few year ago, and a bochur riding a bike crashed in a died R”l. So must be carful and use causation and be ready for such things. Drivers also should look in mirror before opening a door like that. Everyone must use caution and double check.
The law is they have to ride with traffic, riding against traffic is not an option.
In Israel they literally give tickets for not obeying traffic laws. There should be a mandatory training for e bikes. And maybe only 18 and over. Or 5 hour courses with a training court to practice and explain the dangers.
Why don’t we just teach people to drive safer
why dont you set up a stand and see how many people take you up on it!
Shomer Pesaim HaShem.
Vehameivin yavin.
Not sure what exactly you’re trying to say, but Reb Chayim Pinchas Scheinberg said to a frum nutritionist who asked him if he should spread the word about nutrition or just leave it to Shomer Pesaim, he said that it is a great mitzvah, then added ‘there is no mitzvah to be a pesi!’.
Look at the hashgacha that this article was posted two hour before the next – about a motorcycle crash. Not that this info would have made a difference – that was a licensed, regular motorcycle, but the point is that we all need to increase in safety and caution. Double-checking as go along, and certainly never using phone etc. while driving. (No idea if he was.)
Agree with the letter writer 100%. I bike a lot on Lakewood roads, and I’ve experienced something very frustrating over and over again. Cars will maneuver around me and pull up to the next red light, but not leave enough room for me to get by. They were aware of my presence, they even maneuvered around me! Also, I am shocked how often drivers will blow their horn at me. According to the law, the cyclist is entitled to the road just as much as the cars. If I get over to the right as much as possible, it is just as a courtesy so you can get around me. Please don’t blow your horn at me.