We've all seen bicyclists who wander from left side to right, who go from the sidewalk to the street an dwho weave in and out between parked carsd. From moment to moment, nobody can tell what these bicyclists are about to do. Pedestrians jump back, and car brakes squeal as such bicyclists approach.
On the other hand, we've seen bicyclists who seem to blend into the traffic flow smoothly and effortlessly. You always know where they are headed and what to do around them, whether you're on a bicycle, in a car or on foot. They make bicycling look easy -- but aren't they takin a risk? Isn't it safer to avoid the traffic as much as possible...?
WHEN YOU GO FASTER THAN CARS
Usually, cars travel faster than bicycles. But not always. A row of cars may have slowed in a traffic jam. Or you may be riding down a hill where you can keep up with the cars.
If you're going as fast as the cars, pull into line with them. When riding down a hill at high speed, you need more room to steer and brake. Besides, it's dangerous to ride along next to the right side of a car. The driver could turn right or edge closer to the curb without ever seeing you.
As long as you keep up with the car in front of you, stay in line with it. If you begin to fall behind, pull to the right. But if you're catching up with the car, pass on the left, just as if you were driving a car yourself.
Your correct position on the road follows a sensible set of rules, the same as for a car driver: Keep to the right if you're going slowly, but pull to the left to pass. The way you carry out these rules is just a little different -- as explained here -- since your
bicycle is narrow and usually slow. An understanding of road positioning makes the difference between the rider who weaves and wanders and the one who blends smoothly and safely into the traffic flow.
