Top Ten Things to Know Before Biking in the Street

1) Watch out for cars! Just because you have the right of way does not mean that a crash will be any less painful.  When you are at risk from being hit by a ton of moving metal it is a good idea to watch out and sometimes cede the right of way if that is necessary.

2) When biking in multiple lane streets, don't use the left turn lane.  This lane is for cars.  There are laws stating that bikes and cars should follow the same laws but this is extremely dangerous.  Seriously, just cross in a cross walk twice and you have made a left turn.  It isn't that hard.

3) When going over a speed bump, don't slow down!  These bumps of asphalt may inhibit cars but on a bike if you lift up on your pedals and are not planted on the seat it is a breeze to go straight over them.  This also helps to maintain distance from fast drivers on narrow roads.

4) Remember that stop signs are very strict for cars but when you are biking it is good to look at them as a guideline.  There is no real need to stop at every intersection.  It is so difficult to accelerate that really you can blow through stop signs as long as there are no cars at the intersection.

5) Only get on the sidewalk if completely necessary.  There are usually pedestrians who get in your way and slow you down more than if you have just stayed in the street so use this back up lane wisely.

6) One of the most painful things that can happen to a bicyclist is being "doored." Sometimes people who park are careless and open their door just as you bike by and you flip over the handlebars and crack a couple bones.  This is terrible.  Therefore it is a good idea to look in rear view mirrors ahead and watch out for cars which are on.

7) Other bicyclists can be dangerous as well.  One will almost never encounter another bicyclist who is going at the same speed because it would be mathematically impossible to catch them.  It is just good to watch out for faster bicyclists catching you and to not run into slower bicyclists.

8) Listening to music while you bike is very tempting but this is a terrible idea.  When you can't hear cars it doesn't make you any safer.  There is a much higher probability that you will crash and no matter whether it is your fault or not, it will be painful.

9) Make sure not to bike in the middle of the street.  When there is a fear of being doored this might be very tempting but sometimes cars will creep up behind you and it will be an unpleasant experience being passed by an angry driver.

10) Remember, drivers are jerks.  It seems like they personally dislike each bicyclists because they have the charisma to use an alternate mode of transportation.  You have to watch out for road rage which can develop easily around bicyclists.  Cars are not careless, people are careless.  This is the key thing to remember while biking.

With this knowledge, you should be able to commute or travel anywhere by bike without being seriously injured.