Are You Serious? You Can Be a Better Cyclist Than That

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Group of cyclist running a red light
I was riding my bicycle on the Lubbock streets the other day when I rode up behind a group of other cyclists. The light was red and I assumed the group would stop and wait for the light to turn green, but was surprised when they blew through the red light and barely made it across the street as cars that had the green light had to slow down to let them pass. Needless to say, there were horns honked and some angry motorists. This is the type of behavior that makes so many noncyclists hate cyclists. It's important to remember that we all share the road, and we all need to obey the rules of traffic in order to stay safe.

Here are a few things you can do to be a better cyclist:

1. Obey the rules of the road. This means stopping at red lights and stop signs, signaling your turns, and riding in the correct direction of traffic.

2. Be predictable. This means signaling your turns well in advance, and avoiding sudden lane changes or braking. It also means riding at a consistent speed, and avoiding erratic behavior.

3. Be courteous to other cyclists and pedestrians. This means giving other cyclists plenty of space, and yielding to pedestrians when crossing the street. It also means being aware of your surroundings, and using your bell to alert others of your presence when necessary.

4. Wear a helmet. This is one of the most important things you can do to protect yourself in the event of a crash. Make sure your helmet fits properly, and replace it every 5-7 years, or sooner if it has been damaged.

By following these tips, you can help to improve the reputation of cyclists and make the roads safer for everyone. I know that some cyclists may feel that they can get away with running red lights or other traffic violations because they are smaller and more agile than cars. But it's important to remember that even a small collision with a car can have serious consequences for a cyclist. So please, be a good cyclist. Obey the rules of the road, be predictable, be courteous to others, and wear a helmet. We all have a role to play in making the roads safer for everyone.

Here is my next blog post: How Much Water 

Location: Lubbock, TX, USA

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