Understanding Safe Positioning on the Roadway

This video, created by American Bicycling Education Association, takes you through different scenarios you may encounter on the road and how to safely navigate them to avoid a bike accident. One of the tips that I find particularly useful is the recommendation to take over the entire lane of traffic if you are on riding on a narrow roadway. When riding on a narrow road, cyclists often feel compelled to ride close to the right hand side of the road, often placing themselves in the door zone and without any room to maneuver around potential hazards or debris in the road. This practice is unsafe and could lead to a bike accident.  That's why it's recommended to take over the entire lane on a narrow road (when there is no bike lane). This will make you more visible to other traffic, free from the door zone, and cars won't try to narrowly squeeze by you in the same lane. This may feel a little uncomfortable at first, but you will adjust. Remember, you have a right to use the full lane as well!