Biking Etiquette

For many people, biking is their main mode of transportation. Where most major roads contain bike lanes, and bike racks are a plenty on campus, it makes sense to bike in Waterloo. Because of the bike friendliness of Waterloo, it would also make sense for people to know the rules of biking. But this is not the case.

Far too many times have I witnessed bikers on the sidewalk trying to dodge oncoming pedestrian traffic when there is a perfectly clear and safer bike lane not a meter to the side. If there is a bike lane, use it. That is why it is there. I’ve heard arguments against this stating that they’re dangerous. These people think this way because they do not know common safety rules. I will try to explain some basic rules every biker should follow.

The best way to think about biking in heavy traffic is not who has the right-of-way but rather, “How will I stay alive?” It does not matter if another vehicle runs a red light. The biker will be the one to regret not looking both ways before crossing an intersection at a green light. The biker must make their intentions as obvious as possible to everyone else on the road. This means using hand signals, shoulder checking, being aware of their surroundings, and not make sharp movements. Treating others on the road like they’re T-Rexes is a good start. The mere act of shoulder checking will let drivers know a turn in that direction is intended at some point. Drivers expect cyclist to follow the same rules of the road as everyone else. So learn them. It is important to realize that in Canada, people drive on the right side of road. Bikers should ride on the right side of the road too. It seems odd that I should mention this, but I think it is needed. Stop at stop signs, especially if they are 3-way or 4-way stops. Knowing who has the right-of-way in each 4-way stop situation will greatly help other drivers know what the biker is going to do or else confusion will ensue.

Do not stop at a crosswalk in the bike lane and turn onto the sidewalk to pass the red light. Cyclists seem to think they can switch between pedestrian rules and vehicle rules at their will. Try to avoid this mind set. Bikes are vehicles. By dismounting, one can become a pedestrian. If a left turn is required, it is actually possible to turn into the left turning lane. I do it all the time. Hand signals do wonders to let drivers where the biker is going. However, use common sense in these situations. If one is riding at night, get some lights. Remember the “how will I stay alive” part? Lights will greatly increase the chances of staying alive while riding in the dark. The lights are not to give the ride a headlight to see in the dark, but rather to let other drivers know that there is a cyclist on the side of the road. I would recommend that the rear light would be the best option to invest in if money is an issue since bikers are now riding on the right side of the road.

There are situations where a bike lane is not present, so biking on the sidewalk might be the only option. Biking on the sidewalk comes with its own rules and safety concerns. In this case, a bell to warn pedestrians of an incoming biker is favourable. One could also shout “BIKE!” every time one needs to pass a pedestrian from behind if finances are an issue. I like to break ever so slightly so that my pads make a high pitched screech. Since the sidewalk is for pedestrians, bikers should make every effort to accommodate the pedestrian for allowing them to bike their territory. Slowing down to a comfortable velocity is also required. Unlike biking in the bike lane, people will feel uncomfortable if a biker flies pass them at high speeds, no matter how in control they are. This is the most crucial component of biking on the side walk so I will repeat: slow down on the sidewalk.

I hope this has enlightened bikers about biking etiquette for both on and off the road. It is true what they say: “They are more afraid of you than you are of them.” Drivers are extra careful when they see bikers on the road. The last thing they want is to run over a biker.