Best Practices for Safely Biking Around Oklahoma City

Biking offers a convenient, environmentally friendly, and healthy way to explore Oklahoma City and its surroundings. However, sharing the road with motor vehicles and pedestrians requires cyclists to prioritize safety at all times. Whether you’re commuting to work, running errands, or simply enjoying a leisurely ride, following these best practices can help ensure a safe and enjoyable biking experience.

What Are Common Causes Of Biking Accidents in Oklahoma?

There are a few common ways that biking accidents occur. First, sometimes when a driver needs to make a left turn, a cyclist can be in their blind spot or they may be trying to beat the bicyclist and misjudge its speed, resulting in a collision. Another common cause is cars driving too closely to cyclists on busy roads, causing the cyclist to be hit by the driver’s mirror or causing the cyclist to lose balance. Drivers can also merge into a lane too soon after passing a cyclist which then cuts off the rider. Drivers making right turns can also fail to see cyclists in time and hit them when turning at an intersection or into a parking lot.

Watch For Doors

When biking near parked cars, be vigilant for opening doors. Ride at a safe distance, at least 3 feet, from parked vehicles, and remain alert for any signs of movement or occupants exiting their vehicles. Avoid riding in the “door zone” to minimize the risk of collisions with opening car doors. Dooring can cause severe injuries to cyclists and damages to bikes.

Yield To Pedestrians

Respect the rights of pedestrians by yielding to them at crosswalks and intersections. Slow down and give pedestrians ample space to cross safely, especially at busy intersections and areas with heavy foot traffic. Always be prepared to stop if necessary.

Use Safety Gear

Wearing appropriate safety gear is essential for protecting yourself while biking. Invest in a properly fitted helmet to reduce the risk of head injuries in the event of a crash. Additionally, consider wearing reflective clothing and using headlamps to enhance your visibility, especially when biking during low-light conditions. Always carry a bike lock and secure your bicycle when leaving it unattended. Bike theft is way too common!

Learn Turn Signals

Using hand signals to indicate your intentions is crucial for communicating with motorists and pedestrians. Learn and practice standard hand signals for turning, stopping, and changing lanes to ensure that others can anticipate your movements on the road.

Follow Traffic Signals

Obeying traffic signals and signs is crucial for safe biking in Oklahoma City. Stop at red lights and stop signs, yield to oncoming traffic when required, and proceed through intersections only when it’s safe to do so. Adhering to traffic laws helps prevent accidents and promotes harmony among all road users.

Bike in Safe Areas

Choose bike-friendly routes and roadways whenever possible. Look for designated bike lanes, multi-use paths, and low-traffic streets that provide a safer and more comfortable biking environment. Avoid busy roads and high-speed highways whenever feasible, prioritizing your safety above convenience.

Beware of Blind Spots

While riding on busy roads, always be aware of drivers blind spots. This can commonly happen in areas like intersections or when turning into parking lots. This is a defensive riding technique that can prevent fatal accidents.

Limit Distractions

Stay focused and attentive while biking by minimizing distractions such as using electronic devices or wearing headphones. Keep your eyes and ears open to your surroundings, allowing you to react promptly to potential hazards and changes in traffic conditions. This is a defensive riding technique that can save lives.

Don’t Drink and Ride

The same rules of cars apply to bike riding when it comes to impairment. Never ride a bike if you have been drinking, especially in high traffic areas. For reference, 36% of all bicycling fatalities in 2021 involved alcohol. Meaning either the car or bicycle operator tested for alcohol in their system.

Plan Your Bike Route

Before setting out on your bike ride, take the time to plan your route carefully. This can help prevent you from ending up in busy intersections or other unsafe areas. Additionally, it can help you avoid roads that are poorly maintained and have potholes or other debris. Choose routes that are well-lit, well-maintained, and offer minimal exposure to heavy traffic and hazardous road conditions. Consider using bike maps or online route planning tools to identify the safest and most enjoyable biking routes in Oklahoma City.

By incorporating these best practices into your biking routine, you can help create a safer and more enjoyable biking environment for yourself and others in Oklahoma City. Remember to stay vigilant, respect the rules of the road, and prioritize safety at all times to make the most of your biking adventures in the city.