As the Patrick Ytsma tragedy demonstrates, enforcing existing traffic laws isn’t enough to keep cyclists safe. We also need to change the way we think about driving.
By Bob Mionske
By all accounts, Patrick Ytsma was the epitome of safe …
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It was like waiting for the other shoe to drop—and when it did drop, it was even worse than expected. “It” is the new House Transportation bill, and it is a disaster for cycling, reversing decades of bicycle-friendly transportation policy.…
“I didn’t see the cyclist.”
It’s the most common explanation motorists offer after hitting a rider.
Even though the cyclist was wearing high-visibility clothing.
Or was well-lit.
Or was riding in broad daylight.
It’s the “ignorance is bliss” defense: …
As dedicated cyclists have long known, cycling is not just a fair-weather activity. Day or night, rain or shine, cyclists ride. Now that winter has arrived, you may find yourself spending at least some time biking in the dark. That …
One of the most egregious violations of our right to the road is the “buzz,” when a motorist passes a cyclist perilously close—so close that buzzes frequently become rear-end collisions.
Some motorists are simply so inattentive while driving that they …
In most cities, cyclists have nowhere to lock their bikes legally. Here’s how to change that.
By Bob Mionske
Whether your bike takes you to work or just on the occasional coffee run, when there’s no rack at your destination, …
Your guide to playing nice with pedestrians.
By Bob Mionske
Sharing the road with cars is fairly straightforward: Cyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as motorists. But when you’re pedaling near people on foot—who move less predictably than drivers—the …
New York City traffic, circa 1890. (Associated Press)
It’s a great time to be a bike advocate—so go ahead and party like it’s 1899.
By Bob Mionske
Fifty years ago, there was no national bicycling advocacy organization. This hadn’t always …
When dangerous driving threatens the lives of children, what should the authorities do? Too often, they appear to believe the proper response is cracking down on parents, rather than the dangerous drivers who threaten the lives of their children.
This …
Etiquette tip No. 1: Give traffic room to pass. (Michael Robertson)
Some tips on keeping the long arm of the law away from your ride.
By Bob Mionske
Cyclists like to ride in packs for many reasons—camaraderie, training, to hide …
