Safety and Education Committee Report - Archive

Don’t scare the slow guy

It was mentioned to me that some of our slower riders have had problems when passed by someone faster. Good rider etiquette dictates that the overtaking cyclist warns, “On your left” when passing. Passing pedestrians from behind also requires a warning (they might even jump into your path). If another rider suddenly appears beside you it is only natural to be startled, nobody wants this to happen to them so we shouldn’t do it to others.

Bicycles are very quiet; it is difficult to hear one when it is overtaking you. Most riders dress to be seen so checking one’s mirror will usually reveal his presence. The Motorcycle Safety Foundation recommends frequently checking your mirrors for over-taking vehicles and that is good advice for the operator of any two-wheeled vehicle. Usually the speed differential between riders is only a couple of feet per second so it takes several minutes for a faster rider to catch and overtake the slower one. Unfortunately, many mirrors are rarely used and some bicyclists have no mirror.

We should be aware of our surroundings and the hazards at hand. If a rider that was behind you for several minutes startled you when passing how often did you check your mirror? We depend on others to inform us of things we do not know or have overlooked but ultimately our personal safety is own responsibility. Not using a mirror is choosing to ignore readily apparent facts and trusting other people to warn you. Who suffers when they don’t?

Some cyclists with lots of experience have not spent much time in a tight group or on someone’s wheel. If you cut in too quickly, they may take needless evasive actions. It is better to let the passed rider “hop on your wheel” or cut in several bike lengths after the pass is completed.

When passing others (on their left) we should warn them of our presence with, “ON YOUR LEFT” and avoid cutting back in too quickly. When riding alone or sweeping a group we should check our mirror for overtaking vehicles frequently.

Bill Fisk- Safety and Education

Safety and Education Coordinator