There are a number of precautions bicyclists and drivers should take while sharing the roads, Robert Johnson, certified cycling instructor and PedNet volunteer coordinator, said. One of these precautions is installing additional reflectors on bikes.
“All bikes come with reflectors, but they’re really inadequate,” Johnson said. “Standard reflectors should be complimented with lights.”
All bikes should have a white light in front and a red light in back just like a vehicle, Johnson said. Parkin had just one light on the front of his helmet, he said. “It’s a city ordinance to have a light set when riding at night,” CycleExtreme Bicycle Warehouse employee Teresa Baines said. . . .
Anyone who decides to ride their bicycle in the street should know the proper skills for riding near vehicles, such as not running stop signs and remembering to signal before turning, Johnson said. Also, they should know the proper position to be in while riding in the street.
“Bicyclists try to be too accommodating by riding too close to the curb instead of taking up the lane if it’s too small and having the driver account for them,” Johnson said. “Cyclists fare best when they act and are treated as drivers of vehicles.” . . .
Road I, a nine-hour class offered by The PedNet Coalition, teaches bicyclists vehicular cycling.
“It teaches the very basics from clothing and bicycle maintenance to emergency maneuvers,” Johnson said.
The course is open to anyone over the age of 14 and costs $10. The next class will be held March 17 at MU’s Veterinary School.
