1. Imagine you're invisible — and assume all drivers got their licenses on the fifth try. Don't expect them to signal, obey stop signs or even notice you're there.



2. Look where you want to go (that's next to the pothole, not in it). Turn your head and your bike will follow.



3. Ride as far to the right as possible, but not so far that you're close to roadside hazards. If there are cars parked along the road, give yourself 3 to 4 feet of space in case someone opens a door. It's tempting to cut back to the curb when riding through empty parking spaces, but don't do it — it's less confusing to motorists if you hold your line.



4. Pretend you're a car: Obey signs, signal turns with your arms (right straight out for a right turn, left straight out for, you guessed it, left), and make turns from the proper lane. Basically, let the world know what you plan to do, then do it.



5. Car-free paths pose a different hazard: pedestrians. Don't sneak up on 'em. Yell "on your left" or ring a bell. Be sure to do it far enough in advance to let them do the deer-in-the-headlights thing before they unfreeze and move to the right-hand side.

Reprinted from League of American August Issue of Bicycling Magazine, August 2005. For more information on good cycling tips, see How You Can Ride Better.
For more information about the League of American Bicyclists, visit their web site, www.bikeleague.org, or e-mail them at bikeleague@bikeleague.org.