Population for the greater Nashville area is projected to hit more than 2.5 million by the year 2035. That means we’re making plans for more transportation options, including more infrastructure for safe pedestrian and cyclist travel.

The cycling trend has exploded in Middle Tennessee during the past 10 years. According to a 2008 census by The League of American Bicyclists, Tennessee as a whole is ranked 47th when measuring the percentage share of people who commute to work on a bike. But, the number of Nashville commuters on bikes actually tripled during the 2000-2008 time period.

So, of course, it’s impossible for car drivers not to notice the ever increasing number of cyclists on our roads during rush hour, on weekends, on holidays; at every time of the day! As the blistering summer heat fades into less blistering fall heat, the number of riders will increase even more. So before Nashville turns its road rage towards our friends on two-wheels, here are a few tips for drivers from Tennessee3Feet.org.

Drive Cautiously:

- Reduce speed when encountering cyclists.

- Don’t tailgate a cyclist, especially in bad weather.

- Recognize hazards cyclists may face, and give them some space.

Yield:

- Bicycles ARE considered vehicles and in most jurisdictions are prohibited from riding sidewalks.

- Cyclists should be given the appropriate right of way.

- Allow extra time for cyclists to get through intersections.

Be Considerate:

- Scan for cyclists in traffic and at intersections.

- Do not blast your horn in close proximity to cyclists.

- Look for cyclists when opening car doors.

Pass with Care:

- When passing, leave at least three feet between you and a cyclist. It’s the law!

- Wait for safe conditions before you pass a cyclist.

- Check over your shoulder before moving back to avoid cutting off a cyclist.

Many times, drivers blame cyclists for inhibiting the flow of traffic, but cyclists have the same rights to Nashville roads as drivers. Of course, that doesn’t mean they have free reign. Equal access means equal obligation to follow the law. Cyclists can be ticketed for the same infractions as automobile drivers, but they are also much more vulnerable to accidents and injuries from the vehicles they travel alongside. Some tips for cyclists:

On the Road:

- Obey all traffic control devices.

- Use hand signals to indicate stops and turns other users.

- Wear a helmet to cut down your risk of a head injury by 88%.

Ride on the Right:

- Always ride in the same direction as traffic.

- Keep to the right of the lane and ride single file when possible.

- Never ride more than two abreast as it impedes the flow of motor vehicle traffic.

Ride Predictably:

- Don’t swerve in the road or between parked cars.

- Check for traffic before entering street or intersection.

- Anticipate hazards and adjust your position accordingly.

Be Visible:

- Wear weather appropriate, brightly colored clothing.

- When riding in low light, use a front light and red rear light and/or reflector.

- Reflectors or reflective tape and clothing are helpful to motorists anytime.

Staying focused is the final, master key to safe sharing of the roads among drivers and cyclists. Each needs to stay aware of all the other vehicles in the area at all times and also avoid the distraction of cell phones and other personal devices while driving. (Don’t forget that texting law!)

Dig deeper into cycling safety, Tennessee bicycling laws and find more tips for sharing the road from Metro Nashville Davidson County.

This entry was posted on Wednesday, September 1st, 2010 at 3:46 pm and is filed under blog. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.