How to Pass a Cyclist

For drivers of automobiles and for other cyclists: HOW TO PASS A CYCLIST!

I spend a lot of time on my bicycle in traffic, and since I don't (always) go as fast as a car I necessarily get passed by lots of cars. From my perspective, on the other side of that white line or squeezed over to the margin, I can tell that some drivers are nervous, anxious, impatient or even angry at my forcing them to steer carefully past me. Believe me, I'm anxious at that moment as well, though in a seasoned, been-there, done-that, here-we-go kinda way..

For those drivers who are nervous passing a bicycle in traffic: Thank you! That shows an appropriate appreciation for the sheer physics happening between your metal vehicle and my body during that exchange. If you follow these simple guidelines, we'll both get through it safely.

How to pass a cyclist? First of all: look ahead. Look waaay ahead. What's in your lane and what's in mine? If there's anything there that's not going as fast as you or me, don't pass. If you try to pass me while I'm passing another cyclist or going around a pedestrian, we're going to come together in a not-so-happy way. And don't underestimate my speed. We cyclists can often cruise on flat terrain at 25 mph or more. Wait until it's safe for everyone and everything involved.

Second, if it's clear, then go on by, but please give me as much space as you possibly can. Even if you're centered in "your" lane, if you pass me at 35 mph. with only three feet between us, that is a scary experience for me. Plus, one of us could blow a tire, or swerve slightly to avoid an obstacle in our paths, and close that three-foot margin in a deadly instant. Animals can run out, and there are always potholes and impediments on the road. So as much as you possibly can, give me a wide berth, even if it means going into the next lane to do so. Be sure to flash your lights at oncoming traffic if you go into their lane.
Also, pass peacefully. Don't suddenly hit the gas. This can be loud and scary to the cyclist and the fumes from "gunning it" are noxious.

Cyclists: All of the above, plus: Before passing, shout out "on your left" and observe the pass-ee before passing. Did they hear you and move over, or are they blissfully rocking to their iPod? (Rrrrrrrrrr) And look behind you first; It's not safe to pass if a car is passing YOU while you're passing another cyclist.

Cyclists, Use a Mirror

I use a side-mirror on my bike. I imagine that it screams "loser!" to some others, but in fact it's now one of my most favorite pieces of add-on gear.

When I drive a car I'm constantly checking the mirrors, and this need to know what's going on around me while I move is just as important, if not more so, on the bike. Now that I've had a chance to use it for over a year, I don't like getting on any bike that doesn't have one and I'm amazed that I don't see more cyclists using a mirror.

A mirror tells you what's behind you; duhhh! But here are some specific things it does for me on the bike:

• I can see what's going to pass me, how far back it is, and what it is, without turning my head or taking my eyes off the road in front of me too long.

• I can see cyclists coming up on me in the bike lane so I can pull to the right to let them pass. "By the way, the proper way to pass another cyclist is to say "on your left" as you approach, so they know you're there and will make room or keep a straight line. Unfortunately, most cyclists I observe don't use this simple courtesy/safety measure. I'm going to write a "How to Pass a Cyclist" post to elaborate.

• At night I can look down into the mirror and thereby cause my headlamp to shine back into the oncoming motorist's eyes, which is just another dynamic light I have going to show the oncoming car that I'm there. Hopefully they'll look up from their texting long enough to see that extra light flashing at them.

As with driving, it's still also a good idea to turn your head in many instances. But using a mirror on the bike guarantees you a safer ride.