What traffic rules must cyclists follow on urban roads?
Hey everyone, cycling in the city is just like walking or driving – you have to follow the rules. Otherwise, you'll not only endanger yourself but also inconvenience others. Let me go over a few key points; remember them, and you'll feel much safer and more at ease when cycling.
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Ride Where You Should: First and foremost, if there are dedicated "non-motorized vehicle lanes" (bike lanes), those are definitely your top choice, like an exclusive VIP path. If there aren't any, then stick to the far right side of the road; don't ride in the middle.
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Always Obey Traffic Lights: There's nothing more to say about this; it's the same principle as driving a car: "Red light stop, green light go, yellow light wait." Never think, "My bike is small, I can just squeeze through." Intersections are where accidents are most likely to happen.
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Signal Turns and Lane Changes: If you're turning or want to move slightly from the right to the left, remember to extend your arm to give a signal in advance. Extend your left arm for a left turn, and your right arm for a right turn. This way, vehicles behind you, whether bicycles or e-bikes, will know what you're doing and can anticipate and yield.
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Be Careful When Crossing the Road: On crosswalks (pedestrian crossings), pedestrians have the right of way. When you see people crossing, slow down or stop to let them pass first. If the intersection is particularly busy, the safest method is to dismount and walk your bike across.
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Don't Ride Against Traffic: This is an absolute taboo! Always ride in the direction of traffic flow. Riding against traffic is one of the most dangerous behaviors in any traffic accident; oncoming vehicles have high speed and short reaction times, making collisions very likely.
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Be Visible When Riding at Night: When it's dark or the weather is bad (e.g., foggy, heavy rain), always turn on your lights. Install a white light in front to illuminate the road, and a red flashing light at the back so that cars behind you can see you from a distance. If you don't have lights, wearing brightly colored clothing can also help.
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Don't Ride Side-by-Side and Chat: It's fun to ride with friends, but don't ride several abreast, occupying the entire lane. This will block those behind you and is also dangerous. It's best to ride in a single file, one after another.
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Focus on Riding: Don't ride while wearing headphones and listening to music (don't have the volume too high, or you won't hear horns), and definitely don't look at your phone while riding. If you're multitasking, you won't be able to react in time in an emergency.
Remember these few points, and you'll be much safer cycling in the city. Simply put, treat yourself as a "road user," consider others, and prioritize your own safety.