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September 13, 2013 ·
About once a day, another cyclist warns me with "Passing on your left." I always reply, "Thank you." Encourage good behavior! |
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September 13, 2013 ·
A cyclist should always be prepared for a pedestrian to step out in front of you into a bike lane. Then, if one does, you can avoid them and say, "Excuse me" in a not-too-ironic-tone which might shame them into saying, "Sorry." |
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September 14, 2013 ·
Communicate as you pass and set an example for weekend cyclists who aren't always sure how to act on a bicycle. When we're taught how to ride, we're not taught how to interact with each other, though we should be. |
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September 17, 2013 ·
SMILE! You're on your bike, which is one of the best places to be. Other people will react by smiling, too, maybe not all of them, but enough to make it worth while, and when you see them smile, you can't help but think nice thoughts and behave more thoughtfully. |
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September 24, 2013 ·
One way to start getting used to stopping at red lights is to fall in behind if there is only one car stopped at a red light. Place yourself directly behind the car so the driver can see you in their rear-view mirror and know that not all cyclists run red lights. Staying behind rather than positioning yourself in front of them says more about being willing to follow the rules of traffic. One car won't slow you down that much, and it's always better to be behind a motor vehicle rather than to the side. |
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October 8, 2013 ·
Wave cars through even when they have the right of way. Drivers often assume bicyclists will dart right out in front of them, and they will appreciate it when you graciously prove them wrong. |
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October 8, 2013 ·
If a pedestrian, runner, or cyclists responds, "Thank you" when you tell them that you're passing, extend the interaction by replying, "You're welcome." Add manners as well as niceness. |
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January 16, 2014 ·
In the winter, there a lots of opportunities to be nice to others. On narrow streets, pull over to let drivers by before they get upset with you. |
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February 8, 2014 ·
When paths or trails are narrowed by snow, be ready to yield to oncoming bikes, runners, or pedestrians. If they wave you through, thank them. |
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February 8, 2014 ·
Snowy paths and roads provide lots of opportunities for pleasant interaction as we all have to share smaller spaces. Move out of the way at your first chance when cars are backed up behind you. Yield to oncoming pedestrians and bicyclists or thank them if they yield to you. |
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February 18, 2014 ·
Put your feet down when you stop at a light or sign! Drivers don't want to hit you if you dart out in front of them, and this will assure them that you will stand still as they pass in front of you. |
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March 22, 2014 ·
You're no more important than anyone else on the road or path. Treat them as equals, even when they don't treat you as theirs. Most people will then be nicer to you. |
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September 18, 2014 ·
Stop for pedestrians in crosswalks. Put your feet down, put your left hand out with the palm pointed backward to let cars behind you know that they should stop; turn it forward to let oncoming cars know that they should stop, too. Once you feel it is safe, wave the pedestrians through. They don't always believe that a bike has actually stopped for them. |
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November 28, 2014 ·
Sometimes, safety trumps niceness. If you're biking down a narrow street with cars backed up behind you, be especially aware of icy spots and don't make any sudden moves, such as getting out of the way, unless you are *sure* that there is no ice to slip on. |
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February 6, 2015 ·
Yell "Thank you!" when drivers or pedestrians let you through on your bike, even if you legally have the right of way. Think of it as a reward for proper behavior, which is something Boston drivers always need. |
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May 30 at 10:34pm · Boston ·
If there is only one car in front of you at a light, stay behind it, centered so the driver can see you in their rear view mirror. They'll appreciate not having to try to avoid you in the intersection, and you'll get through just as quickly and arguably more safely. |
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June 27 at 1:40pm
Traffic is a dialogue, not a monologue. You will be safer if you interact visibly and/or audibly with pedestrians and automobilists with who you share your route. |