Lakeway Drive is one of the busiest arterial streets in the Puget Neighborhood. It acts as a lifeline which connects residents east of I-5 to the Commercial District, WWU and the rest of Western Bellingham. According to the 2010 Puget Neighborhood Plan, there are currently no bike lanes on Lakeway and the pedestrian access is limited under the I-5 overpass, making travel without a car dangerous. To keep everyone safe on the road, be sure to follow bicycle safety guidelines[i].
- Use a Headlight: Reflective gear is a standard for bicycle riders, but for the best visibility at night or in harsh weather, a headlight for your bike is also necessary. Experts recommend even using a flashing, LED during the day to keep drivers aware of your presence. Head-lamps and helmet-mounted lights are also ideal for attracting attention from surrounding drivers.
- Avoid Blind-Spots: Pulling up next to a car at a red light may seem comfortable, but if you are in the blind-spot of the adjacent vehicle, you might be asking for trouble. Instead, stop either ahead or behind a car, making sure to leave enough space for you to be visible to other drivers.
- Practice Checking Over Your Shoulder: A bicyclist must be aware of both the road ahead of them, as well as what is going on behind. It is imperative to look over your shoulder frequently to gauge distance of passing cars and other possible obstacles. Newer riders may find that their bike might accidentally drift while looking over their shoulder, therefore practicing riding in a straight line while looking backwards is a good idea. Rearview bicycle mirrors are also available to mount on helmets or handlebars.
- Take Up Space: In areas without bike lanes or wide sidewalks, cyclists may find themselves riding in a lane too narrow for cars to pass you safely. In this case, it is recommended to ride further to the left than normal. Don’t be afraid to move over and safely take over the lane. This method improves your visibility to drivers and prevents those inches-away sideswipes on busy roads.
For more information about bicycle safety and tips for navigating challenging city terrain, check out Bicycling Street Smarts by John S. Allen. The complete handbook is available online here.
