Reporting on the death of a Houston area cyclist, Chronicle writer Steve Sievert's Cycling Notebook column touched on some points about safe bicycle riding that deserve repeating.
“These steps can go a long way toward providing an extra measure of safety in a hostile cycling environment,” he writes.
Topping the list is to wear a helmet. We all know that. But do you always give your bicycle a quick safety check before heading down the street? Can't say that I do.
Sievert recommends testing the brakes, cables and tire pressure. I always do the latter, because I like rock hard tires. But I don't check the brakes, etc., until I come to a stop. Motorcyclists call this a nut test. Make sure everything is tight.
Earphones are a distraction, Sievert says, but take a cell phone for emergencies (I do this). Always carry identification (ditto) and let someone know you're out riding and your approximate route (I don't do this, but I will now).
He then suggests riding far to the right side of the road — “stay wide right” — to allow motorists plenty of room to pass. I don't know if this is always the best policy. On narrow roads, bridges, it's sometimes better to “take the lane” so drivers don't try to squeeze past.
Also stay alert, ride defensively, and be predictable, Sievert concludes.
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