Westworld Saskatchewan

drive smart Wheel to Wheel Chances are you'll be sharing space on the road this summer. Here's how to do it safely, whether you're on a bike seat or in the driver's seat ryan creary/getty images s u m m e r 2 0 1 5 | w e s t w o r l d 47 tIPs For CYClIsts ride like a pro. Keep both of your feet on the pedals and both hands on your handlebars, except when you're signalling. Ride single file and never carry more people than the bike was designed for (one bum per seat). And though seven out of 10 provinces have a bike helmet law (Saskatchewan does not), it's recommended that all cyclists wear helmets for their personal safety. Cyclists without helmets are three times more likely to suffer head injuries in a crash and 20 times more likely to die. Act like a car. When you're sitting on your bicycle, you're a vehicle, not a pedestrian. So stay off sidewalks and crosswalks, and brake for pedestrians just as a motor vehicle would. Be visible and predictable. Equip your bike with a headlight, tail light, reflectors and bell. And ride as predictably as possible — try to avoid making sudden movements or swerv- ing unexpectedly in traffic. at means keep- ing an eagle eye out for potholes, debris and other obstructions down the road, so that you can avoid them safely. Assume nothing. Don't trust that motorists are checking their mirrors consistently. And remember that large vehicles have huge blind spots. Slow down or stop, if necessary, to stay well behind a large vehicle — especially when it's crossing your path to turn right. tIPs For drIVers Give cyclists space. Don't follow too closely: cyclists stop more quickly and unexpectedly than motor vehicles. A three- to four-second following distance is ideal. When passing a cyclist, leave at least one metre of clearance. If you're driving a large vehicle, such as an RV, change lanes to pass a cyclist. Check, then check again. Scan your mir- rors every five to eight seconds, and ahead from left to right, keeping in mind that cyclists are harder to see than other vehicles. Do a strong shoulder check prior to turns and lane changes, being extra-vigilant in areas with bike lanes and cycle traffic. Signal your intentions well in advance. watch for bike lanes. Drivers need to pay attention and apply the same principles to these as they do to regular lanes – shoulder- check when crossing one and don't cross where the lines are solid. lay off the horn. Avoid using your horn when cyclists are about — it's a lot louder out- side, and you might startle them into swerv- ing or crashing. tIPs For BotH Know your hand signals. One of the pri- mary ways cyclists communicate with drivers is hand signals, so both parties need to know the proper signifiers for left, right and stop (visit bikesafety.caa.ca). respect one another. You both have a right to space on the road. "Since CAA Saskatchewan first opened its doors in 1917, the association has been a steadfast advocate for the rights of motorists and travellers," says Christine Niemczyk, director of corporate communica- tions and public relations. "We know that more and more cyclists are using the roadways as well. That means both drivers and cyclists need to continue to be alert, respect each other's space, be safe and follow all traffic laws." W Cyclists and drivers: check out bikesafety.caa.ca for tips, an online quiz and road test. • On average, two cyclists are killed and 150 injured every year in collisions with vehicles in Saskatchewan. • In 2013, there were 187 collisions involving vehicles and bicycles in Saskatchewan, with 151 injuries and two deaths. Ninety-one of them were in Saskatoon and 65 in Regina. • Be bicycle aware. Drivers should scan the street in front and check mirrors often to avoid being surprised by a bicycle. At night, drive with caution and watch for neon clothing, reflectors and lights. • Practice patience. Passing a cyclist can be tricky, especially during times of heavy traffic. Some cyclists will move into the turning lane to allow motorists to go by, but if the lane is unavailable, be patient. Wait until it is safe and prudent to pass. • Give cyclists space. Cyclists stop more quickly and change direction more suddenly than motor vehicles. It bears repeating: a three- to four-second following distance is ideal. • Look around. Bicycles can be hard to see; scan your mirrors every few seconds and do a shoulder check before turns and lane changes. When getting out of your car, check the driver's side mirror for oncoming cyclists before open- ing the door. –Lawrence Herzog Sources: SGI, bikesafety.caa.ca

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