In an earlier post (February 15th), I gave a Safety Note and promised more in the future. I think I'm overdue for post #2...

Last time, I spoke briefly about the dangers of the Right Hook and how to avoid them while cycling in traffic. This time, I'd like to briefly touch on a less frequent, but equally risky situation; appropriately, (if not creatively), dubbed the "Left Hook".

As you'll recall, the Right Hook is, in paraphrased form, a situation where a car is making a right turn and does not see the cyclist. A Left Hook is exactly what it sounds like - when a driver makes a left turn and either 1)thinks oncoming traffic is clear and never sees the cyclist or 2)thinks oncoming traffic is clear, sees the cyclist, but mistakenly believes he/she can make the turn without interfering with the cyclist's path.

That was a mouthful. So here is a picture to illustrate the situation. Curiously, I was able to photograph it at the same exact intersection I photographed the danger of the Right Hook!



In this particular case, there were no cyclists traveling in the empty bike lane, so everything was fine...I, as usual, was standing on the curb, waiting for a demonstrative shot. But a cyclist clipping along at 20mph might conceivably think all was clear, just because the bike lane was clear.

The point again is, if you're going to make an assumption about a driver's intentions, make it the most conservative assumption - as in, he/she does not know you exist! Slow down and watch until you're SURE you know, then proceed appropriately. Also, if you make eye contact and they wave you through, double-check with other traffic - there are usually other parties involved, don't just take the word of the one you made eye contact with, they don't speak for everybody. And finally, once you are sure, proceed with absolute confidence. Don't hedge, hesitate, start/stop, etc - go boldly and decisively and just like with the Right Hook, make YOUR intentions clear.

One other note. As opposed to the Right Hook, the front headlight is extremely important in mitigating Left Hook risk. The front headlight is great for helping you see the road better but just as importantly, it's the single best tool you have for oncoming traffic to see you, especially those waiting to make a left turn. Motorcycle riders already know this (as one member noted in a comment to an earlier post), which is why they ride with their headlights on all the time. It's hard to blame drivers for not seeing you at night if they're waiting to turn and you have all your reflectors and flashing lights...on your back! So if you ride at night, at dusk or in the early morning, it is essential to have a good headlight attached and in good working condition. Actually, it's a good idea all the time, but when lighting conditions are not optimal, it should be mandatory.

Remember, this doesn't just apply to intersections. There are driveways, parking lots, alleys, etc - plenty of opportunities for drivers to make perfectly legal left turns into your path. Keep your headlight on, your eyes open, and be deliberate about your direction and intentions, and you'll be a long ways towards having years of safe riding conditions. Then you can focus on the real point of cycling which is to get out there and have fun!

Safety Tip #3 coming soon...