05.24.07 - Cycling for all – CAN-BIKE cycling tip #4

May 24, 2007 (Ottawa, ON) – Cycling for all – The Canadian Cycling Association is pleased to communicate its fourth CAN-BIKE cycling tip of the season.

CAN-BIKE TIP #4
Please Don’t Squeeze

Collisions with trucks are often fatal. Here’s what you should do:

ALERT
For drivers of trucks, buses, vans, SUV’s and motor homes: Your vehicle takes up the full width of a lane so it is not safe to share the lane with a cyclist. You must change lanes to safely pass a cyclist or stay behind. Never attempt to overtake a cyclist in the same lane. Remember: cyclists may ride faster than you think. Check blind spots often and avoid cutting off a cyclist on a turn. Please don’t squeeze. Leave room to breathe.

For cyclists: Large vehicles take up the full width of a lane so it is not safe to try and share the lane with them. Stay well behind large vehicles and never squeeze through between the vehicle and the curb. Large vehicles have HUGE blind spots. The driver may not see you, and they will not hear your bell, so always stop or slow down to stay well behind a vehicle when it is turning right. Please don’t squeeze. Leave room to breathe.

ABOUT CAN-BIKE
The CAN-BIKE safe cycling skills program is the standard for bicycle education across Canada. CAN-BIKE Courses teach riding skills, traffic analysis skills, and collision avoidance techniques. They also provide the basics on safe equipment, and a basic bike inspection. Regardless of your experience, CAN-BIKE will make your cycling more effective, and give you a greater sense of confidence and control in traffic. Visit http://www.canbike.net/cca_pages/

With generous support of Transport Canada’s Moving on Sustainable Transportation program.