Left CrossA motorist fails to see a cyclist and makes a left turn--it accounts for almost half of all bike-car crashes.

How to avoid this collision:

•Watch for drivers turning left across your path•Don't ride on the sidewalk.•Use a headlight. •Wear something bright, even during the day. •Don't pass on the right. 1

Right Cross

A car is pulling out of a side street, parking lot, or driveway on the right.

How to avoid this collision:

Use a headlight. Slow down.

If you can't make eye contact with the driver, slow down so much that you're able to completely stop if you have to.

Ride further left

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Right Hook A motorist passes a cyclist on the left and turns right into the bike's path.

How to avoid this collision:

•Don't ride on the sidewalk. •Ride to the left. •Glance in your mirror before approaching an intersection. (If you don't have a handlebar or helmet mirror, get one now.)

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The Door PrizeA cyclist traveling next to parked cars lined up on the street strikes a car door opened by the driver.

How to avoid this collision:

•Ride to the left

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The Rear EndA car runs into you from behind. This is what many cyclists fear the most, but it's actually not very common, comprising only 3.8% of collisions.

How to avoid this collision:

•Use a mirror. •Wear a reflective vest•Get a rear light.•Don't swerve in and out of the parking lane if it contains any parked cars.

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