One of the leading causes of cycling accidents is wrong-way riding. Here is
why it is so dangerous and why you should always ride in the same
direction as traffic:
1. Expectations
Motorists expect to find other traffic on the right side of the road
At intersections, motorists look where they expect traffic
Motorists assume that you can see lights and signs that dictate traffic behavior
2. Laws
In all 50 states, the laws require that you ride on the right, with the flow of traffic
Disobeying traffic control devices in any direction is illegal
Even on one-way streets where you can ride on either side, go with traffic
3. Turning
Making a turn requires a wrong-way cyclist to cross twice as much traffic for turns
Cyclists must be able to see traffic control devices at intersections
Turning motorists aren't looking for traffic travelingin the wrong direction
4. Closing speed
Riding 20mph into a car going 35mph is like hitting a wall at 55mph
Motorists overtake wrong-way cyclists much faster
The likelihood of surviving such a crash is low
5. Traffic control devices
Traffic lights are impossible to read from the wrong side
If you don't know where traffic is going, you increase your chance of getting hit
Not obeying traffic controls destroys order on the roadway
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