In 2006, 80 bike accidents were reported in Pasadena, California. Although the city has designed bike lanes and recommended routes, it doesn't have bike paths that are separate from the road. Because of this, cyclists in Pasadena must understand how to handle intersections effectively if they wish to reduce their risk of being in a bike accident.



Here is a guide that will provide you with everything you need to know to avoid a collision in a Pasadena intersection:

Preparation plays a major role in preventing bike accidents in intersections. You must know where you're going ahead of time so you can position yourself in the correct lane in a safe manner. If you're making a left turn or moving out of a right-turn-only lane, you will need to shift lanes beforehand.

Changing lanes on a bicycle requires two steps. First, you need to move from one side of your lane to the next, assuming you are shifting left. Secondly, you need to move into your desired lane.

The safest way to change lanes is to signal your intent and look backwards over your shoulder to make sure it is clear before you move. If there is traffic, you need to either let the cars pass until it is safe to move over or get the cooperation of a driver to let you in. Even if you have a mirror, you should always look before you change lanes.

Right Turns are the easiest directional change a cyclist can make. Just stay in the right lane, signal your intent, make sure the traffic is clear, avoid entering a blind spot, and make your turn. Remember, you follow the same rules as motorists, so you must yield to pedestrians at all times.

Left Turns are a little bit trickier. First, you need to change lanes until you are positioned to make a left turn. If you can't get over quick enough, don't force the issue, just wait for the next intersection.

Once you are in the left lane you will have to position yourself correctly. If the left turn lane is also a through road, you should be at the far left side of the lane. If it is only for left turns, you should stay in the middle.

When it is legal for you to make your left turn, you should scan the intersection from the left to the right. If you are certain it is safe to go, do so while maintaining your lane position so no cars pass you from behind.

If you are an inexperienced cyclist approaching a busy intersection, the best way to avoid a bike accident is to act as a pedestrian by stopping on the sidewalk and waiting for the crosswalk.

Going Straight through an intersection may seem like it would be easy, but there are often unexpected obstacles that may surprise you. If you want to avoid being in a bike accident, you must prepare yourself for these ahead of time.

Sometimes you'll find yourself in a right-turn-only lane and be forced to quickly move left. When doing so, make sure the cars behind you are aware you're moving over.

Once you arrive at the intersection, you need to scan in every direction for possible hazards. Intersections put cyclists in a vulnerable position because you may be facing pressure from behind, ahead, left, and right. You should avoid busy intersections by planning a route that takes you through calmer roads.

Although Pasadena only has 150,000 residents, the roads can get quite busy throughout the year due to numerous events including the Rose Bowl football game, the Tournament of Roses Parade, and the many special features held in the Pasadena Civic Center. Because of this, cyclists need to be extra cautious at all times while riding on the city roads to avoid bike accidents; especially when approaching an intersection.