Shoulder Check

One of the best ways to stay safe while cycling is to be aware of what is coming up behind you. As a cyclist you do have a safety advantage over other drivers because you can more easily hear approaching cars; but you won't hear every car on a busy street, and there are numerous situations where it is advisable to do a shoulder check so you can actually see what is there.

When you are stopped at an intersection, make it a habit to always have a look behind; you never know what you might see that you should be aware of. Also, check the car at your side to see if its right turn signal is flashing; and, if possible, glance over at the driver to try to determine if you are seen. A cyclist going straight-on has the right-of-way over a car that is turning, but if the driver doesn't see you, you may get hit.

A key time to be aware of what is behind is when you are going through an intersection on a four-lane road. If there are parked cars on the other side of the intersection, drivers in the right lane behind you, seeing their way blocked, may race ahead, jockeying for an open spot in the left lane. Stay to the right, and don't attempt to merge until you are across the intersection and can safely continue. You are living dangerously if you don't keep to the right; drivers may be so concerned with getting ahead of other cars that a cyclist may not be noticed.

Streetcars can cause a dangerous situation when they pass alongside you. The problem is that some drivers seem almost frantic to pass streetcars; these cars will bomb past between the streetcar and you as they race to get ahead. I have felt the wind from these cars on several occasions as they came within centimetres of hitting me. I think it is best to not even risk being in this situation. If, when you do a shoulder check, you see both a streetcar and cars coming up from behind, I would slow down and let the streetcar go ahead. It is way too dangerous to be in the narrow strait between the curb and the streetcar. If the streetcar is really slowing you down, you will probably get a safer chance to pass it later on. Be patient.