Independence Day has come and gone, but there’s still plenty of summer left to get out and enjoy bicycling around town. This month’s SEE.SAFE.SMART. safety campaign message is “To stay safe, we avoid the door zone,” and so we’re here to answer some questions about the “door zone” and safe bicycling in general.

Q. What is the “door zone”?

A. If someone in a parked car were to open their car door, a bicyclist needs to be riding far enough away in the road so they don’t get hit. This is what’s called the “door zone.”

Q. What is the purpose of the “Bike May Use Full Lane” sign?

A. The “Bike May Use Full Lane” sign indicates that bicyclists are allowed to occupy the entire lane. It helps to discourage unsafe passing within the lane and informs motorists that cyclists may need to use the full lane for safety. Signs are more visible to motorists than pavement markings, especially in poor weather conditions

Q. Why should bicyclists ride in the street?

A. For people age 10 and older, riding in the street is statistically the safest place to ride. Bicyclists should always ride with the flow of traffic and follow all traffic signs and laws.

Q. What’s one of the most common mistakes that bicyclists make?

A. Too often in New Ulm, we see bicyclists riding against the flow of traffic. That may seem like a good idea because you can keep your eye on traffic and see what is coming at you, but there are several reasons why this is actually a really bad idea:

• If you are riding against the flow, drivers pulling out of parking lots or driveways, or crossing streets, simply aren’t looking for you. They are looking for traffic coming in their same direction in order to merge. They are going to drive right into you.

• If you are riding against the flow and you want to make a right-hand turn, you’re essentially doing it from the left lane, and have to cross over another lane of traffic. That makes it similar to a left turn, which is the most dangerous turning manuever.

• If you are riding against the flow, you will be approached by cars at a much higher relative speed, making it more difficult to get out of their way.

• If you are riding against the flow, you are breaking the law and can be ticketed for it.

Don’t be one of those bicycle riders that drivers dislike. Be seen, be safe and be smart.