A guest post by A McKenna.

I bike 10 km to work along a busy road—and some days, it feels like a game of survival.

Spring brings warmer weather and more cyclists like me onto the road. I’m out there trying to save gas, reduce my carbon footprint, and start my day feeling energized.

But more than anything? I’m trying to make it home safely—every single day.

How I Became a Cyclist

I never really thought of myself as “a cyclist.” Sure, I rode a bike growing up—but casually, without much thought.

That changed in a bike shop.

We were there to find a larger bike for one of our kids, but I got distracted. I locked eyes with a carbon road bike—and that was it. I took it for a quick spin in the parking lot and couldn’t walk away from it.

That moment quietly sparked something bigger.

Soon, I was riding every week. Then came training rides with my husband, signing up for a Fondo—and finishing it. Somewhere along the way, cycling stopped being something I did… and became something I loved.

On a bike, I feel one thing above all: freedom.

Why I Started Commuting by Bike

Eventually, I decided to bike to work.
(Which, of course, required another bike—because the correct number of bikes to own is always n + 1.)

My route is about 10 km, with a stretch along a very busy road. There is a bike lane —but that doesn’t necessarily mean safety, even if it is a separated lane.

I learned quickly how alert I needed to be—especially near driveways into malls and stores.

Because here’s the truth:

You can be visible… and still not be noticed.

The Reality on the Road

I ride with three flashing lights on the front of my bike—two on my handlebars, one on my helmet—and two more on the back. My jacket lights up like a Christmas tree in headlights.

Visibility isn’t the problem.

Attention is.

I’ve had moments where a driver pulls out into the bike lane right in front of me—trying to see past traffic—completely blocking my path. Moments where I’ve had to slam on both brakes, tires skidding, heart racing, just to avoid hitting the side of a car.

Moments that shouldn’t happen.

Most drivers don’t mean to be dangerous. They’re not reckless or aggressive.

They’re just inattentive and not looking for cyclists.

And that’s the difference between being seen… and being safe.

What Drivers (and Pedestrians) Need to Know

If you share the road with cyclists, here’s what makes the biggest difference:

1. LOOK—don’t just glance

Before turning right, do a full (right handed) shoulder check. Cyclists in bike lanes can move faster than gridlocked traffic—and we can appear quicker than you expect. 

2. Don’t guess—check again

Turning left? If your view is blocked by larger vehicles, take the extra second to confirm your lane is clear. That one second matters more than you think.

3. Passing isn’t a squeeze test

Our handlebars stick out—and so do your mirrors. Give us space. If you’re unsure, wait a moment. You’ll make up that time in seconds.

4. A bike lane is still a lane

If you’re turning right, you need to safely merge into the bike lane first —with a proper shoulder check—just as you would any other lane.

5. Intersections aren’t shortcuts

At roundabouts, whoever enters first has the right of way—even if it’s a cyclist.
At stop signs and lights, don’t wave us through out of turn or cut in front to save a few seconds. It creates confusion—and risk.

6. Weather changes everything

Rain means reduced traction, longer stopping distances, and less control. Cyclists are even more vulnerable—please adjust accordingly.

7. If we swerve, there’s a reason

What looks like “nothing” to a car—a pothole, gravel, debris—can be dangerous for a bike. When we move suddenly, we’re avoiding something. Giving us space helps keep everyone safe.

8. Pedestrians matter, too

On shared cycling / walking paths, please keep to the right and leave room for others to pass. Keeping earbuds out helps you stay aware—I’ve unintentionally startled more than a few people when I’ve come up beside them and said “excuse me.”

A Small Thing That Matters

I try to say thank you whenever a driver does something simple—and correct.

• Thank you for checking your shoulder.
• Thank you for giving space.
• Thank you for waiting.
• Sometimes I even thank drivers out loud when their windows are down.

Because reinforcing the good matters too.

More Than a Cyclist

Every time a driver shoulder checks, gives space, or waits an extra second—it matters.

More than you know.

I’m not just a cyclist.
I’m a parent. A partner. A person trying to get home safely.

If you’ve read this far—thank you.

Let’s look out for each other out there.

Ride safe. Walk and drive aware.