Tips for Behaving Around a Cyclist in Your Subaru Liberty
Many drivers are aware that the new Subaru Liberty is packed with safety features. However, this doesn’t guarantee that you will have accident free travels. Many drivers struggle with driving around cyclists and these days there are more and more bikes on the road. Fortunately, we have some tips to help keep you and everyone around you safe.
Leave Plenty of Space
While you may be aware of the size of your Subaru Liberty when you are parking or driving around other vehicles, many drivers fail to think about how much space a cyclist may need. While leaving 1.5 metres may seem excessive, cyclists can be distracted by vehicles erratically overtaking them. It can be highly dangerous to force a cyclist to ride into the gutter by cutting a little too close to them.
Check Your Mirrors
When you’re driving in the city, particularly where there is a bike lane, it is likely that there will be cyclists around. So, make use of your mirrors. Before you set off from lights, check your mirror and look over your shoulder just in case a cyclist has rolled up. Many drivers don’t realise that a cyclist is now waiting with them for the lights to change and cut across the cycle lane. Remember that a cyclist has just as much right to the road as your Subaru Liberty, so make sure you know when you’re sharing the road.
Don’t Just Open Your Door
Where you may have parallel parked near a bike path, remember that you shouldn’t just open your door. You may be swinging it directly into a cyclist. This is so common; it even has a name in the cycling community. Getting “doored” can not only cause damage to your vehicle, but it can cause some serious injuries to the cyclist.
Use Your Indicators
Just like every other road user, a cyclist needs to be aware of where you intend to go. Stopping suddenly or pulling over without indication is simply dangerous. So, retrain your brain out of those bad habits and make sure you use your indicators.
Don’t Make Speed Assumptions
While many cyclists are content to putter along at slow speeds, it is worth knowing that some cyclists can reach a speed of 50 km/h or more, particularly if the road is downhill. So, don’t assume that there is a big enough gap between the cyclist approaching and your turn. Always err on the side of caution and leave a little more time.
If you are thinking about a Subaru Liberty for sale, call in and see us. We have an impressive stock of models including the Subaru Liberty. Our sales team members are also on hand to answer your queries and questions.
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