5 Commuting Tips from a Regular Bike Rider

I'm inspired to share a few tips that have helped me navigate the roads of New Orleans. Often biking is so amazing in this city, though sometimes it is hard and scary.  I've learned a few key things that have helped me stay safe and focused while being in the latter situations.

1. Always have lights on your bike at night. Being seen is a good thing; be seen!
2. When navigating potholes, engage your core and lighten your grips on the handlebars to reduce impact to your wrists and shoulders.
3. Pay attention to the other road users around you.  Listen for cars and try to anticipate for how the drivers will navigate the situation.
4. At busy intersections, pause for at least two seconds before crossing an intersection after the light changes to green.  Avoid cars running their red light by pausing briefly before going.
5. As much as possible, try to learn the traffic signal patterns for major intersections that you frequently cross.  Stop at red lights; especially if you are not familiar with the light cycles for that crossing.