However, even then, I don't move as far away from the cars as I could, as I still want to see them and want them to see me. M ost of my riding is done on roads in Alabama that have no shoulders. Therefore, I must stay away from moderate to heavy traffic that is traveling at greater than 35 miles an hour. However, there are many highways in Alabama with light traffic, so travel is not as difficult as it would seem. However, I normally can find good options.
T here are good statistics available on how people die when biking.
These statistics favor being a part of the traffic. However, you can do your own thinking and watching of your own behavior. If your behavior is causing you to have close calls, you better change it rapidly. Always assume that the situation is more dangerous than it looks, always watch the other vehicles, including parked vehicles that could suddenly spring forward or whose passengers could open a door, always take the safest road and follow the safest course, and wear bright colors and use lights and reflectors at night. I n all cases, it is a judgment call, the speed of the traffic, the behavior of the motorists, the width of the road and shoulder are all constantly changing.