Survival Guide for the Asphalt Jungle / by El Perro #06
The bicycle infrastructure in Berlin has improved significantly in recent years, but it is still far from "good" and that will probably still take quite a while. Until then, we have to look after ourselves as best we can. Based on my own experience from several tens of thousands of kilometers on Berlin's streets and exchanges with other bicycle couriers, I have put together a few survival tips:
Act as if you were invisible to others. Just generally assume that you will not be seen. And never rely on others to follow traffic rules and pay attention.
Keep your options open. Always try to keep a few alternative routes in mind in relation to the traffic situation. Even if you have good brakes, drive as proactively as if you didn't have any.
Speaking of braking: always keep one finger on the brake levers. A few milliseconds can make all the difference.
Keep an open car door well away from the right edge of the road, especially if there are cars parked there. This is your legal right, it gives you space to react to dangers and prevents drivers from pushing past you without enough space to the side.
Make eye contact, especially in confusing situations at intersections.
Avoid dangerous roads if possible. Detours can also be beautiful.
Wear! A! Helmet! I've seen one person die because he wasn't wearing a helmet, another who I'm not sure survived (for the same reason), and a third who I've seen survive only because of his helmet.
Put lights on your bike.
Don't think that accidents are completely out of the question. Shit happens, but you will be able to minimize your risk with these tips.
Ride safe :*
Bicycle courier "El Perro #06" belongs to the courier service CROW, which replaces cars with cargo bikes and thus contributes to improving the quality of life in the city. The sustainable courier service also promotes a cooperative way of working. Information at crowberlin.de .
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