Bicycle traffic safety: tips for busy intersections

Crossing a busy intersection with your cargo bike can be exciting. You are transporting your children, are wider than other cyclists and have a longer braking distance. How do you navigate safely through city traffic? In this article, you'll read practical tips for cargo bike traffic safety at busy intersections. From anticipating other road users to the proper use of your brakes.

1. Why cargo bike road safety deserves extra attention 
2. Anticipation: the key to bakfiets road safety
3. Braking with a cargo bike at intersections
4. Line up at traffic lights
5. Taking turns at intersections
6. Improve visibility at intersections
7. Choosing route: avoid dangerous intersections
8. Practice makes perfect
9. Checklist: bakfiets traffic safety at intersections 
10. Frequently asked questions about cargo bike road safety 

A cargo bike is no ordinary bicycle. You are wider, taller and heavier. This affects how you move through traffic. At busy intersections, these differences come into extra focus. You need more room to maneuver and your braking distance is longer because of the higher weight.

According to the Bicycle Association a cargo bike up to 75 centimeters wide is allowed on the bike path. If your cargo bike is wider, you are allowed on the roadway. Most modern cargo bikes are around 70 centimeters wide, so you can usually use the bike path. However, at intersections you must take this extra width into account.

Your children's safety is paramount. In the tub, they sit lower than you and are more vulnerable in a collision. Good seat belts, alertness and proper driving technique make the difference between a safe ride and an accident. The tips in this article will help you pass any intersection without a hitch.

The challenges of intersections with a cargo bike

Intersections are the most dangerous places in traffic. According to research by SWOV show that traffic fatalities at intersections have increased in recent years. This is also true for cyclists. With a cargo bike, you have additional challenges: you cannot see as well around you because of the box, you cannot change direction quickly, and motorists sometimes misjudge your speed.

Want to know more about general cargo bike safety? Then read our blog on everything you need to know about cargo bike safety.

Good anticipation is the basis of riding a cargo bike safely. This means looking ahead, assessing what other road users are going to do and adjusting your own behavior accordingly. At an intersection, this is extra important.

Start observing early on. Look at the traffic situation well before you reach the intersection. What cars are there? Are there trucks or buses restricting your view? Are there pedestrians trying to cross? By gathering this information early, you can adjust your speed and approach the intersection prepared.

Making eye contact with other road users

Eye contact is your best friend in traffic. When you look at a motorist and they look back, you know you have been seen. This is especially important with right-turning cars. They pose one of the greatest risks to cyclists at intersections. A motorist turning right and overlooking you can create a dangerous situation.

So make conscious eye contact. Don't wait for the motorist to look at you, but actively seek his gaze. Does he nod or gesture? Then you know you can safely drive on. Does this not happen? Then assume you have not been seen and wait a moment.

The blind spot on trucks and buses

Trucks and buses have large blind spots. These are areas in which the driver cannot see you, even with mirrors. At an intersection, this is especially dangerous. A truck turning right as you cycle straight ahead can hit you without the driver ever seeing you.

The golden rule: never stand next to a truck or bus at a stoplight. Stand behind the vehicle or make sure you are far enough ahead so the driver can see you. Is the truck already moving? Then wait until it has passed completely before proceeding.

"Reliability is safety," Laurens states. "With a belt, you don't have to worry about something breaking at the worst possible time. No chain jumping off when you're just pulling up at a busy intersection."

A cargo bike weighs more than a regular bike. Add in your children and any groceries and you're quickly at a total weight of 100 pounds or more. This directly affects your braking distance. You need more distance to come to a stop.

Modern electric cargo bikes are equipped with hydraulic disc brakes. These brakes are stronger than traditional rim brakes and perform better in wet weather. Still, you must consider the higher weight. Start braking earlier than you would on a regular bike.

Proper braking technique on a two-wheeler

On a two-wheel cargo bike, you have a front brake and a rear brake. The trick is to use both brakes at the same time. If you use only the front brake, you can flip over. If you use only the rear brake, it will take you longer to stop.

Divide the braking force between both brakes. In dry weather, you can use the front brake a little harder. In wet weather be careful: braking too hard with the front brake can cause the front wheel to slip. Practice this in a quiet place so you know how your cargo bike reacts.

Braking with a tricycle cargo bike

A tricycle has two front wheel brakes and a rear wheel brake. It is important that both front wheels brake evenly. If you brake unevenly, the cargo bike will pull to one side. This can be dangerous, especially when approaching an intersection at speed.

Notice that your cargo bike pulls to one side while braking? Then have the brakes checked by a specialist. This is a safety aspect you cannot ignore. Properly adjusted brakes can make all the difference in an emergency situation.

Want to know more about cargo bike safety in heavy city traffic? Read our blog How safe are electric cargo bikes in heavy city traffic?.

Where do you stand when you arrive at a traffic light? This seems like a simple question, but with a cargo bike, it's an important safety issue. The wrong position can put you in a dangerous situation.

Find a place where you are highly visible to motorists. Don't stand in the blind spot of a truck or bus. Preferably choose a position at the front of the traffic light, where all motorists can see you. Many intersections have a lane for cyclists: use it.

Pay attention to exhaust fumes

A practical tip that is often forgotten: your children sit low in the bucket. Don't stand next to a truck or bus with the engine running. The exhaust fumes come right to the height where your children are sitting. Choose a position where they can breathe clean air.

Ready for a quick start

When the light turns green, you want to be able to drive off quickly. This is useful not only for traffic flow, but also for your own safety. A fast start means you're out in front of other traffic and not in a vulnerable position.

Electric cargo bikes with a good motor make this easier. The STOER CargoX has an engine with 92 Nm of torque and automatic shifting. You don't have to think about shifting gears and can fully concentrate on the traffic around you.

A cargo bike has a larger turning radius than a regular bike. This means you have to turn more widely. If you take too tight a turn, you can get into trouble with other road users or obstacles.

With a two-wheeler, you can lean into the turn, just like on a regular bicycle. With a tricycle, this works differently. Here, you must actively push the handlebars into the turn while allowing your body to move slightly with you. Going too fast through a turn with a tricycle can lead to tipping.

Turning right: extra care

Turning right seems simple, but with a cargo bike requires extra attention. You are wider than other cyclists and need more space. Look carefully for pedestrians crossing your path on the sidewalk. Also watch for cyclists who want to overtake you on the right: they may not expect you to be so wide.

Turning left: the biggest challenge

Turning left at a busy intersection is the trickiest maneuver with a cargo bike. You have to cross oncoming traffic and need more time to pull up because of your weight. Wait until you are sure you have enough room. Don't take chances: waiting a few seconds is always better than an accident.

Some intersections have separate bicycle facilities for left-turn traffic. Use these if there is one. You then don't have to cross the intersection but can turn left in two steps, which is much safer.

Being seen is half of safety. At a busy intersection with lots of stimuli, a cargo bike can easily be overlooked. Fortunately, you can do a lot yourself to increase your visibility.

Good lighting is the foundation. On tricycle cargo bikes, two front lights are prescribed because of the width. But lighting also helps in daylight. LED daytime running lights make you visible, even on sunny days. The CargoX comes standard with a complete lighting system with daytime running lights and turn signals.

Turn signals: an underestimated aid

Like a car, you can use turn signals to make it clear what you are going to do. This is especially useful at busy intersections. Motorists are used to turn signals and respond to them automatically. Signaling with your arm also works, but then you only have one hand on the wheel.

The STOER CargoX has integrated turn signals in the body and on the sides. This works just like a car: a push of a button and everyone knows which way you are going. This is more convenient and safer than sticking your arm out while driving a heavily loaded cargo bike.

Clothing and reflection

Wear visible clothing, especially at dusk or in bad weather. Bright colors and reflective elements make you more visible to other road users. You can also buy reflective accessories for your children in the bin.

Reflectors on the cargo bike itself are mandatory: a red reflector at the back, white or yellow on the wheels and yellow on the pedals. Additional reflective stickers on the cargo box increase your visibility even more, especially at dusk.

The safest intersection is the one you avoid. When planning your route, you can deliberately choose quieter roads and less busy intersections. This may cost a few extra minutes, but greatly increases your safety.

Many cities have dedicated bike routes that avoid busy intersections. Apps such as Google Maps can show bicycle routes that take safety into account. Whenever possible, choose routes with clear bike lanes and intersections with traffic lights.

Intersections with traffic lights vs. without

Intersections with traffic lights are generally safer than those without. You don't have to decide for yourself when to cross: the light controls it for you. You do have to watch out for motorists who drive through red lights or turn right while you go straight.

At intersections without traffic lights, normal priority rules apply. According to the ANWB traffic from the right has the right of way at equivalent intersections. Also note shark teeth and right of way signs that indicate who must wait.

Bakfiets traffic safety starts with practice. If you just got a cargo bike, take some time to get used to it before you hit busy intersections. Start in quiet places and slowly build up to busier situations.

Practice braking specifically. Put some weight in the bucket and brake from different speeds. That way you will learn to sense how much distance you need to come to a stop. Also practice taking turns, both wide and tighter.

Test drive

Are you considering buying a cargo bike? Then always take a test ride. At STOER Bikes you can experience on the test track in Aalsmeer how the cargo bike behaves in different situations. Book your test drive and discover what it feels like to go through turns and brake with a cargo bike.

Use this checklist before every ride on your cargo bike:

- Before leaving, check that the brakes are working properly
- Make sure all lighting works, including during the day
- Secure your children with the seat belts
- Look well ahead and anticipate traffic situations
- Make eye contact with other road users
- Never stand next to a truck or bus
- Brake in a timely manner and with both brakes at the same time
- Take turns more widely than with a regular bicycle
- Use turn signals or hand signals
- Choose routes with traffic lights whenever possible

Is a cargo bike allowed on the bike path?
Yes, cargo bikes up to 75 centimeters wide are allowed on the bike path. Wider cargo bikes are allowed on the roadway. Most modern cargo bikes are around 70 centimeters, so they can just use the bike path.

How do I brake safely with a cargo bike?
Always use both brakes at the same time and start braking earlier than on a regular bike. A cargo bike is heavier and has a longer braking distance. Extra caution is needed in wet weather.

Where should I stand at a traffic light?
Choose a position where you are highly visible. Don't stand in the blind spots of trucks or buses. Use the bike lane if there is one. Avoid spots next to running engines because of exhaust fumes on your children.

Are turn signals required on a cargo bike?
No, turn signals are not mandatory. You can also indicate with your arm that you want to turn. However, turn signals do make your intentions clearer to other road users and are safer because you keep both hands on the wheel.

How do I safely take a turn with a cargo bike?
Take turns more widely than with a regular bicycle. On a two-wheeler, you can lean into the turn. On a tricycle, you push the handlebars into the turn and move your body with it. Don't go too fast through turns with a tricycle to avoid tipping over.

What do I do when a truck is next to me?
Never stand next to a truck at an intersection. Stand behind the vehicle or make sure you are far enough ahead. The driver has large blind spots and may not be able to see you.

Should my child wear a helmet in the cargo bike?
A helmet is not required by law. The bin's high sides already provide protection. Many parents do choose to have their children wear helmets for added safety, especially in heavy traffic.