“Ride safe” is a common salutation among cyclists, similar to “goodbye.” But what does it actually mean? Some say it’s wearing a helmet. Others think it’s being in the bike lane. However, there’s more to being a safe cyclist. It’s about having the right attitude and mindset when on the road. And I’ll explain this through a video of me biking on EDSA.

But before anything else, we need to establish this premise. Like you, pedestrians and cyclists travel because they need to go somewhere. Although they have the same right to the road as those in motor vehicles, they are much more vulnerable. That is why their safety is of utmost importance.

One day, I had to go to a venue situated on the southbound side of EDSA, near the Ortigas intersection. I’d normally pass through Ortigas Avenue. But from my previous experiences, it isn’t fun jostling for space in a shoulder-width bike lane, where a careless tap from the side could result in a wipeout on the gutter. Perhaps, northbound EDSA wouldn’t be as claustrophobic.

The video opens with me checking behind and performing a hand signal before moving away from the bike lane that was filled with cars—a move that raised eyebrows (including my EIC who was concerned for my safety).

If you’ve ever passed through that stretch of EDSA, you’ll know that the outermost lane is filled with vehicles going in and out of Shangri-La EDSA, SM Megamall, and the Ortigas CBD. The best way to solve a conflict is by preventing it in the first place. And this clip by Manila Bike Commuter shows exactly one scenario I was trying to avoid.

You do not want to be in the outermost lane—even if that is where the bike lane is—when it puts you at risk of getting sideswiped, right-hooked, or T-boned. We can’t be too trusting around merging vehicles, as shown in this music video. Why go into the line of fire, when you can stay out of harm’s way?

Had there been no barrier, I would have returned to the outermost lane when it was clear. But once the barrier was gone, I was already on the service road. And since I was planning on making a U-turn, I remained in the left lane.

It would be redundant and dangerous to move right only to merge back shortly after. For that brief moment, the fewer lane changes the better because I remained visible and predictable to those behind me.

After reaching the U-turn slot, I saw a fence on the other side preventing me from reaching the sidewalk. That was why I proceeded to the EDSA-Ortigas intersection and crossed the street through the center island when the coast was clear.

If I knew better, I’d pass through the least stressful way. There are times when it’s better to take the most direct route because it reduces the exposure time on the road, and when side streets would be preferable because there are fewer vehicles.

This depends on many factors that we might have no prior knowledge about. But here’s the thing: We do not always have a choice, especially when busy thoroughfares are the only way to a destination.

I’d like to believe that since you are reading this, you care about being safe and responsible. But we can’t expect others to be the same. And poor road conditions, dangerous street design, outdated policies, and corrupt law enforcement only make things harder for everyone—more so for those vulnerable.

Because of that, we have to be defensive at all times. Being a safe cyclist means biking in a way that proactively accounts for these harsh realities—thinking multiple steps ahead to minimize the risks because no one is going to watch out for your safety other than yourself.

Just like everyone else, people on bicycles want to get where they need to be safe and sound. However, because of complex and unpredictable challenges, commutes can become needlessly dangerous. They will have to adapt to dynamic situations with split-second decisions and judgment calls that others might not understand.

Since bikers and pedestrians are vulnerable, they depend on infrastructure such as sidewalks and bike lanes for protection. However, cyclists are not obliged to stay within the bike lane—such as when turning left. And if you’ve cycled around Metro Manila for long enough, you’ll realize that it is frequently obstructed, which is why you’ll have to go out, even momentarily.

As a driver, I understand how hard it is behind the wheel when we have limited visibility to keep track of everything going on outside. But that doesn’t excuse us from being negligent and ignorant of other road users.

That’s why as a biker, I leave no room for surprise with lane positioning, hand signals, and eye contact. This makes life easier for those around me. However, not everyone will reciprocate the courtesy. And frankly, the worst moments happen when I’m just minding my own business.

Also, what’s fine for me may not be fine for others due to differences in fitness levels. But the principles remain the same. Each person will have to figure out what they are most comfortable with and develop the confidence in knowing they belong on the road.

What does it mean to ride safe? It’s recognizing that although you have the right to safe passage on the road, not everyone will respect that. That is why you should do what’s needed to survive when the odds are stacked against you, so that you can get to where you need to be, safe and sound.

Despite the challenges, bike-commuting is still a fulfilling experience that everyone should be able to enjoy. Nothing compares to the freedom and the delight that come from riding a bicycle.

If you are a beginner who wants to learn the ropes, you may refer to the guides of Cycling Matters and SM Cares as a starting point. AltMobility also has Batas Bisikleta, a quick guide on what to do in case of incidents on the road. Should you have any questions, feel free to send me a message.

Ride safe.