EPD IPMBA Public Safety Cycling Practice Test

Riding with the flow of traffic is the safest default because cyclists are treated as vehicles on the road. When you move in the same direction as other traffic, you’re in the same line of sight and follow the same rules, which makes your movements more predictable to drivers. This alignment helps drivers anticipate your speed and position, increases opportunities for eye contact and signaling, and reduces the chance of head‑on conflicts or being passed unsafely from behind. Riding against traffic puts you in a position where motorists don’t expect a cyclist coming toward them, raising the risk of a close call or collision. Riding on the sidewalk is hazardous for pedestrians and often illegal in many places, plus drivers may not expect you there when pulling out of driveways or intersections. Occupying the center of the lane regardless of traffic can force cars to squeeze by or maneuver unpredictably, whereas lane position should be chosen based on safety needs and traffic conditions. So, the best answer is to ride with the flow of traffic because it maximizes visibility, predictability, and compatibility with how other road users operate.