Navigating around trash bins: tips for bicyclists and drivers

Published on April 03, 2024

Bicycling is a fun way of getting around town but can sometimes come with its own challenges, such as navigating around obstacles like garbage bins. On trash day, bins are left along the street to be collected, sometimes within a bike lane, which may create physical obstructions for bicyclists.

This article provides safety tips for both bicyclists and drivers to navigate around these bins and safely share the road with one another.

Tips for Bicyclists

Bicyclists should aim to stick to bike lanes, which are often the safest place for riding a bike. However, in the instance that you come across trash bins in your pathway, the following steps will help you safely navigate around these obstacles.

1. Stay alert – Always maintain awareness of the road ahead of you and keep an eye out for trash bins placed near curbs or on sidewalks.
2. Slow down – If you see a trash bin, slow down and give yourself ample space to safely maneuver around it.
3. Signal – Use hand signals to indicate to drivers and pedestrians your intention to change lanes or bike around the bin, if necessary.
4. Check for traffic – Make sure there is no traffic in the lane you intend to change into.
5. Prepare to stop – If there is too much traffic in the adjacent lane, not enough room to bike around the bin, or if you can’t see beyond the trash bin or otherwise feel unsafe as you approach the bin, come to a full stop. You can then proceed once there is a clear path around the bin.
6. Be extra cautious if you see a garbage truck ahead of you. Consider dismounting and walking your bike along the sidewalk to get around it.

Tips for Drivers

1. Be mindful of bicyclists – Remain alert of other users of the road, including bicyclists. If you see bicyclists approaching garbage bins, try to provide extra space as you pass them or slow down and let them maneuver around the bins before passing.
2. Be patient – Bicyclists are legally allowed to bike in the street and may do so if they come across bins or other obstacles in the bike lane. Be patient and accommodating if one changes into your lane ahead of you to navigate around an obstacle in their way.
3. Use your turn signals – Always use your car’s turn signals to indicate your intention to change lanes. Doing so will help bicyclists anticipate your movements as they plan their maneuver around trash bins.
4. Slowly enter and exit driveways – If there are bins placed next to a driveway, be cautious when entering and exiting as the bins may obstruct views of oncoming bicyclists.

Following these tips will keep both bicyclists and drivers safe and minimize the risk of collisions as they navigate Menlo Park’s streets on trash day. Always remember to stay alert and respect all users of the road to ensure each other’s safety.