What Is Salmon Riding?
Going against the flow is ok for salmon but not so good for people. In cycling slang, salmon riding, refers to riding a bicycle against the flow of traffic, much like a salmon swimming upstream. Many of us were taught to bike against traffic so we could see cars coming. However, it turns out that it is highly dangerous and puts cyclists in locations where drivers do not expect them.
Why It’s Risky?
Drivers making right turns at intersections and coming out of parking lots are looking for traffic coming from the left. When a space in traffic opens, drivers who are turning right and not crossing traffic lanes are not always looking to the right to make sure it is clear. A salmon rider approaching from the wrong direction may not be seen until it is too late.
Salmon riding may seem unavoidable in areas where road infrastructure is missing or where there are inadequate crossings. To make your commute as safe as possible consider these alternatives:
- Use designated bike lanes or multi-use paths.
- Plan routes that follow traffic flow, even if they’re slightly longer.
- If you must ride against traffic, be aware of the increased danger you are putting yourself in and take steps to be extra visible to drivers. Be extra cautious when approaching intersections, driveways and parking lots. Do not cross in front of a vehicle waiting to make a right turn.