2. It’s not always a walk in the park
Just like everybody else out on the streets, pedestrians need to “be aware of their surroundings and be defensive,” O’Hara says. There are very aggressive—sometimes even unlicensed—drivers out there. And while it’s true that you can’t protect yourself against all traffic, keeping an eye on that swerving dervish of a vehicle could help keep you alive.

3. Biking doesn’t put you above the law
It’s really very simple: “Stay visible, and ride predictably,” O’Hara says. In other words, follow all traffic signs and signals. A no-brainer, yes, but we see too many of you zipping through red lights as if they were Christmas decorations and flying down one-ways the wrong way, both of which could have fatal results. While we’re on the topic of lights, remember that nighttime riding means you should sport a front headlight and rear reflector (it’s a state law) on your two-wheeler. It reminds drivers they need to share the road.

4. Everybody take a chill pill
While bikers may have a rep in some circles as inconsiderate a-holes, no matter how you get around, we’re all at least a little guilty of thinking we are the only ones on the road. And it almost always leads to a minor outbreak of road rage, which clouds our judgment. “I think it’s a frustration of getting around in general…that can be mutual,” O’Hara says. It’s also important that drivers remember “there are very vulnerable people out there on their bikes and on foot,” O’Hara says. “[They] don’t have the benefit of an air bag or steel frame.”