Last week I was just finishing up a short 10-mile cruise and was about 4 blocks from home. As I started to cross a 4-way stop intersection, I could have sworn I saw the driver on my right look right at me... but then she proceeded to start into the intersection and almost ran me over!

It was only my loud "HEY!!" that snapped her back into reality and only then did she notice me. I guess you just can never take for granted that driver see you, and you have to be extra cautious in traffic.

Some drivers feel that the road is only for cars, and that riders have no business forcing them to share. I've had drivers yell at me, or gun their engines loudly as they pass within inches - trying to send a message that they don't appreciate me on the road.

I'll never try to force my right to the road against a 2-ton piece of moving metal, but I do think it's important to know your rights as a rider. Here's a list of laws pertaining to bicycles in each state: http://www.massbike.org/bikelaw/bikelaw.htm

There are a few that might surprise you. Did you know it's illegal in Oregon to pass a stopped vehicle at a crosswalk? And how many times have you rolled through a stop sign when traffic is light? That could translate into a traffic ticket if you're caught.

I'm far more cautious of other riders when I'm driving now that I've been riding for a while. But I'll admit I wasn't as cautious nor considerate before I started riding. I keep that in mind when I ride with a group, and we take extra care to communicate with each other when cars are trying to pass, so that we can move over into a tight single-file line.

The person in the rear of the line is always responsible to yell out "Car back" when they hear a car approaching from the rear, and "Passing" when the car starts to pass the line. Likewise, the person leading the line is responsible for yelling "Car up" when a car is approaching from the right on an upcoming side road.

I start a new job tomorrow at a company that's within riding distance from home. I hope to start commuting back and forth to work, but I fear it'll be a big eye opener for me with regards to how drivers treat riders on the road. I hope to have some positive stories to share as well, but I'll be taking a very cautious approach and playing it as safe as possible.