SAFETY: THE RULES OF THE ROAD
Driving in Italy has been described by some as a “blood sport.” And
while it is true that Italian drivers treat speed limits and stop signs as
polite suggestions I have found that for cyclists the roads are generally
safe. I think this is due to two factors. First, drivers are used to sharing
the road with cyclists. Coming upon a group of cyclists daring to ride two
or even three abreast does not provoke episodes of road-rage. Drivers
may politely tap their horns some distance behind you to signal that they
would like to pass. This is all done with pleasant waves and nodding. I
don’t know where you live, but I find this a refreshing change from the
usual behavior of drivers.
The second thing that makes the roads safer on a bike is that it is
easier to get out of the way. Driving a car on narrow, winding roads can
be highly stressful. The Italians will tailgate you relentlessly and pass on
blind curves, and they seem to think nothing of cutting into the on-
coming lane as they round corners. On a bike this doesn’t affect you as
much. They can whiz around a blind corner half in your lane and miss you
cleanly. In a car it is another matter, but the shot of adrenaline as you
jerk the wheel into the ditch does help keep you alert. On a rental car
tour the designated driver is often more exhausted at the end of the day
than those who rode.
The rules of the road for a cyclist in Italy are basically the same as
anywhere else: Always watch out for cars; make eye-contact at
intersections; hug the shoulder when cars pass. The one additional rule
I’d pass along is not to anticipate that cars will actually stop for stop signs
and stop lights, especially if there is no other traffic in sight. Cars
generally detract from the cycling experience, which is why I guide you
onto the quiet back roads whenever possible.
