When scanning road conditions, what should you look for?

When scanning road conditions, looking for traffic conditions and road conditions is essential for safe riding. Traffic conditions encompass the flow of vehicles, including the presence of pedestrians, cyclists, or obstacles that may affect your route. Understanding the road conditions means being aware of the surface quality, any potholes, gravel, or construction that may pose hazards. This information helps in making informed decisions about speed, positioning, and potential maneuvers to ensure safety while riding.

While road signs are important for navigation and alerts, they are just one part of road awareness. Gas stations provide convenience for fuel but do not directly impact immediate riding safety. Weather forecasts are valuable but are separate from the on-the-ground scanning of road and traffic conditions, which is critical in real-time during riding. Therefore, maintaining awareness of both traffic and road conditions directly contributes to a rider's ability to react appropriately to changing situations on the road.