Thomas Mikolasko is a New York City resident with nearly three decades in the city and professional experience that spans finance, entrepreneurship, and real estate. As a real estate sales professional at Corcoran with a focus on Manhattan, particularly the Upper East Side, Thomas brings a detail oriented, service driven approach to his work. In finance, he has served as a managing member at HCB Ventures since 2012 and helped raise funds for a Colorado water rights startup. He has also consulted for companies on senior recruitment and financial planning. Thomas founded Twiggy To Go, an upscale food venture that evolved during the pandemic. He serves on the Advisory Board of AIM at Melanoma and supports committees at the Convent of the Sacred Heart, 91st Street. An active cyclist who also sails and competes in triathlons, he values important cycling etiquette.
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Important Cycling Etiquette
Cycling has become a sustainable mode of transportation, an effective way to stay healthy, and an all-inclusive sport. Since cyclists share spaces and roads with other users while exploring country roads, riding on rugged mountain trails, or navigating through city streets, they must learn etiquette that keeps them safe.
Following cycling etiquette helps cyclists safely interact with drivers and pedestrians. It also helps cyclists follow traffic laws and allows them to respect other road users, prioritizing their safety and ensuring that cycling remains a safe and enjoyable experience.
Most jurisdictions worldwide treat cyclists as vehicle riders, which obligates them to follow traffic rules, such as obeying traffic lights, riding in the same direction as traffic, and yielding to law enforcement when necessary. Weaving through cars and running red lights puts the lives of others at risk. Moreover, law enforcement can charge cyclists with traffic violations. In cities with designated bike lanes, cyclists should use them and avoid blocking pedestrian crosswalks. When cyclists respect traffic rules, they set a positive example and create more incentives for the government to invest in cycling infrastructures.
Cycling etiquette outlines protocols for cyclists in various situations. For example, cyclists should slow down on multi-use paths as they approach pedestrians, children, or strollers. They should also maintain a sufficient distance between themselves and pedestrians whenever they pass them and signal their movement or intention to them. On the main roads, cyclists should single up when traffic becomes heavy.
Predictability plays a key role in safe cycling, particularly when riders travel in groups. Sudden swerves, abrupt stops, or weaving between lanes disrupts traffic flow and endangers other cyclists. By maintaining a steady line, cyclists allow those behind them to move with confidence, without the fear of unexpected shifts. During group rides, cyclists should avoid overlapping wheels, as even a minor misstep can result in a serious crash. On shared roads, predictable movements help motorists judge the space required to overtake safely while reassuring them that the cyclist remains in control of the bike.
Next, cyclists must know how to pass. They should overtake with care, ideally on the left, while leaving sufficient space to prevent startling others. A quick verbal signal, such as “passing left” or the ring of a bell, alerts the rider ahead and ensures the maneuver proceeds smoothly. On the road, checking behind before moving out to pass mirrors the behavior of drivers changing lanes and enhances safety. Passing abruptly or in silence comes across as discourteous and raises the risk of preventable accidents.
Lastly, cyclists must remain visible. Cyclists must take extra measures to ensure that drivers and pedestrians can see them clearly. Wearing bright clothing during the day, paired with reflective gear or lights at night, significantly improves visibility. Avoiding blind spots and taking a confident position in the lane when necessary can discourage unsafe overtaking. By remaining both visible and predictable, cyclists provide drivers with the awareness needed to share the road responsibly while minimizing the likelihood of dangerous close passes.
About Thomas Mikolasko
Thomas Mikolasko is a New York City real estate sales professional at Corcoran who focuses on rentals and sales in Manhattan, especially the Upper East Side. He has more than 25 years in the city and a background in finance as a managing member at HCB Ventures. Thomas has helped raise funds for a Colorado water rights startup and founded Twiggy To Go. He serves on the Advisory Board of AIM at Melanoma and supports committees at the Convent of the Sacred Heart. His interests include sailing, cycling, triathlons, and cooking.
