What should you do before changing lanes?

Before changing lanes, it is crucial to signal your intention and check your blind spot to ensure that the lane you wish to enter is clear of other vehicles. Signaling alerts other drivers to your intended movement, which enhances safety on the road. Checking your blind spot allows you to see areas that are not visible in your mirrors, ensuring that you do not inadvertently collide with a vehicle that might be lurking in that space. This step is vital for preventing accidents and maintaining safe riding practices.

Using only mirrors or relying on external help from another rider does not provide the comprehensive awareness needed when changing lanes. Speeding up to merge quickly can be dangerous and is not a safe practice; it increases the risk of a collision with other vehicles. Thus, signaling and checking your blind spot is the recommended and safest approach.