Jimmy Mueller can't help looking over his shoulder during his daily bicycle ride.

After two fatal accidents involving cyclists over the weekend, Mueller and other bike riders are on edge.

Mueller, of Edmond, rides from his work near NE 122 and Broadway to Lake Hefner and back every day. He tries to stay clear of major streets with high speed limits, but he's been hit twice on neighborhood streets.

His biggest fear is the car he can't see that hits him from behind, which is what happened in the accidents that killed Alan Spencer, 56, of Edmond, on Saturday and Clyde Armstrong Riggs, 75, of Oklahoma City, on Sunday.

"I say a prayer every day and wonder if it's my day to die,” Mueller said. "It's like being in a war zone. You try to dress bright. You try to stay where you are supposed to be on the road. But you cannot defend against getting run over from behind.”

Oklahoma City Mayor Mick Cornett said the number of cyclists is going to go up as the city builds more trails and bike lanes. Funding for the city's trails system is included in MAPS 3.

"People who drive cars have got to do a better job respecting the rights of bicyclists, especially this time of year when you have more people out riding,” Cornett said. "I think we are transitioning in the direction of being a more bike-friendly city.”

Oklahoma City police Capt. Patrick Stewart said there are common-sense things cyclists and motorists can do to be more safe. Being aware of your surroundings is No. 1 on the list, he said.

"People are looking for cars. It tends to be the case that people just don't see motorcycles, and they certainly aren't looking for bicyclists,” Stewart said. "We need to educate both the motoring public and the cycling public about being vigilant and taking extra precautions.”

The stakes are highest for those on a bike, Stewart said.

"The law may be on their side, but if they get hit from a vehicle because they are not either paying attention or somebody doesn't see them, they are going to be on the losing end of that collision,” Stewart said.

Hal McKnight, chairman of the city's trails advisory committee and a recreational cyclist, said everyone riding a bike should have a properly fitting helmet.

"If you ride early when the sun is not up, it's important to have a light system front and back,” McKnight said. "You want a back light that is a strobe, so people can judge distance better. You want to wear bright-colored clothing. It's a good idea to ride with other cyclists so you have more people that are aware and watching.”

Police and cycling experts also said listening to music while you ride is a bad idea. It also is illegal.

McKnight said cyclists must use their ears, as well as their eyes, when trying to protect themselves. A rearview mirror also can help make cyclists aware of oncoming vehicles.

City and state law requires motorists passing a bicycle to allow three feet of clearance, but McKnight and Mueller said many drivers ignore that law.

"People will yell at you to get off the road,” Mueller said. "They are ignorant. They think that God ordained the roads for cars.”

McKnight and Mueller said motorists need to be courteous and willing to share the road. Failure to do so could have grave consequences for both those riding bikes and driving cars.

"Nobody wants to unintentionally take the life of somebody because they weren't paying enough attention or the sun got in their eyes,” Stewart said.

"Criminal charges can come depending on the circumstances. It's very serious for everybody involved.”