Bicycle Safety
Bicycle Safety Tips
- OBEY TRAFFIC SIGNS AND SIGNALS - Bicycles must drive like other vehicles if they are to be taken seriously by motorists.
- NEVER RIDE AGAINST TRAFFIC - Motorists aren't looking for bicyclists riding on the wrong side of the road. State law and common sense require that bicyclists drive like other vehicles.
- DON'T WEAVE BETWEEN PARKED CARS - Don't ride out to the curb between parked cars unless they are far apart. Motorists may not see you when you try to move back into traffic.
- FOLLOW LANE MARKINGS - Don't turn left from the right lane. Don't go straight in a lane marked "right-turn only."
- DON'T PASS ON THE RIGHT - Motorists may not look for or see a bicycle passing on the right. Learn to scan the road behind you while riding. Look back over your shoulder without swerving, or use a rear-view mirror.
- SCAN THE ROAD BEHIND - Learn to look back over your shoulder without losing your balance or swerving. Some riders use rear-view mirrors.
- KEEP BOTH HANDS READY TO BRAKE - You may not stop in time if you brake one-handed. Allow extra distance for stopping in the rain, since breaks are less efficient when wet.
- DRESS APPROPRIATELY - In rain wear a pancho or waterproof suit. Dress in layers so, you can adjust to temperature changes. Wear a sturdy helmet to protect your head. Wear bright colored clothing.
- NEVER RIDE WITH HEADPHONES; WEAR A HELMET - Always wear a helmet. Never wear a headphone while riding a bike.
- HAND SIGNALS - Hand signals tell motorists and pedestrians what you intend to do. Signal as a matter of law, of courtesy, and of self-protection.
- RIDE IN MIDDLE OF LANE IN SLOW TRAFFIC - Get in the middle of the lane at busy intersections and whenever you are moving at the same speed as traffic.
- CHOOSE THE BEST WAY TO TURN LEFT - 2 Choices: (1) Like an auto: signal move into the left turn lane and turn left. (2) Like a pedestrian: ride straight to the far side crosswalk. Walk your bike across.
- MAKE EYE CONTACT WITH DRIVERS - Assume that other drivers don't see you until you are sure that they do. Eye contact is important with any driver which might pose a threat to your safety.
- AVOID ROAD HAZARDS - Watch out for parallel-slat sewer grates, gravel, ice, or debris. Cross railroad tracks at right angles.
- USE LIGHTS AT NIGHT - The law requires a white headlight (visible from at least 500 feet ahead) and a rear reflector or taillight (visible up to 300 feet from behind).
- KEEP BIKE IN GOOD REPAIR - Adjust your bike to fit you and keep it working properly. Check brakes and tires regularly. Routine maintenance is simple and you can learn to do it yourself