Wearing Your Helmet One of the most important things you must do when you begin riding your bike is to be sure you have a proper helmet. It's for your protection, and it's the law. 
You want your helmet to be comfortably touching the head all the way around. It should be level and stable enough to resist even violent shakes or hard blows, staying in place to keep you safe. It should be as low on the head as possible to maximize side coverage and held level on the head with the strap comfortably snug.
Use Lights at Night and End of Day (Dusk)
The law requires a strong headlight and rear reflector or taillight at night or when visibility is poor. Wear light-colored clothes with reflective tape for extra protection. Bright yellow is an especially effective color. Dress Appropriately In rain, wear a poncho or a parka made of fabric that "breathes". Generally dress in layers so you can adjust to temperature changes. Wear a sturdy helmet to protect the most vulnerable part of the body. Use Pack or Rack to Carry Things Saddlebags, racks, baskets, backpacks all are good ways to carry packages, freeing your hands for safe riding. Avoid dangling straps of anything that might get caught in the spokes. Traffic Safety Ride to the Right Bicyclists must ride with traffic and within 5 ft. of the side of the street. Exceptions are made for persons 14 years or older riding two abreast, passing another vehicle, turning left or when necessary to avoid unsafe road conditions. Bicyclists, when riding on a one-way street, may also ride within 5 ft. of the left-hand side of the street.
Never Ride Against Traffic
Motorists aren't looking for bicyclists riding on the wrong side of the road. Riding against traffic greatly increases the chances of injury according to several national studies.
Use Hand Signals
Hand signals tell motorists what you intend to do. Signal as a matter of law, of courtesy, and of self protection. Signal well in advance of stopping and turning.
Ride in a Straight Line
Whenever possible, ride in a straight line, to the right of traffic but about a car door's width away from parked cars.
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.
Ride in the 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.
Follow Lane Markings
Don't turn left from the right lane. Don't go straight in a lane marked right-turn-only. Plan ahead and avoid last second lane changes.
Choose Best Way to Turn Left
There are two ways to make a left turn. (1) Like an auto. Signal, move into the left lane, and turn left. (2) Like a pedestrian. Ride straight to the far-side crosswalk. Walk you bike across.
Don't Pass on the Right
Motorists may not look for or see a bicycle passing on the right. Do not ride up to the right of a line of cars stopping for a signal or traffic light. Stop well back and out far enough to be easily seen.
Go Slow on Sidewalks
Pedestrians have the right of way. By law you must give pedestrians audible warning when you pass. Don't cross driveways or intersections without looking very carefully for traffic (especially traffic turning right on a green light).
Watch Out for Cars Pulling Out
Make eye contact with drivers. Assume they don't see you until you are sure they do. Even then don't take eye contact alone to indicate a motorist's intentions.
Scan the Road Behind
Learn to look back over your shoulder without losing your balance or swerving left. Some riders use rearview mirrors. Also listen constantly for traffic approaching behind you.
Avoid Road Hazards
Watch out for parallel-slat sewer grates, slippery manhole covers, oily pavement, gravel, and ice. Cross railroad tracks carefully at right angles. To get better control as you move across bumps and other hazards stand up on your pedals. Avoid crowded and high speed roads.
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 brakes are less efficient when wet. |