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Five Principles for Safe Cycling
1: Follow the Law
Cyclists have the same rights and duties as drivers while on the road.
Obey traffic signals, stop signs, and other official traffic controls.
Ride on the righthand side of the road, in the same direction as general traffic.
Yield to pedestrians, stopping when necessary.
L-R: Cyclist indicating left turn, and two variations of right turn
2: Be Predictable
Use hand signals to help drivers, pedestrians, and other cyclists know when you intend to turn.
Ride in a straight line, and avoid swerving in and out of the travel lane between parked cars.
Check over your shoulder before turning or merging.
Use lights to see and be seen
3: Be Conspicuous
Make sure your bicycle is equipped with front, rear, and side reflectors.
Always use a white front light and a red rear light when biking in darkness or low visibility.
Use lane positioning to make yourself visible to other road users.
Make eye contact with others on the road.
Avoid riding in vehicle blind spots and take extra care if riding on sidewalks or crosswalks.
Cyclists must yield to pedestrians
4: Think Ahead
Look out for potholes, debris, other hazards on the roadway.
Anticipate the movements of other road users and pedestrians
Watch out for turning vehicles, and ride outside the "door zone" of parked cars.
5: Ride Ready
Check your bike's condition before every ride:
Air in the tires
Brakes stop the wheel
Chain moves smoothly
Quick release levers closed
Always wear a bicycle helmet, and consider carrying a repair kit in case you need to fix a flat tire.
Click here for a detailed ABC Check guide from Bike Newport.Â
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