Ride on the right
Many people were taught (incorrectly) to
ride bikes on the left, facing traffic. But if you ride against
traffic, drivers entering the road won't see you (because they
don't expect traffic in that direction), and you may get run over.
In fact, wrong-way cycling causes more serious bicycle accidents
than anything else! Bicycling on the left is dangerous, and it’s
against the law. Always ride with traffic.
Obey signs and
signals
They exist to help move traffic efficiently and
safely and by law, bicyclists must obey them, too. Not doing so is
dangerous.
Signal turns
Always use hand signals to get drivers to yield so you can turn
safely. When making a left turn, signal, look and move to the
centerline. When it's clear to cross, move through the intersection
to the right side of the road you’re entering. Keep in mind that
it's legal (and sometimes safer) to walk your bike through busy
intersections. Also, if traffic is too heavy and fast to make a
conventional left, try this trick: Ride through the intersection
and stop at the far side of the road you want to turn onto. When
the light turns green, you're good to go!
Wear a helmet
It prevents head injury and helps people see you. Plus,
helmets are warm in the winter and cool in the summer because they
shield the sun and insulate the head. Many of our helmets sport
visors and all of them have excellent ventilation. We can help you
select a comfortable model and also fit it to your head
properly.
Wear appropriate
clothing
Wear bright colors during the day and light and/or
reflective clothing at night. Sixty percent of all bicycle deaths
occur at night, when only four percent of bicyclists are riding. So
being seen is obviously worth the effort.
Equip your
bike
Use a headlight that's bright enough for you to be seen and for you
to see the road ahead. And, make sure you have a taillight, too. We
offer many lighting systems in a variety of price ranges and we're
happy to recommend one that's right for you.
Be a responsible
traffic participant
Your bike is one of many vehicles sharing the road. To
remain safe, you must anticipate the actions of others, share the
road, extend common courtesy and obey the laws and signals that
apply to all road users. Riding with the traffic and being
predictable are two of the most important things you can
do.
Look and listen;
ride safely
When passing through intersection, be especially alert.
Drivers often misjudge a bicyclist's speed and pull in to park or
change lanes not realizing that you're right there. Likewise, when
you're passing parked cars, make sure you don't get "doored" by a
person swinging open the car door. Expect the unexpected, keep your
speed down and ride with great care in busy
situations.
Make eye
contact
When approaching vehicles that want to turn in front of you, try to
make eye contact so they know that you’re there. A slight head
movement or wave will also catch their attention. Never assume that
they've seen you!
Consider alternate
routes
One of the easiest ways to enjoy safe street riding is by
planning routes that follow lightly traveled roads. In every city
there are alternative routes, and with a little planning, you can
always find a fun and often scenic detour around traffic-choked
arteries. If you need help planning rides, just ask us! Also, if
it's possible for you to pedal during non-peak hours, you'll find
the roads much less busy.
For more
information on street riding visit the League of American Bicyclists
website.
