Bicyclists

People cycling

Staying Safe

Riding a bicycle can be fun and safe. Here are a few bicycle safety tips for bicyclists and motorists alike. Share the Road, on public streets bicyclists must share the road with automobile drivers. Here are some things to remember:

Bicyclists

  • May choose to ride near the left curb or edge of one-way street
  • May legally move left to turn left, to pass a parked or moving vehicle, another bicycle, an animal, or to make a turn, avoid debris, or other hazards
  • May use a left turn lane. If the bicyclist is traveling straight ahead, he or she should use a through traffic lane rather than ride next to the curb and block traffic making right turns
  • Must always walk their bicycle in crosswalk zones
  • Must make left and right turns in the same way that drivers do, using the same turn lanes
  • Must ride in the same direction as other traffic, not against it
  • Must use hand turn signals to indicate to motorist their intention to turn
  • Must yield to pedestrians
  • Should ride in a straight line as near to the right curb or edge of the roadway as practical - not on the sidewalk
Helmet How-To
 Helmets are an important safety device to protect your head and brain from injury.

  • If you and your helmet go through a crash, be sure to get a new one.
  • Many bike helmets today are lightweight and come in cool colors. Set your own style and personalize your helmet with your favorite stickers. Reflective stickers are a great choice because they make you more visible to people driving.
  • Never wear a hat under your bike helmet.
  • The straps should always be fastened.
  • Take care of your bike helmet and don't throw it around.
  • Wear a helmet made especially for bicycle safety.
  • Your helmet should be worn level and cover your forehead (two finger widths above your eyebrows)

Rider Checklist

  • Check and oil your chain regularly.
  • Check to make sure all loose objects like pant legs, shoe laces, and back pack straps are secure
  • ​Check to make sure you are wearing bright colors or reflectors so you can be seen by drivers
  • ​Check your brakes to be sure they work well and aren't sticking.
  • ​Check your tires to make sure they have enough air and the right tire pressure.
  • ​Make sure your bike is the proper size. When you're standing on the ground you should have a 1-3 inch gap between you and the top bar
  • ​Remove your headphones. You want to make sure you can hear everything around you
Bicycle Hand Signals