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Bicycle Safety
- Always wear a bicycle helmet.
- If you must ride at night or low light, always use both a front and rear light and reflector.
- Always wear bright clothing, such as yellow or fluorescent colors (days) and retro-reflective materials (nights).
- Keep your brakes in good working order. Be able to stop in 15 feet at 10 miles per hour.
- Carry parcels in a backpack, bike rack, basket, or trailer.
- Obey all traffic laws, signs, and signals.
- Walk your bike to the street before mounting it.
- Look left-right-left for a safe gap in traffic when entering the road or crossing an intersection.
- At an intersection or driveway avoid being alongside a vehicle, which could suddenly turn right.
- At an intersection or driveway watch for vehicles that could turn left into your path When riding on a sidewalk or bike path, watch for cars entering/exiting driveways, and always yield the right of way to pedestrians. Give an audible signal when passing a pedestrian. Avoid riding on a sidewalk in a commercial area.
- Ride on the right side of the road with traffic.
- Normally ride single file, never more than 2 side by side (do not impede traffic when riding side by side).
- Check behind you before changing lanes (mirrors make it easier, but look back as well).
- Be aware of pedestrians and other vehicles. Learn to anticipate their actions.
- Signal your moves to other vehicle operators, by pointing in the direction you are going to turn.
- Be aware of potential hazards like trash, potholes, gravel and storm grates, opening car doors.
- Do not wear headphones while riding a bicycle.
- Keep your bicycle locked when not in use.