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.