Bike safety tips

Bicycle riding is fun, healthy, and a great way to be independent.
But it is important to remember that a bicycle is not a toy; it’s a vehicle!
Be cool — follow some basic safety tips when you ride.

CHECK YOUR BIKE BEFORE RIDING IT.
ALWAYS WEAR A PROPERLY FITTED BICYCLE HELMET.
DON’T WEAR LOOSE CLOTHING, AS IT CAN GET CAUGHT IN THE BIKE’S CHAIN, GEARS OR BRAKES.
WEAR REFLECTIVE GEAR, ESPECIALLY WHEN RIDING AT NIGHT.
TAKE LESS-TRAVELED ROUTES SO YOU WON’T HAVE TO COMPETE WITH DANGEROUS TRAFFIC.

Rules of the road – bicycling on the road

Bicycles are considered vehicles, and cyclists have the same rights and the same responsibilities to follow the rules of the road as motorists. When riding, always:

BE AWARE OF YOUR SURROUNDINGS. WATCH FOR CARS, OTHER BIKERS AND PEDESTRIANS AT ALL TIMES.
RIDE IN A STRAIGHT LINE ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE ROAD.
RIDE NEAR THE CURB, BUT STAY A CAR DOOR’S WIDTH AWAY FROM PARKED CARS.
RIDE IN SAME DIRECTION AS TRAFFIC FLOW.
USE THE HAND SIGNALS TO TELL MOTORIST AND PEDESTRIAN WHAT YOU INTEND TO DO.
OBEY TRAFFIC SIGNS AND SIGNALS, INCLUDING STOP LIGHTS AND STOP SIGNS.
DON’T ASSUME THAT DRIVERS CAN SEE YOU.