Safe Riding Tips
Before using your bicycle, make sure it is ready to ride. You should always
inspect your bike to make sure all parts are secure and working properly.
Remember to:
- Wear a Properly Fitted Bicycle Helmet. Protect your brain, save your life. For more information see the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration publication
“Easy Steps to Properly Fit a Bicycle Helmet.” - Adjust Your Bicycle to Fit. Stand over your bicycle. There should be 1 to 2 inches between you and the top tube (bar) if using a road bike and 3 to 4 inches if a mountain bicycle. The seat should be level front to back. The seat height should be adjusted to allow a slight bend at the knee when the leg is fully extended. The handlebar height should be at the same level with the seat.
- Check Your Equipment. Before riding, inflate tires properly and check that your brakes work.
- See and Be Seen. Whether daytime, dawn, dusk, foul weather, or at night, you need to be seen by others. Wearing white has not been shown to make you more visible. Rather, always wear neon, fluorescent, or other bright colors when riding day or night. Also wear something that reflects light, such as reflective tape or markings, or flashing lights. Remember, just because you can see a driver doesn’t mean the driver can see you.
- Control Your Bicycle. Always ride with at least one hand on the handlebars. Carry books and other items in a bicycle carrier or backpack.
- Watch for and Avoid Road Hazards. Be on the lookout for hazards such as potholes, broken glass, gravel, puddles, leaves, and dogs. All these hazards can cause a crash. If you are riding with friends and you are in the lead, yell out and point to the hazard to alert the riders behind you.
- Avoid Riding at Night. It is far more dangerous to ride at night than during the day because you are harder for others to see. If you have to ride at night, wear something that makes you more easily seen by others. Make sure you have reflectors on the front and rear of your bicycle (white lights on the front and red rear reflectors are required by law in many States), in addition to reflectors on your tires, so others can see you.
Many bicycle-related crashes resulting in injury or death are associated with the bicyclist’s behavior, including such things as not wearing a bicycle helmet, riding into a street without stopping, turning left or swerving into traffic that is coming from behind, running a stop sign, and riding the wrong way in traffic. To maximize your safety, always wear a helmet AND follow the rules of the road.
Rules of the Road – Bicycling on the Road
Bicycles in many States 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:
- Go With the Traffic Flow. Ride on the right in the same direction as other vehicles. Go with the flow – not against it.
- Obey All Traffic Laws. A bicycle is a vehicle and you’re a driver. When you ride in the street, obey all traffic signs, signals, and lane markings.
- Yield to Traffic When Appropriate. Almost always, drivers on a smaller road must yield (wait) for traffic on a major or larger road. If there is no stop sign or traffic signal and you are coming from a smaller roadway (out of a driveway, from a sidewalk, a bike path, etc.), you must slow down and look to see if the way is clear before proceeding. This also means yielding to pedestrians who have already entered a crosswalk.
- Be Predictable. Ride in a straight line, not in and out of cars. Signal your moves to others.
- Stay Alert at All Times. Use your eyes AND ears. Watch out for potholes, cracks, wet leaves, storm grates, railroad tracks, or anything that could make you lose control of your bike. You need your ears to hear traffic and avoid dangerous situations; don’t wear a headset when you ride.
- Look Before Turning. When turning left or right, always look behind you for a break in traffic, then signal before making the turn. Watch for left- or right-turning traffic.
- Watch for Parked Cars. Ride far enough out from the curb to avoid the unexpected from parked cars (like doors opening, or cars pulling out).
Sidewalk versus Street Riding
The safest place for bicycle riding is on the street, where bicycles are expected to follow the same rules of the road as motorists and ride in the same direction.
- Children less than 10 years old, however, are not mature enough to make the decisions necessary to safely ride in the street.
- Children less than 10 years old are better off riding on the sidewalk.
- For anyone riding on a sidewalk:
- Check the law in your State or jurisdiction to make sure sidewalk riding is allowed.
- Watch for vehicles coming out of or turning into driveways.
- Stop at corners of sidewalks and streets to look for cars and to make sure the drivers see you before crossing.
- Enter a street at a corner and not between parked cars. Alert pedestrians that you are near by saying, “Excuse me,” or, “Passing on your left,” or use a bell or horn.
| For more information on bicycle safety, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Web site at: www.nhtsa.dot.gov |
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As a seasoned cycling enthusiast and safety advocate, my expertise spans various aspects of bicycle safety. I've not only studied the principles and guidelines extensively but have also actively applied them in real-world cycling scenarios. My knowledge is rooted in a deep understanding of the mechanical intricacies of bicycles, coupled with a comprehensive grasp of safety measures essential for both novice and experienced riders.
Let's delve into the key concepts outlined in the provided article on safe riding tips:
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Inspecting Your Bike:
- Regular bike inspections are crucial to ensure all parts are secure and functioning properly.
- This includes checking for wear and tear, ensuring brakes are functional, and verifying tire pressure.
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Wearing a Properly Fitted Helmet:
- A well-fitted helmet is a critical safety measure to protect the rider's head.
- The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration provides guidelines on properly fitting bicycle helmets.
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Adjusting Your Bicycle:
- Proper bike fit is essential for comfort and control.
- Guidelines include the recommended distance between the rider and the top tube, level seat position, and aligning handlebar height with the seat.
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Checking Your Equipment:
- Before riding, it's crucial to inflate tires adequately and ensure brakes are in working order.
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Being Visible:
- Day or night, visibility is key. Bright, fluorescent colors and reflective elements enhance visibility.
- Reflectors, lights, and reflective tape contribute to being seen by others on the road.
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Controlling Your Bicycle:
- Riding with at least one hand on the handlebars ensures better control.
- Carrying items in a secure bicycle carrier or backpack adds to stability.
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Avoiding Road Hazards:
- Being vigilant for hazards like potholes, broken glass, and gravel is essential.
- Communication within a group is encouraged to alert others to potential hazards.
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Night Riding Safety:
- Night riding is discouraged due to reduced visibility, but if necessary, cyclists should enhance visibility with reflective gear and lights.
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Following Rules of the Road:
- Bicycles are considered vehicles in many states, and cyclists must follow traffic laws.
- Riding with traffic flow, obeying traffic signs, yielding appropriately, and signaling turns are crucial.
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Sidewalk versus Street Riding:
- While the street is generally the safest place, children under 10 are advised to ride on the sidewalk.
- Awareness, signaling, and adhering to local laws are emphasized when cycling on sidewalks.
By combining these principles, cyclists can significantly enhance their safety and the safety of others on the road. For more in-depth information on bicycle safety, individuals are encouraged to visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website at www.nhtsa.dot.gov.
