Ride on the right
Many people were taught (incorrectly) to ride
bikes on the left, facing traffic. But if you ride against
traffic, drivers entering the road won't see you (because
they don't expect traffic in that direction), and you
may get run over. In fact, wrong-way cycling causes more
serious bicycle accidents than anything else! Bicycling
on the left is dangerous, and it’s against the law. Always
ride with traffic.
Obey signs and signals
They exist to help move traffic efficiently
and safely and by law, bicyclists must obey them, too.
Not doing so is dangerous.
Signal turns
Always use hand signals to get drivers to yield so you
can turn safely. When making a left turn, signal, look
and move to the centerline. When it's clear to cross,
move through the intersection to the right side of
the road you’re entering. Keep in mind that it's legal
(and sometimes safer) to walk your bike through busy
intersections. Also, if traffic is too heavy and fast
to make a conventional left, try this trick: Ride through
the intersection and stop at the far side of the road
you want to turn onto. When the light turns green,
you're good to go!
Wear a helmet
It prevents head injury and helps people see
you. Plus, helmets are warm in the winter and cool in
the summer because they shield the sun and insulate the
head. Many of our helmets sport visors and all of them
have excellent ventilation. We can help you select a
comfortable model and also fit it to your head properly.
Wear appropriate clothing
Wear bright colors during the day and light
and/or reflective clothing at night. Sixty percent of
all bicycle deaths occur at night, when only four percent
of bicyclists are riding. So being seen is obviously
worth the effort.
Equip your bike
Use a headlight that's bright enough for you to be seen
and for you to see the road ahead. And, make sure you
have a taillight, too. We offer many lighting systems
in a variety of price ranges and we're happy to recommend
one that's right for you.
Be a responsible traffic participant
Your bike is one of many vehicles sharing the
road. To remain safe, you must anticipate the actions
of others, share the road, extend common courtesy and
obey the laws and signals that apply to all road users.
Riding with the traffic and being predictable are two
of the most important things you can do.
Look and listen; ride safely
When passing through intersection, be especially
alert. Drivers often misjudge a bicyclist's speed and
pull in to park or change lanes not realizing that you're
right there. Likewise, when you're passing parked cars,
make sure you don't get "doored" by a person swinging
open the car door. Expect the unexpected, keep your speed
down and ride with great care in busy situations.
Make eye contact
When approaching vehicles that want to turn in front
of you, try to make eye contact so they know that you’re
there. A slight head movement or wave will also catch
their attention. Never assume that they've seen you!
Consider alternate routes
One of the easiest ways to enjoy safe street
riding is by planning routes that follow lightly traveled
roads. In every city there are alternative routes, and
with a little planning, you can always find a fun and
often scenic detour around traffic-choked arteries. If
you need help planning rides, just ask us! Also, if it's
possible for you to pedal during non-peak hours, you'll
find the roads much less busy.
For more information on street riding visit the League
of American Bicyclists website.
