Riding Safety

Bike riding is a great activity for adults and kids!  It helps to strengthen the heart, control weight, and improve balance and coordination. But beyond these health benefits, bike riding is a fun experience that can be shared together with family and friends.

BIKE SAFETY GUIDELINES

Never Ride Without a Helmet

Wearing a helmet when riding reduces the potential for head injury by 85%. When shopping for a helmet, make sure it's specifically designed for bicycling, and meets ANSI, Snell or CPSC standards. Be sure your helmet fits properly. The helmet should cover your forehead and should be buckled snugly underneath your chin.

Obey Local Traffic Laws

A bike is considered to be a vehicle in most states and subject to the same traffic laws as a car. Therefore, riders must:

• Always obey traffic signs and signals.
• Ride on the right, with the traffic. Never ride against traffic as motorists may not see you on the left side of the road, especially if the road curves.
• Never pass a car on the right as motorists may not see you.
• Ride in a straight line whenever possible.
• Use hand signals when making a turn. 
• Follow lane markings.
• Ride in middle of lane in slow traffic. When moving at the same speed as slow traffic or when you are in an intersection, ride in the middle of the lane if possible.
• Never weave in between parked cars.
• Proceed slowly when sharing a path with pedestrians. Bicyclists should yield to pedestrians and provide audible warning when passing them.
• When riding with other bicyclists, ride in a straight line when traffic is present. Never ride more than two abreast.

Ride Defensively

• Don't do anything that might surprise the driver of a car such as swerving, weaving in and out of traffic, or running stop lights and stop signs.
• Stop at the end of a driveway. Many accidents between bikes and cars happen when a bicyclist fails to stop at the end of his/her driveway.
• Watch for cars pulling out. Make eye contact with drivers when possible to assure they see you.
• Scan the road behind you. Periodically look back over your shoulder or use a rear-view mirror.
• Avoid road hazards such as potholes, puddles, oily spots, snow and ice, gravel and manhole covers. Cross railroad tracks carefully at right angles.
• Keep at least one hand on handlebars to maintain control of your bike at all times.
• Use both hands when braking. You may not stop in time if you use only one brake. 

Make Sure Your Bike is Properly Equipped

• Purchase a bike that has the right sized frame, and make sure that the seat and handlebars are always adjusted to the proper height.
• Equip your bike with a signaling device such as a horn or bell. This can be used to alert pedestrians and other bicyclists that you are approaching them.
• Install a rear-view mirror(s) so that you can see what is approaching you from behind.
• Use a bike rack, bike bag or basket when carrying things with you on your bike.
• Use a headlight and taillight for riding at night or during poor visibility. 
• Keep your bike in good repair. Regularly check brakes, tires, seat and handlebar adjustments.

Dress Appropriately

• Wear light-colored clothing for added visibility, or purchase a brightly-colored helmet.
• Avoid loose-fitting clothing that could get caught in wheel spokes or chain. Place a strap around your pant leg so it won’t get caught in the chain.
• Dress for the elements. Dress in layers so you can adjust to temperature changes, and wear a poncho in the rain.

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