Use Your Head

A properly fitted and approved helmet is a must. A rack or basket, rain gear, gloves, glasses or goggles, rear view mirror, bell, tire pump and a small tool kit can make your ride safer and more pleasant. Check your bicycle and equipment before riding.

Ride Like You Drive

When sharing a travel lane with other traffic, take your place in line with the stopped cars as you approach an intersection. Do not pass on the right. Watch for motorists turning across your path.

Go With the Flow

Ride your bike in the same direction, on the same side of the road, as motor vehicle traffic. A bicyclist traveling against traffic is no safer than a motorist is; besides it is the law.

Ride Right

Ride with the flow of traffic on the right side, but far enough from the curb to avoid hazards. Ride in a straight line and far enough from parked cars to avoid an opening door. It’s safer not to weave in and out of parked cars.

Ride Defensively

Be alert, scan the road and expect the unexpected; never wear headphones while you ride. Follow traffic laws, signsand signals. Be on the lookout for animals.

Turning Left

There are two ways to make a safe left turn. Like a motorist, you can signal, merge into the middle of the left lane and turn left. You may also use the crosswalk and walk your bike across the street.

Take a Lane

Occupy a full lane whenever the lane is too narrow to share with other traffic.

Use The Lane

Use appropriate lanes for turning right, left or going through intersections. Avoid using a turn lane when going straight. Use appropriate hand signals before turning or merging.

Be Kind To Walkers

Yield to pedestrians, give a warning before passing them, and ride at walking speeds when crossing driveways, alleys or intersections.

Lock It Up

Use a bike rack if available. Otherwise, use something solid that is not in the way of pedestrians. Choose a well-lit, well-traveled area.

Light Up The Road

Be visible at all times but especially at night. Making eye contact with motorists is one way you can be certain you are seen. At night the law requires a white headlight and red rear reflector. Spoke and pedal reflectors add even more protection at night. Reflective clothing and bright colors can also help you to be seen at all times.

Midblock Rideout

Stop and look left, right and then left again for traffic before entering the road.

Wrong Way Riding

Go with the flow! Ride right - with traffic, just like cars do.

Motorist Overtaking Cyclist

Avoid riding at night on narrow roads and where highway speeds are over 35 mph. Use lights and reflectors if you must ride at night.

Stop Sign Rideout

When driving your vehicle, obey all traffic signs and signals – at busy intersections get off of your bike and walk across the road as you do when you are a pedestrian.

Bicyclist Left Turn Or Sudden Swerve

Be predictable- always ride in a straight line. When preparing to change your lane position, look behind you and yield to overtaking traffic. For making a left turn, give the left hand signal and when it’s safe, move left to the left lane. Give the left hand signal again and then make your turn when it is safe to do so.