Essential Safety Tips for Bicyclists

1. Follow the Rules of the Road

• Ride with traffic and obey the same laws as motorists.
• Use the rightmost lane that heads in the direction that you are traveling.
• Obey all traffic control devices, such as stop signs, lights, and lane markings.
• Always look back and use hand and arm signals to indicate your intention to stop, merge or turn.

2. Be Visible

• Ride where drivers can see you.
• Wear brightly colored clothing at all times.
• At night, use a white front light and red rear light or reflector. Wear reflective tape or clothing.

3. Be Predictable

• Ride in a straight line and don’t swerve between parked cars.
• Make eye contact with motorists to let them know you are there.
• Do not ride on the sidewalk.

4. Anticipate Conflicts

• Be aware of traffic around you and be prepared to take evasive action.
• Learn braking and turning techniques to avoid crashes.
• Be extra alert at intersections.

5. Wear a Helmet

• Make sure that the helmet fits on top of your head, not tipped back or forward.
• After a crash or any impact that affects your helmet, visible or not, replace it immediately.