a. STOP at red lights. b. YIELD at all stop signs. c. DON’T proceed unless its safe.
2. Ride Right: It is illegal to ride towards oncoming traffic. Ride with traffic, staying as far to the right as is practical. Be sure to wait for a safe opportunity to change lanes and use proper hand signals.
3. Join In: Joining the other traffic is sometimes necessary because the road is simply too narrow for both a bike and a car. This is called taking the lane by many cycling advocates. When you do join the traffic, make sure you never pass on the right. By waiting directly behind a vehicle, you can see a car’s signals; otherwise, you never know if the motorist is about to make a right turn and hit you.
4. Protect Your Head: Whether going to the corner store or heading out on a marathon ride, always wear a helmet.
5. See Eye to Eye: Make eye contact with drivers whenever possible, this ensures that the motorists see you. This “personal connection” also helps motorists remember you are a human being deserving of attention, protection and respect.
6. Travel a Straight Road: Ride consistently and predictably. Riding erratically puts you at danger and scares drivers. Don’t thread through parked cars.
7. Play Defense: Be aware of your surroundings. Know what is behind you and watch out for what is in front of you, Be on the lookout for road hazards; sand and gravel, glass, railroad tracks, and the like. Watch for parked cars where people may be opening doors on the driver side of the vehicle without looking. Make sure you have ample time to make any move, whether you are changing a lane or turning a corner. Do not expect to be granted the right of way in any instance.
8. Be Visible: Make your presence felt. Wear bright colored clothing. At night or in bad weather, use reflective lights–front, side and rear to make yourself visible.
9. Be prepared: Emergencies happen. Keep a hand on your handlebars. Know and use your hand signals whenever you are changing lanes or making a turn.
10. Brake Away: Make sure your brakes are always in top-notch condition. Be aware of how weather and road conditions can affect your ability to brake.
2. Ride Right: It is illegal to ride towards oncoming traffic. Ride with traffic, staying as far to the right as is practical. Be sure to wait for a safe opportunity to change lanes and use proper hand signals.
3. Join In: Joining the other traffic is sometimes necessary because the road is simply too narrow for both a bike and a car. This is called taking the lane by many cycling advocates. When you do join the traffic, make sure you never pass on the right. By waiting directly behind a vehicle, you can see a car’s signals; otherwise, you never know if the motorist is about to make a right turn and hit you.
4. Protect Your Head: Whether going to the corner store or heading out on a marathon ride, always wear a helmet.
5. See Eye to Eye: Make eye contact with drivers whenever possible, this ensures that the motorists see you. This “personal connection” also helps motorists remember you are a human being deserving of attention, protection and respect.
6. Travel a Straight Road: Ride consistently and predictably. Riding erratically puts you at danger and scares drivers. Don’t thread through parked cars.
7. Play Defense: Be aware of your surroundings. Know what is behind you and watch out for what is in front of you, Be on the lookout for road hazards; sand and gravel, glass, railroad tracks, and the like. Watch for parked cars where people may be opening doors on the driver side of the vehicle without looking. Make sure you have ample time to make any move, whether you are changing a lane or turning a corner. Do not expect to be granted the right of way in any instance.
8. Be Visible: Make your presence felt. Wear bright colored clothing. At night or in bad weather, use reflective lights–front, side and rear to make yourself visible.
9. Be prepared: Emergencies happen. Keep a hand on your handlebars. Know and use your hand signals whenever you are changing lanes or making a turn.
10. Brake Away: Make sure your brakes are always in top-notch condition. Be aware of how weather and road conditions can affect your ability to brake.
