Bicycle Safety Tips

Below are some bicycle safety tips to help keep you safe on road when riding your bike. Remember, riding a bicycle can be dangerous. Always use caution when riding a bicycle.

    * Always wear a bicycle helmet when you ride. Never ride without a helmet, even for a short distance.

    * Never ride with headphones or while using a cellular phone or other electronic devices.

    * Use hand signals to tell motorists and pedestrians what you're doing and were you intend to go.

    * Avoid road hazards. Watch out for sewer grates, ice, gravel, road debris, and other road obstacles. Be careful crossing railroad tracks, and cross them at right angles.

    * Avoid riding your bicycle at night. If you must ride at night, the law requires a bright white headlight (visible from a minimum of 500 feet ahead) and a rear reflector or tail light (visible up to 300 feet from behind)

    * Keep you bike in good shape and well maintained. Regularly take your bike to a trained bicycle maintenance professional who can conduct routine maintenance for you.

    * Dress appropriately for your ride. Wear a pancho or rain jacket when it's raning. Be sure to dress in warm layers when riding in cold weather.

    * Don't drink and ride. Never ride your bicycle after drinking alcoholic beverages. Drinking and driving is dangerous and illegal.

    * Scan the road ahead. Look ahead for upcoming traffic, other bicycles, and other potential hazards.

    * Obey traffic signs and signals at all times. Bicycles must drive and behave like other vehicles on the road.

    * Use extreme caution when operating a fixed gear bike without brakes.

These are just some tips to keep in mind and help you ride safe on the road with your bicycle. For more complete information about bicycle safety, more cycling safety tips, current bicycle laws, and how to ride safe, please visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website for additional information.

Have fun out there with your bike, but remember to always be safe!