Bicycling is a legitimate form of transportation. And bicycling safety is the sole responsibility of the bicyclist.
You have as much right to the road as any motor vehicle, unless the road (e.g., high speed interstates) has been deemed off limits to bicycles.
Unfortunately, a bicycle is much smaller and lighter than any motor vehicle and many drivers don’t respect the rights of bicyclist.
General Bicycling Safety Tips
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Ride With Traffic
Ride with the traffic and not against it. Motorist are not looking for bicyclist on the opposite side of the road. Think of yourself as being a small, slow motor vehicle, with the same rights and responsibilities.
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Be Predictable
Don’t weave between cars and use hand signals to warn motorists. Make sure that a motorist knows what you intend to do and obey all traffic signs and laws.
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Be Prepared
Wear the proper clothing and have the proper safety equipment.
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Watch for Car Doors
When riding down a street with parked cars, stay about 4 feet away from the parked cars.
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Use the Lane Properly
Just like a car, if you are turning right, stay in the proper right turning lane; if you are turning left, move over to the left turning lane. Just like a car, take up the same space. If you are going straight, stay in the rightmost thru lane and make sure that any motor vehicle knows that you are going straight and not turning.
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Avoid Road Hazards
Anticipate road hazards like potholes, grates, manholes and other problems before you get there. You don’t want to rapidly avoid these hazards since a motorist may not anticipate your emergency. Signal your intentions.
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Give Yourself a Bail-Out
Don’t ride at the edge of the pavement. Try to stay two or three feet inside so that you have somewhere to go if needed. If a car comes too close, only leave the pavement as a last resort. When your fast spinning front wheel meets sand or loose gravel, you are going to spill.
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Intersections
You need to be especially vigilant at intersections. Most motor vehicle and bicycle collisions occur here.
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Stay off Sidewalks
In most cities, sidewalks are for pedestrians. Always yield to pedestrians. If you are on a bicycle trail, signal when approaching other bicycles and pedestrians.
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Be Visible
You need to wear brightly colored jerseys and jackets. Some of the new highly visible yellow and green colored materials are perfect. These colors can be seen low light, fog, and long distances away.
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Wear a Helmet
Do I need to say more?
