Bicycle Riding
- Bicycle
rider using the wrong side of road
- Auto
driver making unsafe left or right turn
- Bicyclist
riding from driveway or sidewalk into path of car
- Auto
driver opening door as bicycle passes
- Bicycle rider weaving,
leaving edge of road or bike lane
- Bicyclist
making unsafe left turn
- Bicycle
without headlight or reflectors
Bicycle riders and automobile drivers follow the same rules and have the same rights. Example: Cars must stop at a stop sign, and bicycles must stop at a stop sign. Always ride with traffic. Bicyclists must travel in the same direction as cars.
1. When moving slower than the normal traffic speed, stay near the right edge of the road, except:
- When passing another
bicycle or vehicle.
- When
getting ready to turn left.
- When
passing a parked car or to avoid other objects.
- When
on a one-way road, two lanes or wider. Then bicyclists may ride near either the
left or right side.
- When
necessary to pass another bicycle, vehicle or pedestrian.
- When
getting ready to turn left.
- When
necessary to avoid parked cars or other objects.
A passenger must ride on a separate seat - no riders on handlebars. A youngster 4 years or younger, or weighing 40 pounds or less, must ride on a seat which holds the child in place and protects the youngster from moving parts. The child must also wear an approved helmet.
4. Give proper hand signals when turning or stopping.
Correct signals are:
- Left turn - Left arm
straight out pointing left.
- Right
turn - Left arm pointed straight up, or right arm straight out pointing right.
- Stop
- Left arm pointed straight down.
Leave the lane only when safe to do so.
6. Never hitch rides by hanging onto or attaching your bicycle to a moving vehicle.
7. Bicyclists may not ride on most freeways. Signs at freeway ramps tell when bicyclists must not enter.
8. Never leave your bicycle blocking a sidewalk.
9. Bicycles must be correctly equipped. See "Equipment", below.
10. Headphones covering both ears may not be worn while operating a bicycle.
What are the Equipment Requirements?
- Helmet
A person under 18 years of age cannot operate a bicycle or ride as a passenger without a properly fitted and fastened bicycle helmet that meets the standards of the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) or the SNELL Standards for Protective Headgear. - Handlebar
Must be set to that your hands are no higher than your shoulders when you hold the regular steering grip area. - Bicycle Size
Must not be so big that operator can't safely stop bicycle upright with at least one foot on ground. - Brakes
Must be able to make one wheel skid on clean, level, dry pavement. - Night Riding
Bicycle must be equipped with the following:
- Light:
A white headlamp, attached to the bicycle or your body, visible from 300 feet to the front and from the sides - Reflectors
- Red
rear reflector
- White
or yellow reflectors on front and back of each pedal
- White
or yellow reflectors on each side forward of center of bike, and red or white
reflectors on each side rear of center - usually mounted on wheel spokes (If
you have reflectorized tires in front and rear, you do not need side
reflectors.)
- Red
rear reflector
- Cross sewer gratings
and railroad tracks at an angle.
- Stay
in single file when riding with others.
- Cross
busy intersections by walking your bicycle.
- Wear
shoes - avoid getting toes caught in moving parts.
- Avoid
long skirts and flare pants. Clasp pants to legs with clips or leg bands.
- Clip
or band hair to keep it from blocking vision. Avoid scarves which can flap over
eyes.
- Wear
proper safety equipment at all times, i.e. bright clothing, approved bicycle
helmet, safety goggles, etc.
- Always lock your bike
when leaving it.
- Use
a strong chain and padlock.
- Secure
the frame of the bike to something solid (bike rack, tree, etc.).
- Jot
down the license number, the frame serial number, and the type and model of the
bike. Keep the note in a safe place. If the bike is stolen, you will need to
identify it.
- Park
your bike where it can be easily seen.
You must register your bicycle if your community requires it. Many cities and counties do. Usually, you can register at the local fire or police station. Call your city hall or county office to be sure.
Maintenance
Bicycles require routine maintenance to assure proper operation.
Things you can check while riding:
- Listen
for sounds of rubbing, squeaks and rattles and immediately investigate their
sources.
- Slipping
(free wheeling) or difficulty changing gears may mean that the gear cable
tension is too loose or too tight (multi-speed bikes).
- Loose
tension on the drive chain.
- Brake
effectiveness.
- Use
a tire gauge to check tires every few days. Proper pressure is indicated on the
tire sidewall or in your bicycle manual. Check for cracks, cuts, bulges. Remove
imbedded stones, nails, glass, etc.
- Adjust
seat and handlebars to fit.
- Lightly
oil and clean moving parts. Keep oil off rubber. Wipe off excess oil.
- Tighten
and/or adjust loose parts.
- Make
sure handle grips are glued or tightly secured to handlebars.
- Where
possible, store your bike indoors; moisture will cause rust.
- Keep
your bicycle clean by wiping dust away with a soft cloth. Wipe it dry when it
gets wet.
Why should I register my bicycle?
- A
license sticker in plain view might discourage a would-be thief.
- If
your bike is stolen your chances of getting it back are better if it is
recorded.
Some cities and counties prohibit riding bicycles on sidewalks. Other local laws deal with parking of bikes and use of pedestrian or special bicycle facilities. Check with your local government to learn what these laws are.
This pamphlet gives you much important information about bicycle safety. Knowing what to do on your bike can save you money, save you from injury and even save your life. A good understanding of bicycle safety lets you ride with greater confidence and enjoyment.