Bicycle Safety Tips

 
Table of Contents
 
 
Rules of the Road        
 

    Be Predictable ... Ride so drivers can see you and predict your movements.

    Obey Traffic Signs and Signals 
    Bicycles must behave like other vehicles in order to travel safely on streets and highways shared with motor vehicles.  

    Never Ride Against Traffic 
    Motorists are not looking for bicyclists riding against traffic on the wrong side of the road.  

    Use Hand Signals 
    Hand signals tell motorists what you intend to do. Signal as a matter of law, courtesy, and self protection.   

    • Left Turn -- left hand and arm extended horizontally beyond the side of the bicycle.
    • Right Turn --left hand and arm extended upward beyond the left side of the bicycle or the right hand and arm extended horizontally to the right side of the bicycle.
    • Stop or sudden decrease of speed --left hand and arm extended downward beyond the left side of the bicycle.
    Ride in a Straight Line 
    Ride in a straight line, to the right of traffic, but about a car door's width away from parked cars.  

    Don't Weave Between Parked Cars 
    Motorists may not see you when you tray to move into traffic. On-street auto parking can be hazardous to bicyclists. Avoid or use extra caution on streets which allow use of the parking shoulder as a motor vehicle lane during peak hours.  

    Ride in the Middle of the Lane in Slow Traffic 
    Don't ride the line. Get in the middle of the lane at a busy intersections and whenever you are moving at the same speed as traffic.  

    Follow Lane Markings 
    Do not turn left from the right lane. Do not go straight in a line marked "right turn only".  

    Don't Pass on the Right 
    Motorists may not look for or see a bicycle passing on the right.  

    Choose Best Way to Turn Left 
    There are two ways to make a left turn.  

    • Like an Auto -- Signal, move into the left lane when safe, yield to oncoming traffic, and turn left. Complete the turn near the right curb
    • Like a Pedestrian -- Stay to the right, ride straight across the intersection to the far side. Obey all signs and signals in the new direction before continuing.

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Defensive Riding        
 

Be Alert ... Ride defensively and expect the unexpected.

Remember, no matter who is at fault in an accident, the bicyclist loses.
When riding in urban areas, use particular caution around buses and hazardous sites.
 
    Watch for Cars Pulling Out 
    Make eye contact with drivers. Assume they don't see you until you are sure they do. Drivers may not see bicyclists when the sun is in their eyes. 

    Scan the Road Around You 
    Keep your eyes roving constantly for cars, people, sand and gravel, grates, etc. Learn to look back over your shoulder without losing you balance or swerving. 

    Avoid Road Hazards 
    Watch out for parallel-slat sewer/storm drain grates, slippery manhole covers, oily pavement, grates, sand and gravel, etc. Cross railroad tracks carefully at right angles. To get better control as you move across bumps and other hazards, stand up on your pedals. Report poor road conditions and pot holes to the city or county in which they occur. 

    Keep Both Hands Ready to Break 
    You may not stop in time if you brake one-handed. Allow extra distance for stopping in the rain, since breaks are less efficient when wet. 

    Watch for Chasing Dogs 
    Ignore them, or try a firm, loud "NO". If the dog doesn't stop, dismount with your bike between you and the dog. Dogs are attracted by the spinning of wheels and feet. 

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Proper Safety Equipment        
 

Be sure your bike is adjusted to fit you properly. 

For safety and efficiency, outfit it with bells, rear-view mirrors, fender (for rainy rides), and racks, baskets or bike bags.
 
 
    Keep Bike in Good Repair 
    Maintain your bike in good working condition. Check brakes regularly and keep tires properly inflated. Routine maintenance is simple and you can learn to do it yourself, or you can leave it to an expert at your local bike shop. 

    Dress Appropriately 
    Wear a "ANSI/Snell" approved bicycle helmet whenever you ride (In California it is required by law for riders under 18 years old). Dressing in layers allows you to adjust to temperature changes on liner rides. A change of clothes can be carried with you or you can store clothes at the office. 

    Use Lights at Night 
    Ride to see and be seen. The law requires a strong headlight and a rear reflector or tail light at night or when visibility is poor. Wear light colored clothes with reflective material for extra protection. 

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Bicycling in Foul Weather         
 

    WHEN THE WEATHER'S WET

    Cyclocommuters should know how to cope with rainy weather and keep their bikes in good shape. Use these equipment tips when riding in rainy weather: 
    • Wear bright yellow or orange to be visible to motorists.
    • Put a visor or cap under your helmet to shield your eyes.
    • Install lightweight plastic or aluminum fenders, which keep dirty road water off you and your bike surprisingly well.
    • Keep your frame waxed and your drivetrain well lubricated.
    • Service your bike immediately upon reaching your destination. Wipe it down with a towel, then lubricate the chain and use a water-dispersing spray, such as WD-40, on all cables, housings, and the pivot points of the brake and gear systems.
    • Long-distance tourists should invest in a rainsuit designed for cycling, which can add comfort and protect against hypothermia even in the foulest weather. Commuters can get by with just a poncho. If you don't have either and rain is possible, wear garments made of wool, polypropylene, or other materials that insulate when wet.
    • Your hands and feet will be the first to complain about the cold. Protect the former by wearing gloves that contain an insulating material covered by a windblocker such as Gore-Tex. Neoprene booties and wool socks will stave off toe numbness, at least for a while.
    Don't forget to protect your eyes.  
    • The best way to do this is wearing safety glasses or prescription glasses. 
    • To prevent your glasses from fogging, smear both sides of the lenses with a little gel toothpaste and rinse with cold water. Then gently towel dry.

      • When purchasing eyewear, try on various models and simulate different riding positions while wearing your helmet to check for an unobstructed, undistorted view. Wraparound lenses are best because they provide the most wind protection and don't interfere with peripheral vision. 

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Bicycle Security - Locking Your Bike         
  

    Bicycle is really the perfect object to steal:

    It's valuable, is often left out in the public and provides transportation from the scene of the crime. Although the marketplace offers many security products, there are a myriad of ways to foil any lock. A more alluring target is the cycle that's either lightly locked, or not locked at all. It's up to bikers to match the level of protection their situation requires with product cost and ease of use.  

    The cheapest and easiest is the minimalist, or "faith in your fellow man," approach.

    Product: The curled cable (about $10) with at least a 1/4-inch thickness secured by a lock. 
    Advantages: The typical six-foot length is enough to lock both wheels and frame. Flexibility makes for easy use in many situations. The cable is usually covered in vinyl to protect the bike's finish and is slippery for bolt cutters to get a grip on. Some manufactures now make cable that can be attached to the bike's frame for easy transport. 
    Disadvantages: Cable can be a bit unwieldy for carrying on the bike. Don't wrap a six-foot cable around a parking meter, the whole bike can be lifted off. A determined thief won't have much trouble cutting a cable either. Note: Some of the more expensive cables are made from braided stainless or brass-plated steel, which offers more resistance to bolt cutters. The combination of the weave and metal tends to make the cable flatten rather than split when attacked by cutters. 

    If you have an expensive bike or a mistrustful attitude about your fellow man, go for the maximum.

    Product: U-locks which range in price from $20-$80. 
    Advantages:These are the toughest locks for a crook to crack. They come in a number of sizes. Most experts believe that these are the only real protection in a theft-prone urban area. 
    Disadvantages: They won't fit around most objects you'd encounter on the street, such as lampposts or trees, though they do fit around parking meters, bike racks or thin street signs. They're relatively heavy and take up room on the frame. It takes more time to lock the bike and the front wheel must be removed for completely effective locking. 

    The do-it yourselfer who believes almost everyone is a bike thief will want to try the "It's what we do in New York" approach.

    Product: A six-foot length of case-hardened steel chain with a high-quality case-hardened lock. With some effort, you can encase the cain in a two-inch diameter bicycle inner tube to protect your bike from nicks. 
    Advantages: The six-foot length is enough to lock both wheels and frame. It's flexible and can fit around a variety of stationary objects. In terms of security, it approaches the level of a U-lock, but is more adaptable. 
    Disadvantages: The thing weighs a ton! The idea is to leave the chain at home or work-wherever the bike is left unattended for long periods--using other protection for short stops. 

    Other tricks and options:

    Write down your bike's serial number and engrave a driver's license number on the frame. 
    Away from home, lock your bike where passersby see it. 
    If there's a row of bikes, try to park yours toward the end of the rack where it's exposed to passersby. 
    f you forget your lock, disengage the bike's chain or wrap the toe straps around the frame or remove the front wheel or the seat post. 
    Be sure to lock your bike to something secure and solid. 
    Even when you store your bike in the garage lock it to something.

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Links to Bicycle Safety Resources        
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