Road Safety Tips

• Learn and obey traffic laws for your area.
• Ride with traffic and follow the rules of traffic flow.
• Remain alert at all times and watch the road ahead for possible hazards.
• Make sure your brakes are working correctly and you know how to use them.
• Be mindful that bike paths or sidewalks can more dangerous than the road.
• When approaching another cyclist or pedestrian from behind, signal by shouting "on your left," then continue to pass on their left.

Safety Cycling Tips

Teamwork - Give a helping hand, watch for and help each other to be safe and enjoy the ride.

Be Predictable - Group riding requires even more attention than riding alone. Make sure you make others aware when you make changes in your riding pattern.

Communicate - Use hand and verbal signals to communicate with members of the group and with other traffic.

Hand Signals - Standard hand signals: Left arm straight out to signal a left turn. Left arm out and down with you palm to the rear to signal slowing or stopping. For a right turn, put your right arm straight out or put your left arm out and bent up.

Verbal Warnings - Along with hand signals, verbally warn cyclists behind you of your changes in direction or speed. The lead rider should call out "left turn," "right turn," "slowing," stopping," etc. Announce a turn well in advance, so that members of the group have time to position themselves accordingly.

Announce Hazards - When riding in a tight group, most of the cyclists do not have a good view of the road surface ahead, so it is important to announce holes, gravel, grates, and other hazards. Indicate road hazards by pointing down to the left or right, and by shouting "hole," "bump," etc., where required for safety.

Watch For Approaching Traffic - Even when you are occupying the proper lane position, it often helps to know when a car is coming. Since those in front cannot see traffic approaching from the rear, it is the responsibility of the riders in back to inform the others by saying "car back." Around curves, on narrow roads, or when riding double, it is also helpful to warn of traffic approaching from the front with "car up."

Watch Out At Intersections - When approaching intersections requiring vehicles to yield or stop the lead rider will say "slowing" or "stopping" to alert those behind to the change in speed. Note: each cyclist is responsible for verifying that the way is clear before enter the intersection.

Leave A Gap for Cars - When riding up hills or on narrow roads where you are impeding faster traffic, leave a gap for cars between every three or four bicycles. This allows motorists to take advantage of shorter passing intervals .
Move Off the Road When You Stop - Whether you are stopping because of mechanical problems or to regroup with you companions, move well off the road so you don't interfere with traffic.

Ride One Or Two Across - Ride single file or double file as appropriate to the roadway and traffic conditions and where allowed by law. Even where riding double is legal, courtesy dictates that you single up when cars are trying to pass you if the lane is wide enough for them to safely do so.

Two At The End - For safety and as a courtesy, if the group spreads out, the last two people should adjust their speed to ride as a pair. If either should need assistance they will have a helping hand.

10 Rules of Bicycle Safety

1. Always wear a helmet to avoid head injuries.
2. Check your bike before riding to be sure the brakes, tires and other mechanical parts are in working order.
3. Ride a bike that fits you. Make sure you can touch the pedals and can easily reach the ground.
4. Do not wear loose clothing that may catch in the chain or wheels.
5. Always wear closed-toe shoes to avoid foot injuries.
6. Children should never ride in the street unless they have permission to do so.
7. When riding in the street, ride on the right side of the road in the same direction traffic is flowing.
8. Always stop and look both ways before entering the street.
9. Headphones should not be worn while biking, as they block sounds of oncoming traffic.
10. Use hand signals before turning and follow rules of the road established for all vehicles, including bicycles.

Helmets - One Way to Ensure Bicycle Safety

Fact: Three out of four bicycle-related deaths and permanently disabling injuries are caused by brain damage, according to information provided by the Department of Transportation. Wearing a helmet can reduce risk of head injury by 85 percent. Bicycle helmets are an important aspect of bicycle safety and should not only be worn by children, but by adults as well.

There are many different types of helmets on the market. When purchasing one, look for these features:

• A hard shelled helmet - to distribute the force of a blow over a large area and to shield against sharp objects.
• A crushable liner, such as styrofoam - this absorbs the shock of a collision.
• A layer of padding - for a proper fit and comfort.
• A strong strap and buckle - these two components keep the helmet securely on the rider's head.

Helmets are certified by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) or Snell Memorial Foundation certification (be sure to check the label or tag of the helmet for ANSI or Snell).

Children and Helmets

Children often view helmets as undesirable to wear. Fortunately, there are many styles and colors to help encourage children to wear helmets.

Some tips for parents to reinforce the importance of wearing this life-saving device:

• Wear one yourself.
• Always insist that children wear their helmets.
• Reward children for wearing helmets.
• Point out professional athletes who wear helmets when participating in sports.

Selecting a Bike

Choose the bike that's right for you and the type of riding you do by considering different styles.

• Lightweight bike - has a light frame and many gears. It is usually equipped with hand brakes, narrow tires and dropped handlebars. This bike is good for racing or riding long distances on paved roads.
• Mountain or All-Terrain bike - has a strong wide frame with knobby tires. It could have between 10 to 18 gears with hand brakes. This bike is good for driving on rough ground and on paved roads.

Get the right fit. If the bike is too small or too large, it can cause you to get injured.

• Frame size - To determine the right frame size, straddle the bike's crossbar with both feet flat on the ground. If there is 1 to 2 inches between you and the crossbar (3 inches for mountain bikes), that's the right frame for you.
• Seat size - To determine the correct seat size, sit on the seat. You should be able to balance the bike with the balls of your feet.
• Handlebars - The grip should be at seat level.

Bike Maintenance

Inspect your bike often. Proper maintenance contributes to your safety on the road. Be sure to check:

• Frame - wipe off dirt and moisture to prevent rust.
• Tires - they should be firm and free from cracks and worn spots.
• Handlebars - make sure they are tightened properly. Replace worn grips or tape.
• Wheels - look for missing or loose spokes.
• Chain - keep the chain free of rust and properly oiled. This should be a secure, not a loose fit.
• Seat - make sure seat fits securely and is adjusted to correct height.
• Brakes - make sure brakes are smooth and quiet. Make adjustments as needed.
• Pedals - they need to turn easily without feeling loose. Check treads and replaced damaged pedals which can cause your feet to slip.
• Safety Equipment - make sure safety equipment is always in good working order.