|
| |
Bicycle Safety is Important!
Before using your bicycle, make sure it's safe to ride. Inspect
your bike before each ride to make sure all parts are secure and brakes are
working properly. Remember to:
- ALWAYS wear a bicycle helmet. They are very
inexpensive and could save your life.
- Check tire pressure monthly and inflate tires properly. Check brakes
before each ride.
- Be visible. Wear neon, fluorescent, or other bright colors when riding
during the day or night.
- Night riding: Wear reflective or bright clothing. Always use a headlight
and tailight. Always have wheel reflectors, and front and rear reflectors on
your bike.
- Carry books and other items in a bicycle carrier or backpack
Riding Practices
Bicycles are considered to be vehicles, and bicyclists must obey
the same rules as motorists. When riding, always:
- Ride single file in the same direction as the other vehicles.
- Ride with the flow of traffic --- NEVER against traffic!
Note: Many people are under the mistaken belief that it is safer to ride
against the flow of traffic. This is true only for walkers. Always walk
against traffic and always ride with the flow of traffic.
- Obey the traffic signs, signals, and lane markings.
- Signal your moves to others.
- Be courteous to pedestrians and other vehicle operators.
- Most bicycle crashes occur at driveways or other intersections. Before you
enter any street or intersection, check for traffic by looking
left-right-left. Stay alert at all times.
- When turning left or right, always look behind you for a break in traffic,
then signal before making the turn. Watch for left or right turning traffic.
- Watch out for potholes, cracks, wet leaves, storm gates, railroad tracks,
or anything that could make you lose control of your bike.
- Ride far enough out from the curb to avoid the unexpected from parked cars
(like doors opening).
- Ride so other drivers can see you. Stay out of drivers' blind spots
|
