Bicycling Safety Tips

DOs
	Obey traffic signs and signals Bicyclists must drive like motorists if they are to be taken seriously. Bicyclists are required to come to a complete stop at stop signs and red signal lights.			Ride with both hands, ready to brake You may need to stop suddenly at unexpected times. In rain, allow three times the normal braking distance.
	Use hand signals Hand signals tell motorists what you intend to do. Signal as a matter of law, courtesy, and self-protection.			Ride to see and be seen Use a strong headlight and rear reflector or taillight at night or when visibility is poor. Wear light-colored clothes with reflective tape for extra protection. Reflective leg bands are also effective.
	Ride in the middle of the lane in slow traffic Don't ride the line. Get in the middle of the lanes at busy intersections and whenever you are moving at the same speed as traffic.			You may leave a bike lane When a road hazard or other obstruction exists in a bike lane, or you anticipate a motorist migh turn across your path, you may temporarily merge with caution into the adjacent motor vehicle lane for safety.
	There are three ways to make a left turn. 1.  Like a vehicle: Signal, look back for oncoming traffic, then move into the left turn lane. Turn left when it is clear. 2.  Like a bicycle: Ride to the far side of the intersection, stop, turn, and then ride across the street when the light turns green. 3.  Like a pedestrian: You can always get off your bike and walk across one or both crosswalks. Yield to pedestrians.			Avoid road hazards Watch out for parallel-slat sewer grates, slippery manhole covers, oily pavement, detour signage, sand, gravel and debris. Cross railroad tracks carefully at right angles. For better control as you move across bumps and other hazards, stand up off the seat.
	Follow lane markings Do not turn left from the right lane. Do not go straight in a lane marked right-turn only.			Watch for cars pulling out Make eye contact with drivers. Assume they don't see you until you are sure they do. When the sun is in their eyes, drivers may not see you.
	Keep clear of the door zone Try to ride a door's width away from parked cars. If you have to ride in the door zone, ride very slowly. You have the right to ride in the middle of a motor vehicle lane if it is too narrow to share with a car. Watch for cars pulling out.			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 your balance or swerving.
	Respect pedestrians' rights Pedestrians on sidewalks and in crosswalks have the right of way. When entering or exiting driveways, bicyclists must yield to pedestrians on the sidewalk. Never ride on the sidewalk unless it is specifically permitted. If permitted to ride on the sidewalk, ride slowly. Be especially aware of small children, the elderly, people with pets, people with disabilities and their service animals.
DON'TS
	Never ride against traffic Motorists are not looking for bicyclists riding against traffic on the wrong side of the road.			Don't weave between parked cars Motorists may not see you when you try to move into traffic. Use extra caution on streets that allow use of the parking shoulder as a motor vehicle lane during peak hours.
	Don't pass on the right Motorists may not look for nor see a bicycle passing on the right.			In front, or far behind, not beside! To ensure drivers of large vehicles (buses, trucks and motor homes) can see you, stay out of their blind spots. Never pass on the right side. Ride far enough behind for the driver to see you, and at least four feet from the sides to avoid falling under a large vehicle.