Bicycling is fun, healthy, and a great family activity—but it’s not just a toy, it’s a vehicle! Bike crashes can cause serious injuries, so follow these tips to ensure safe and enjoyable rides.
Safe Riding Tips
- Wear a Bicycle Helmet: Helmets should be worn by everyone, at every age. Proper helmet fitting guidance is available on the NHTSA website.
- Adjust Your Bicycle to Fit:
- For road bikes: 1-2 inches of clearance between the rider and the top tube.
- For mountain bikes: 3-4 inches of clearance.
- Seat height should allow a slight knee bend when the leg is fully extended.
- Handlebar height should be level with the seat.
- Check Your Equipment: Ensure tires are properly inflated and brakes are working before each ride.
- See and Be Seen: Wear bright or reflective clothing and use flashing lights to ensure visibility, regardless of time or weather conditions.
Control Your Bicycle
- Ride with two hands on the handlebars unless signaling a turn.
- Place books or items in a carrier or backpack.
Avoid Road Hazards
- Watch for potholes, broken glass, gravel, puddles, leaves, and animals.
- Use verbal and non-verbal communication to alert others: eye contact, hand signals, and verbal warnings like “Passing on your left.”
Avoid Riding at Night
- If necessary, use front white lights and rear red reflectors, as required by law. Reflective gear is essential.
Rules of the Road
- Ride With Traffic: Always ride on the right side of the road, in the same direction as traffic.
- Obey Traffic Laws: Bicyclists must follow the same signs, signals, and lane markings as drivers.
- Yield When Required: Slow down and yield to traffic on larger roads and pedestrians at crosswalks.
- Be Predictable: Ride in a straight line and signal your intentions to others.
- Stay Alert: Keep your eyes and ears open for road hazards. Avoid distractions like personal electronics.
- Look Before Turning: Always check traffic behind you and signal before turning.
- Avoid Parked Cars: Keep a safe distance to avoid doors opening or cars pulling out unexpectedly.
Where to Ride Safely
- Use Bike Lanes or Paths: Safer than riding on sidewalks. Check local laws if sidewalk riding is necessary.
- Supervise Young Riders: Children under 10 years old should ride away from traffic and be supervised by an adult.
- For Sidewalk Riders:
- Watch for vehicles entering or exiting driveways.
- Stop and look for cars at corners, ensuring drivers see you.
- Use bells or verbal warnings like “Passing on your left” to alert pedestrians.
Additional Resources
For more information on bicycle safety, visit the NHTSA website.