The weather is warm, the road is inviting, and you're itching to hop on your bike and ride free. Well, not too free. Your bike is a lot smaller than a car, but bikers need to be aware of their rules of the road, just like anyone driving a car.
In fact, it may be more important for you to know the rules of road for bikers because that lightweight frame offers no protection in case of an accident.
When you choose a bike, there's more to think about than the color or number of gears. Your bike needs to be the right size for you, adjusted so that it's a good fit.
The DMV.ca.gov website lists four basic tips for riding your bicycle safely:
"1) Maintain control of your bicycle.
2) Protect yourself–reduce the risk of head injury by always wearing a helmet.
3) Be visible, alert, and communicate your intentions.
4) Ride with traffic."
All the rules of the road in your state's driver handbook apply to bicycles as much as they do to cars. Stop signs and traffic lights apply to you on a bicycle just as much as they do when you're behind the wheel of your car.
Be vigilant when you're on the road. Don't wear headphones on your bike so you can stay fully aware of your surroundings. You may be a conscientious and courteous rider but you'll want to watch out for motorists who aren't.
Help motorists avoid accidents by indicating clearly when you are going to turn to the right or to the left.
For a right turn, your left arm should be up with bent elbow before you begin your turn. For a left turn, after you check over your shoulder for oncoming traffic, your left arm should be extended straight out.
When slowing down or stopping, your left arm should be extended downward.
When you ride your bicycle, go with the flow of traffic in the same direction. Stay on the right when riding on a two-way street but be aware that obstacles can appear on the right, like parked cars or cars turning right.
Inspect your brakes regularly. Avoid wearing pants with loose pant legs to prevent getting them caught in your bike chain. Keep shoelaces and straps from a backpack away from your chain. Cleats, flip-flops, sandals and any shoes with heels are not safe on a bike.
Do you have a helmet? If you don't, you should get one. Here again, it's important to consider more than just the color and how it looks with your hair.
Safety standards for bike helmets are mandated by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). A safe helmet will have a CPSC sticker.
The position on your head should be angled so that it offers maximum protection rather than being tilted to look cool. The helmet manufacturer will provide directions for proper protection of your brain and skull.
Wear your helmet so that it protects your forehead. Adjust the straps for a secure fit, and always ride with the straps fastened.
If your helmet has taken a hit in some way it's time to get a new helmet to ensure protection. Putting reflective stickers on your helmet will help with visibility.
To aid in making you easy to see at a distance, wear bright or light colored clothing. Add mirrors to your bicycle to increase your field of vision.
The DMV.ca.gov website said that when riding at night you need:
1) A front lamp giving off white light that is visible for 300 feet.
2) A red reflector on the back that is visible for 500 feet.
3) A yellow or white reflector on the pedals or on your shoes or ankles, that is visible for 200 feet.
4) A brake that lets you make a one-brake wheel stop on dry pavement.
When you're on your bike after dark, be sure to use lights and reflectors for heightened visibility.
Sources:
Sharing the Road (FFDL 37) - Safety Tips for Bicyclists and Motorists. DMV.ca.gov. Retrieved June 18, 2013.
http://www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/brochures/fast_facts/ffdl37.htm
Bike Safety. Kidshealth.org. Retrieved June 17, 2013.
http://kidshealth.org/kid/watch/out/bike_safety.html
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