Bicycle Safty

Electrical Storms
Lightening can strike from up to 20 miles away so although you may not see
storm clouds right overhead or hear thunder close by, you may not be able to
outride a lightening strike. Please consider the following:

Leave your bike
Bike tires and frame material will not protect you from a strike. Lightning strikes by height, not material. Take cover. If your hair stands on end, kneel with your head between your knees and
cover your ears immediately.

Look for the following cover: (From Best to Worst)
Low-lying area in a stand of bushes (Best)
Low-lying area in a stand of trees
Flat area in a stand of bushes
Flat area in a stand of trees (Worst)

Do Not take cover in the following areas:
Low-lying area near water
Flat area under an isolated tree
High, open area

 

Riding in Traffic

Sharing the road with cars, SUVs and trucks is an unnerving but inescapable
fact of the cycling life. Legally, bicycles have all of the same rights and
responsibilities that automobiles do, yet cyclists are the second-class
citizens of the road.

Cyclists are not only expected to follow all of the same traffic laws as
motorists, but must approach riding in traffic with extreme caution. Keep in
mind that some drivers, unfortunately, don't want to share the road.

Always wear a helmet. Communicate clearly with motorists; if possible, make eye contact.
Ride with confidence, yet defensively.

 

Basic Rules of the Road

General Safety

Wear your bike helmet on every ride. Always obey the rules of the road. Stop at stop signs and lights. Wear bright, highly visible clothing whenever you ride, preferably with reflective tape or patches. Ride in control at all times. Proceed at a safe speed. Never ride in the dark without front and rear bike lights and reflectors.

Riding Technique

Ride in the same direction as traffic. Maintain a safe distance between yourself and other riders or vehicles. Don't hug the curb too closely. Maintain a safe distance from the pavement edge. Ride in single file for safety's sake. This is required by law in most states. (NOTE: Some states allow cyclists to travel two abreast. Do this only when roads are clear and free of traffic and the need is urgent. Riding three abreast is usually illegal.) Don't ride on sidewalks (unless no other safe option exists). Even where the law allows it, it's seldom safe. In heavy, slow-moving traffic, it may be safer to ride in the middle of a traffic lane so that everyone can see you and cars won't try to squeeze around you. On busy streets, don't swerve back and forth around parked cars or other obstacles. Maintain a straight course and watch out for opening car doors!

Awareness

Stay aware of your surroundings at all times. Communicate your intentions to drivers and other cyclists as much as possible. Use hand signals whenever you turn or stop, but assume that those signals might not be understood by every driver. Make eye contact with drivers. This usually helps keep both riders and drivers safe. Watch out for things that can add to (or cause) problems between cyclists and automobiles, like bright sunlight, fatigue, darkness and sharp bends in the road. Avoid things that can cause accidents between bicycles, like following too
closely, poor communication, lapses in concentration and so on. Be especially cautious at intersections. Many cycling accidents occur here. Ride with confidence when you're in traffic.Timid, wobbly riders make drivers nervous. Cyclists or groups of cyclists who look like they know whatthey're doing are more likely to get extra room and respect.