How to Ride a Bicycle Safely on the Street

Biking to school, work and play is an easier and environmentally friendlier way to get around town. Unfortunately, in some U.S. cities, impatient commuters in cars and trucks are angered by the momentary inconvenience that bicycles can cause. Think safety first using these helpful biking hints.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Strap on a high-quality helmet. If there is one thing all safety experts agree on, it is the importance of wearing a helmet while bicycling. Not only will a helmet protect your brain in a bad fall, but it will also help you to ride with more confidence.
2. Follow the common biking rule of "See and Be Seen." Maintain frequent eye contact with drivers, wear visible clothing and keep your eyes on the road. Make sure you are both observant and putting yourself in a position to be observed by others.
3. Practice proper obedience of traffic lights, stop signs, yield signs and road markings. A bicycle sharing the street with fast-moving vehicles will be treated just like any other car. Don't go straight in a turn-only lane, and don't ever pass on the right.
4. Utilize hand signals to alert drivers, bikers and pedestrians of your intentions. This is especially important when turning left.
5. Fit your bike with tires intended for street use. Thick mountain bike tires only increase your chance of getting a flat. When it comes to safety, you are better off with thin tires.
6. Keep your eyes open for hazards on the road. Sewers, construction signs, railroad tracks and miscellaneous debris can all decrease your level of safety when you are bicycling in the street.

Tips & Warnings

• Avoid main drags, traffic-filled intersections and bicycling on highways. Use side streets and residential areas to get from place to place.
• Consider purchasing hand gloves, sunglasses and shoes with good traction for an even safer bike ride.
• Any time you ride a bicycle on a street you risk your personal safety. Do everything you can to learn and practice as many safety procedures as possible.