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Step 1
Increase your visibility. Most accidents happen when a car driver does not see a bicyclist. Wear bright colors, including a helmet designed specifically for bicycling. Put reflectors on your bike if you ride at night. Attach bike lights to the front and back of your bike to increase bicycle safety.
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Step 2
Ride your bike defensively. When a car and bike collide, the bike is the loser. Follow the rules of the road but don't stop there. Pull over and let a car have the right-of-way, even if you legitimately should have it. The goal is to ride safely.
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Step 3
Obey road signs. Many cyclists don't bother coming to a full stop at stop signs and they don't think slowing down in school zones applies to them. That makes it more difficult for the driver of a car to assess the situation safely. He is trying to abide by the rules and you become a distraction when you don't.
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Step 4
Ride on the correct side of the road. While some cyclists follow the old pedestrian "other side of the road" rule, it can be more dangerous. The reaction time shortens since bikes travel faster towards oncoming cars. In addition, the increasing number of passing cars on the roadway further endangers the rider. Stay on the same side as vehicles, the driver will have more time to see you and safely maneuver around you.
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Step 5
Be polite. Cars on the open road go faster than you do. Wear a review mirror on your helmet and pull over to the edge when a car approaches behind you. In town, stop and rest a minute if the lanes are narrow and cars are lining up behind you.
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Step 6
Enroll children in a bicycle safety course before allowing them to ride their bike around town.
