Cycle Smart, Cycle Safe: Essential Tips for a Safe and Enjoyable Ride
Discover our top tips for ensuring a smart and safe cycling adventure!
- Wear a helmet: Wear a helmet that is certified by the Consumer Product Safety Commission.
- Be visible: Wear bright clothing, reflective tape, and a headlight and taillight at night.
- Be audible: Use a bell or horn to signal to other riders and drivers.
- Obey traffic laws: Ride in the same direction as traffic, follow traffic signs, and stop before entering a street.
- Use bike lanes: When available, use bike lanes.
- Avoid hazards: Avoid potholes, stormwater grates, and moving water.
- Be aware of your surroundings: Anticipate what might happen and be ready to react.
- Signal your intentions: Make eye contact, use hand signals, and move to the center of your lane when approaching a hazard.
- Check your equipment: Before each ride, check your bike for any issues.
- Ride the right size bike: Make sure your bike is the right size for you.
- Choose an appropriate speed: Select a speed that is safe for the conditions.
- Wear the right shoes: Wear running or cycling shoes that won’t get tangled in your bike chain.
- Avoid loose clothing: Loose-fitting pants can get caught in your bike chain.