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 Bicycle Safety:

Bike safety checklist

Before you ride your bike, you should perform a safety check on all of your equipment.

  • Make sure your bike is the proper size. A bike that is too big or too small will be difficult to control. When you are standing on the ground you should have a one to three inch gap between you and the top bar. You will need more room if you are riding on a mountain bike.
  • Check to see if the bike is the proper height. When you are sitting on the seat with your foot on the pedal, your leg should be slightly bent to avoid knee strain.
  • You should have a reflector on the front and rear of your bike. The rear reflector should be at least three inches across. Make sure the reflector is pointed straight back to reflect the headlights of cars coming up behind you.
  • Check the bike's chain to make sure it is clean and lubricated. If it is not, take it to the local bike shop for a check up.
  • Check your brakes for even pressure.
  • Make sure you have and use a safety helmet; adjust the straps so it fits snugly.
  • Make sure your tires are properly inflated.

    • Rules for riding in city traffic

    Always ride on the RIGHT. Remember to "go with the flow." Never ride against traffic. Cars will not expect to find a bicyclist when they round a corner or go over a hill.

    Bicyclists should always stop and look for traffic when entering the road, especially from a driveway, alley, or curb. Always stop at a stop sign or red light.

    Ride single file. When passing other bicyclists or pedestrians, let them know your position by shouting out something like, "on your left!"

    Check behind you when you are changing lanes.

    Watch out for dangers in the road. Litter, potholes, gravel, and storm grates may cause you to lose control. Other dangers may include:

  • Wet leaves
  • Puddles of water
  • Patches of ice
  • Rocks
  • Broken glass
  • Cracks in the road

    • Stop at stop signs and lights. Walk your bicycle across busy intersections.

    Signal before making a turn or stopping.

  • To make a right turn: hold your left arm out and up in an "L" shape.
  • To make a left turn: hold your left arm straight out.
  • To stop: hold your left arm out and down in an up-side-down "L" shape.

    • Do not swerve or make sudden turns. Drivers may not be able to react quickly enough to avoid colliding with you.

    Ride at least three feet away from parked cars. Car doors could open unexpectedly.

    Listen for cars approaching from the side or behind you.

    Know your road signs and obey them.

    Always keep your hands near the brakes so that you will be ready to stop if necessary.

    Avoid riding at night, in dark conditions, on narrow roads, or on roads with cars traveling faster than 35 miles per hour. If you must ride at night, use reflectors, lights, and reflective clothing.

    What to wear while biking

    Always wear a helmet!

    Wear cool and lightweight fabrics. Dress in layers if it cool outside. You can peel off layers as you start to get warmer.

    For riding at night, wear clothing with reflective material sewn onto it. You will also need a light source, like a head lamp.

    Make sure book bag straps and loose clothing does not catch in the wheels of the bike, causing you to loose control.

    Wear colors that make you easy to see, such as fluorescent green, yellow, or orange.

    What NOT to wear while biking

    Do not wear headphones, which can be distracting.

    Do not wear clothing that is too loose.

    Do not ride with inappropriate shoes, such as high heels, slippers and bowling shoes.

    Avoid dark clothing that may be difficult to see.