Working on campus of a major university gives me plenty of opportunity of seeing bicyclists on the road. Most obey the traffic rules, but lots of times they do not. They think they have the same rights as pedestrians. Wrong! Here are five safety tips that all people riding bikes should observe for their own safety.
You have the same traffic guidelines as a motorist diving a car. That means that you have to stop at stop signs and red lights and obey all other traffic rules that you would when driving a car.
Wearing a helmet may seem like a nerdy thing to do, but can save you from a major head injury if you are hit by a car. Make sure you get a helmet that has been approved by the American National Standards Institute.
If you do not know the correct hand signals to use when turning, you have no business riding a bicycle, especially in traffic. Using signals lets the other drivers and pedestrians know what you intend to do.
You should always ride with traffic and not against it. This allows motorists to see you better, especially when it is dark. You also will not experience headlights in your eyes by riding on the proper side of the street.
You should not ride a bicycle with headphones on and music blaring into your ears. It is important for you to be able to hear a car blowing its horn at you to possibly alert you to someone about to hit you or for some safety issue.
GREAT list. My daughter has scars on her chin to prove a helmet should have been worn.
Congratulations on the front page spot!
Excellent bicycle safety rules.
Excellent list! My son got a concussion with bleeding around the brain at 12 years old from wearing no helmet and jumping curbs. We were blessed that the bleeding stopped on its own. H5
You are correct on the helmet issue. There are always those that select to not follow the law on that. Drives me crazy when I see someone on a motorcycle and no helmet.
good list and a H5...also the helmet is a legal requirement in some places...although enforcement might be another issue.
select one here...