Sharing the Road: Bicyclists & Motorists
Shared Use Path Etiquette: Bicyclists & Pedestrians
Reasons to Bike on the Right
Safe Bicycling: Turns & Turn Lanes
Bicycle Commuting
Bicycling with Kids
Gearing Up to Bike Commute

(These tips Courtesy of the League of American Bicyclists at www.bikeleague.org)

Sharing the Road: Cyclists

1. Ride on the right
• Always ride in the same direction as traffic
• Use the lane furthest to the right that heads in the direction that you are traveling
• Slower moving cyclists and motorists stay to the right
2. On the road
• The same laws that apply to motorists apply to cyclists
• Obey all traffic control devices, such as stop signs, lights, and lane markings
• Always use hand signals to indicate your intention to stop or turn to motorists and cyclists
3. Always wear a properly fitting helmet
• Make sure that the helmet fits on top of the head, not tipped back
• Always wear a helmet while riding a bike, no matter how short the trip
• After a crash or any impact that affects your helmet, visible or not, replace it immediately
4. Ride predictably
• Ride in a straight line and don't swerve in the road or between parked cars
• Check for oncoming traffic before entering any street or intersection
• Anticipate hazards and adjust position in traffic accordingly
5. Be visible
• Wear brightly colored clothing at all times
• At night, use a white front light, red rear light or reflector and reflective tape or clothing
• Make eye contact with motorists to let them know you are there

Sharing the Road: Motorists

1. Drive cautiously
• Reduce speed when encountering cyclists
• In inclement weather, give cyclists extra trailing and passing room
• Recognize situations that may be potentially dangerous to cyclists and give them space
2. Yield to cyclists
• Cyclists are considered vehicles and should be given the appropriate right of way
• Cyclists may take the entire lane when hazards, road width or traffic speed dictate
• Motorists should allow extra time for cyclists to traverse intersections
3. Be considerate
• Scan for cyclists in traffic and at intersections
• Do not blast your horn in close proximity to cyclists
• Look for cyclists when opening doors
4. Pass with care
• Leave at least three feet of space between your car and a cyclist when passing
• Wait until road and traffic conditions allow you to safely pass
• Check over your shoulder after passing a cyclist before moving back to normal position
5. Watch for children
• Children on bicycles are often unpredictable - expect the unexpected and slow down
• Most children don't have adequate knowledge of traffic laws
• Children are harder to see because they are typically smaller than adults

Tips for: Sharing the Path

 All Users

• Show courtesy to other users.
• Use the correct designated side of path.
• Move to the side when conversing or taking in the beautiful view.
• Let other users know when you are passing them.
• Always pass on the left.
• Do not use headphones while on path, be alert for audible signals from other path users.
• Clean up litter: pack out what you pack in

Bicyclists

• Yield to pedestrians.
• Give audible warning when passing other users.
• Ride at a safe speed (be especially cautious on downhill – use your brakes!)
• Use bicyclist designated side of path except when passing others if trail is clear.

Pedestrians, Runners and Rollers

• Stay within the designated side of the path.
• Watch out for other path users.
• Be especially alert when running.
• Listen for audible signals and allow faster trail users to pass safely.

Tips: Reasons to Bike on the Right

(These tips Courtesy of the League of American Bicyclists at www.bikeleague.org)

1. Expectations
• Motorists expect to find other traffic on the right side of the road
• At intersections, motorists look where they expect traffic
• Motorists assume that you can see lights and signs that dictate traffic behavior
2. Laws
• In all 50 states, the laws require that you ride on the right, with the flow of traffic
• Disobeying traffic control devices in any direction is illegal
• Even on one-way streets where you can ride on either side, go with traffic
3. Turning
• Making a turn requires a wrong-way cyclist to cross twice as much traffic for turns
• Cyclists must be able to see traffic control devices at intersections
• Motorists have no idea how to react to someone going the wrong direction
4. Closing speed
• Riding 20 mph into a car going 35 mph is like hitting a wall at 55mph
• Motorists overtaking cyclists on the right decrease closing speed
• The likelihood of surviving such a crash is low
5. Traffic control devices
• Traffic lights are impossible to read from the wrong side
• If you don't know where traffic is going, you increase your chance of getting hit
• Not obeying traffic controls destroys any order on the roadway

Safe Bicycling Tips for: Turns and Turn Lanes

(These tips Courtesy of the League of American Bicyclists at www.bikeleague.org)

1. Positioning for turns
• Before a turn: scan, signal and move into the lane that leads to your destination
• Ride in the right third or middle of the lane, as lane width dictates
• To traverse multiple lanes, move one at a time, scanning and signaling each move
2. Avoiding turn lanes
• If your lane turns into a right turn only lane, change lanes before the intersection
• Changing lanes too late could result in an overtaking motorist turning in front of you
• Maintain a constant position relative to the curb or shoulder during a turn
3. Beware of blind spots
• Most drivers do not always expect to see cyclists on the roadway
• Do not ride next to another vehicle unless you are in a different lane or passing
• If you can't see bus, truck or car mirrors, drivers can't see you
4. Signaling
• Signal well before the intersection; make sure you are in proper lane position
• Left arm out and down with palm to the rear to indicate stopping
• Left or right arm straight out to indicate left or right turn
5. Scan
• Constant identification of potential hazards in front and behind as well as to each side
• Scanning allows you to avoid dangerous situations before they happen
• Scan for motorists, road conditions, pedestrians, animals, traffic signals

Tips for: Commuting by Bicycle

(These tips Courtesy of the League of American Bicyclists at www.bikeleague.org)

1. Sharing the road
• Bicycles are vehicles and should act and be treated as such on the roadways
• Laws that apply to motorists apply to cyclists as well; ride on the right, with traffic
• Ride in the right-most lane that goes in the direction that you are travelling
2. Signals and signs
• Obey all stop signs, traffic lights and lane markings
• Look before you change lanes or signal a turn; indicate your intention, then act
• Identify hazards and adjust your position on the roadway accordingly
3. Safety
• If the lane is too narrow or you are going the same speed as traffic, take the lane
• Be visible and predictable at all times; wear bright clothing and signal turns
• Always wear a helmet to protect your head in the event of a crash
4. Route choice
• Consider distance, traffic volume, road width and condition, and terrain
• Some routes may be a bit longer but much more pleasant; carry a map for detours
• Allow extra time for a new route; try riding different routes on the weekend
5. Bike parking
• Try to find an indoor parking area in your office or building in which to keep your bike
• Lock your bike to an immovable object in a highly visible area out of the elements
• Ask your employer or building owner to provide safe, covered parking
6. Clothing optional
• If you have a short commute, ride in your work clothes at a relaxed pace
• Cycling specific clothing is an option for longer, more strenuous rides
• Use waterproof and breathable fabrics to stay comfortable and dry
7. Showering
• Showering should not be necessary in the morning when it is cool outside
• Many workplaces have showers located in the building; inquire about access
• Some health clubs offer shower-only memberships for a few dollars a month
8. The bike
• Any bike that you feel comfortable on will work; make sure it is in good working order
• Consider weather protection such as fenders and a rack for carrying capacity
• Invest in a rechargeable headlight; helmet and handlebar mounts are available
9. Maintenance
• Have your bike checked over by your local bike shop
• Learn how to repair a flat, fix a chain and inspect your brake pads for wear
• Replace tires when they are worn out; use tire liners if you experience excessive flats
10. Weather
• Heat, cold and precipitation require special preparation for you and your bike
• Fenders and rain gear keep out the rain; use layers and wind proofing for cold days
• Some cycling-specific gear can provide relief on hot days; it keeps you cool and dry

Tips: Bicycling with Kids

(These tips Courtesy of the League of American Bicyclists at www.bikeleague.org)

1. When
• Once a child can hold their head up and fit a helmet, they can be a passenger
• Until about age five, kids should ride in a child seat, or better yet, a trailer
• Kids need basic motor skills to operate a bike
2. Traffic
• Explain to kids how traffic works; they have only been passengers
• Teach them about yielding, passing, predicting and traffic law
• Bicycle riders have to obey the same rules as cars and buses
3. Helmets
• Let them pick out their helmet and they will want to wear it; wear yours also
• Make sure that the helmet fits the child properly; level on the head and snug
• Replace the helmet after a crash
4. Training wheels
• Training wheels help the child develop a sense of balance
• Start with the training wheels solidly on the ground; they will hold the bike upright
• Gradually raise the training wheels; remove them when they start to get in the way
5. Balance
• Practice balancing in an open field or vacant parking lot
• Have the child practice riding in circles as well as in a straight line
• Show them how to use the brakes; get them to skid the rear wheel
6. Starting and stopping
• Children should learn to stop before entering the roadway
• Look left, then right, then left again before proceeding
• Driveways, sidewalks and crosswalks are potential danger zones
7. Riding straight
• Use a painted line in a parking lot
• Straight-line riding will allow drivers to predict what the child will do
• Predictability is important in any traffic situation; kids don't know this
8. Scanning and signaling
• Have the child ride straight and look back at you without swerving
• Children must scan for traffic in front of them as well as behind before signaling
• Teach them how to signal right, left and stop and when to do it
9. Neighborhood ride
• Plan a ride with your child around you neighborhood and discuss possible dangers
• Allow your child to lead
• Include them in the planning of the ride
10. Transportation choices
• Bikes are vehicles; this is their introduction to driver's training
• Plan a route with your child to get them to a friend's house or school by bike
• At about 10, kids are ready for longer trips; make sure they make safe decisions

Tips: Gearing up to Bike Commute

(These tips Courtesy of the League of American Bicyclists at www.bikeleague.org)

1. Picking a bike
• You can commute on any bike as long as it is good working order
• Road bikes, mountain bikes, hybrids, cross bikes, touring bikes all work great
• The bike should reflect your riding style; relax on a 3 speed or hammer a road bike
2. Carrying capacity
• A rear rack and panniers, a basket on the front or a backpack all work well
• Panniers are most expensive and are usually waterproof; use them if you have them
• Baskets don't carry much and backpacks can make you sweat through your clothing
3. Fenders
• Full fenders are recommended; use quick release or standard bolt-on style
• The roadways can be wet from other things besides rain
• Fenders also keep dirt and mud off of your clothes
4. Lights
• Headlights are mandatory at night; white in front with a rear reflector in back
• A red light on the rear of the bike increases visibility at night
• Check batteries and replace them as soon as the light begins to dim
5. Safety
• Always wear a helmet while riding your bike no matter what
• A helmet is your last line of defense against injury in an accident
• Prevent injury by knowing the rules of the road and acting predictably
6. Tools
• Bring only tools that you know how to use; a pump is a necessity
• Prepare for breakdowns with regular inspections of your bike
• Carry a multi-tool with allen wrenches, screwdriver, chain tool; know how to use them
7. Spare parts
• Carry a spare tube and patch kit at all times; keep another spare at work
• Know the condition of your bike and its parts by inspecting it regularly
• Keep a few spare parts that need regular replacement at work
8. Lock
• Use a high-security U-lock; don't wait until your bike is stolen to invest in a good lock
• Lock your bike to an immovable object in a highly visible area
• Secure both wheels and other components if they can be easily removed
9. Flat prevention
• Tire liners and flat resistant tires go a long way to help decrease flat tire occurrence
• Replace tires when they are worn out; check pressure with a gauge
• Familiarize yourself with how much air your tires lose each week
10. Reflection
• Make sure that motorists, cyclists and pedestrians can see you at night
• Wear bright or reflective clothing; apply reflective tape to helmet and bike
• Ankle straps keep pant legs out of the chain and usually have a reflective strip