RIDING - RULES OF THE ROAD
10. Always keep both hands on the handlebar for better control of the bike. Keep your eyes on the road and the traffic around you. Be prepared to make
an emergency stop to prevent an accident.
1. Watch for car doors opening and for cars pulling into traffic. Ride defensively. Always be prepared to stop quickly if necessary. Be extremely careful
at intersections.
2. Advise motorists of your intent by giving the proper hand signals at least 100 feet before turning or stopping and also while waiting to turn. If traffic is
heavy, walk your bicycle with pedestrian traffic. Look both ways before crossing streets.
3. Replace damaged reflectors and straighten or tighten any that are bent or loose. Reflectors are no substitute for lights. Always equip your bicycle with
all state required lights, bicycle flags, reflective tape, and reflectors to make the bicycle and you more visible.
4. Ride slowly on damp surfaces as the tires will slide more easily. Apply the brakes sooner than normal as a greater stopping distance is required, es-
pecially if the wheel rims on caliper brake equipped models are wet. Lightly apply the rear brake to control your speed on downhill areas. Only apply the
front brake gradually. Be carefully on loose gravel and loose soil. Apply the brakes gradually to maintain control.
5. Vision is very limited at dusk, so be very careful to avoid possible hazards.
6. Don’t not let a coat or other clothing hang down and cover the rear reflector. Use extra caution in wet weather. Wear light-colored or reflective clothing,
such as a reflective vest and reflective bands for your arms and legs. Use reflective tape on your helmet.
7. Always be courteous to pedestrians. Give pedestrians the right of way. Do not park your bike where it may be in someone’s way, ride while carrying
items, or with anything attached to your bike that might hinder your vision or control.
8. Ride on the correct side of the road. Ride with the traffic, not against. Ride in single file. Ride close to the curb, but far enough away so your pedal
does not strike the curb.
9. Watch for the “other guy”, the car, or the bicycle in front of you, and be prepared to take defensive action. Do not follow a car or another bicycle too
closely. Especially beware of traffic approaching from behind; you may need to swerve to avoid hitting something.