How To Ride a Bike Safely on the Road

  • January 21, 2009
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Over a half-million cyclists end up in emergency rooms each year. Lower that number by following some rules on how to stay safe while biking on the road.

You Will Need

  • A bike with working brakes
  • A bicycle helmet
  • A pair of bike gloves
  • Sunglasses
  • Knowledge of traffic laws
How To Ride a Bike Safely on the Road: Put on your helmet and glove

Step 1: Put on your helmet and glove

Put on your helmet and gloves. Always wear them when riding a bike.

How To Ride a Bike Safely on the Road: Ride with the flow of traffic

Step 2: Ride with the flow of traffic

Remember always to ride with the flow of traffic, not against it.

How To Ride a Bike Safely on the Road: Stay to the right of the lane

Step 3: Stay to the right of the lane

Stay to the far right of the lane you’re using. You don’t have to ride in the gutter, but cars should be able to pass you on your left.

How To Ride a Bike Safely on the Road: Don’t ride on sidewalks

Step 4: Don’t ride on sidewalks

Don’t ride on sidewalks. It can surprise pedestrians, and in many places, cycling on the sidewalk is against the law.

Unless posted otherwise, cyclists have a legal right to the road, just like any car. However, many drivers don’t know this. Try not to yell back at them.

How To Ride a Bike Safely on the Road: Use hand signals for turns and stops

Step 5: Use hand signals for turns and stops

Use hand signals to indicate turns and stops.

How To Ride a Bike Safely on the Road: Obey the rules of the road

Step 6: Obey the rules of the road

Obey all traffic signs, signals, and laws just like any car would.

How To Ride a Bike Safely on the Road: Stop completely at red lights and stop signs

Step 7: Stop completely at red lights and stop signs

At stop signs and red lights, come to a complete stop so that you have to put your foot on the ground to keep you upright.

How To Ride a Bike Safely on the Road: Choose routes that feature bike lanes

Step 8: Choose routes that feature bike lanes

Choose routes that feature dedicated bike lanes.

How To Ride a Bike Safely on the Road: Wear bright clothing and sunglasses

Step 9: Wear bright clothing and sunglasses

Wear bright clothing to stand out and sunglasses to protect your eyes from bugs, debris and the sun.

How To Ride a Bike Safely on the Road: Keep your tires inflated

Step 10: Keep your tires inflated

Keep your tires properly inflated. An inflated tire is less likely to go flat. And a flat tire can ruin your day.

How To Ride a Bike Safely on the Road: Use lights when riding at night

Step 11: Use lights when riding at night

If you’re riding at night, mount a light on the back of your bike and a headlight on your handlebars.

Thirty-six states, plus the District of Columbia, have mandatory helmet laws.

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