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Riding a bicycle is a healthy, fun, and fast way to get to school or around town.  Prepare for a fun trip by following these Safe Riding Tips, Rules for Riding on Roads, and Multi-use Trail Etiquette.

 

Safe Riding Tips

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  • Wear a Bicycle Helmet. Everyone – at every age – should wear bicycle helmets.  For more guidance on fitting a helmet, see the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s guide on fitting your bike helmet. https://www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/8019_fitting-a-helmet.pdf

  • Adjust Your Bicycle to Fit. Stand over your bicycle. There should be 1 to 2 inches between the rider and the top tube (bar) if using a road bike and 3 to 4 inches if using a mountain bike. The seat should be level from front to back, and the height should be adjusted to allow a slight bend at the knee when the leg is fully extended. The handlebar height should be level with the seat.

  • Check Your Equipment. Before riding, make sure you inflate tires properly and check that your brakes work.

  • See and Be Seen. Make yourself visible to others at all times and in all weather. Wear neon, fluorescent or other bright colors when riding to be most easily seen. Wear something that reflects light, such as reflective tape or markings, or flashing lights. Remember, just because you can see a driver doesn’t mean the driver can see you.

  • Control the Bicycle. Ride with two hands on the handlebars except when signaling a turn. Place books and other items in a bicycle carrier or backpack.

  • Watch for and Avoid Road Hazards. Look for hazards such as potholes, broken glass, gravel, puddles, leaves, and dogs. All these hazards can cause a crash.

  • Use Verbal and Non-Verbal Communication. Make eye contact with drivers, use turn signals, point out road hazards to bicyclists behind you, and loudly say “passing on your left,” or “on your left” when passing walkers or other bicyclists.

  • Avoid Riding at Night. If you must ride when it’s dark, use a bright headlight, flashing rear light, and reflectors to make sure other road users can see you. Headlights and red rear reflectors or lights are required by law in all states.

 

Rules of the Road: Bicycling on the Road

 

In all states, bicycles on the roadway are considered vehicles with the same rights and responsibilities as motorists to follow the rules of the road.  When riding, always:

  • Go with the Traffic Flow. Ride on the right in the same direction as other vehicles. Go with the flow – not against it.

  • Obey All Traffic Laws. Obey all traffic signs, signals, and lane markings. A bicycle is a vehicle and you’re the driver. 

  • Yield to Traffic. Yield to traffic on a larger road when entering from a smaller road, driveway, or bike path where there is no traffic signal authorizing you to proceed. Yield to pedestrians in a crosswalk.

  • Be Predictable. Ride in a straight line, not in and out of cars. Signal your moves to others.

  • Always stay Alert. Use your eyes and ears. Watch out for potholes, cracks, wet leaves, storm grates, railroad tracks, or anything that could make you lose control of your bike. Listen for traffic and avoid dangerous situations; don’t use personal electronics when you ride.

  • Look Before Turning. When turning left or right, always look behind you for a break in traffic, and then signal before making the turn. Watch for left- or right-turning traffic.

  • Watch for Parked Cars. Ride far enough out from the curb to avoid the unexpected from parked cars, such as car doors opening in your path or cars pulling out in front of you or into you.

 

Multi-use Trail Etiquette

 

The term “etiquette” refers to a customary code of behavior for a particular group or activity. Multi-use trails, such as Waynesboro’s Greenway Trail, attract a variety of users of all ages and abilities: walkers, runners, bicyclists, skateboarders, scooter riders, and anglers. By following proper trail etiquette and sharing the Greenway or other multi-use trails, you can ensure people of all ages, skill levels, and abilities have an opportunity to enjoy the trail.

  • Be respectful and alert.

  • Stay to the right, pass on the left, and give audible warnings.

  • Limit distractions, don’t impair your hearing.

  • Obey all trail and road signs.

  • Use safe speeds for current conditions (recommended speed not to exceed 20 mph).

  • Use slow speeds when vision is restricted, in congested areas, or when necessary for the safety of others.

  • If you’re on wheels, yield to pedestrians.

  • Pull off the trail when stopped.

  • Maintain single file when passing or being passed.

 

Bicycle Safety Resources

 

For more bicycle safety resources, check out the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s video series:

 

Check out the following bike safety curricula:

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