Bicyclist Safety

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Operation Street Smart: Bicyclist Safety Tips 

Bicyclists must always ride with traffic, use proper hand signals and obey all safety and road signs. Here are some other important tips for biking safely:

  • Obey all traffic signs and signals.
  • Do not wear a headset, headphone, or other listening device other than a hearing aid when riding.
  • Do not text or look at your phone while riding.
  • A bicycle rider or passenger who is under 16 years of age must wear a bicycle helmet.
  • Be visible at night with white front lights and red rear lights and reflectors.

Riding on Sidewalks or in Crosswalks

  • If riding on sidewalks or in crosswalks yield the right-of-way to pedestrians and give an audible signal before passing.

Riding on the Roadway

  • If riding on the roadway, ride in the same direction as traffic and as close as possible to the right-hand curb or edge of the road. You may leave the right edge when passing, making a left turn, to avoid road hazards, or when a lane is too narrow for a bicycle and a car to share safely.
  • Ride with caution. Stay clear of parked cars and the door zone.

Turn Signals

  • Give hand signals to indicate when you are going to turn:
  • Turn Right: Extend the left hand and arm upward or extend the right hand and arm horizontally to the right side of the bicycle.
  • Turn Left: Extend left hand and arm horizontally to the left-hand side of the bicycle. 
  • Give hand signals no less than 100 feet before making the turn.