| It's simple! Follow the "rules of the road". | | | | sticker. Make sure your helmet fits securely |
| With few exceptions, when operating a bicycle | | | | and is level on your head. The straps should |
| on the streets and highways you must comply | | | | be fastened snugly. Worn improperly, your |
| with the motor vehicle traffic regulations of | | | | helmet will not protect you as it is designed |
| your state and locality. Yes, you have all | | | | to do. And how old is your helmet anyway? You |
| the rights of a motor vehicle driver, but you | | | | may need to replace it if it's more than 20 |
| also have the same responsibilities they do. | | | | years old or if it lacks the CPSC (or ASTM or |
| That means you must drive on the right side | | | | Snell) label. If the helmet foam is cracked, |
| of a two way street, except when overtaking | | | | if the helmet doesn't fit correctly or if the |
| or passing. You must obey traffic lights and | | | | helmet has been banged up in a crash, replace |
| signs. At uncontrolled intersections, | | | | it. |
| remember the vehicle on the left yields the | | | | |
| right-of-way to the vehicle on the right. | | | | Visibility is key! If a motor vehicle driver |
| | | | can't see you, he won't take steps to avoid |
| Where bike paths or lanes are available, use | | | | hitting you. Wear light colored clothing that |
| them. When traveling with a group, it is best | | | | stands out such as yellow or white. Tie a |
| to ride single file and never more than two | | | | reflector strap around your pant leg or wear |
| abreast. | | | | a jacket or shoes furnished with reflector |
| | | | tape. Attach a lamp to the front of your |
| Signals are important. Turning right? Extend | | | | bicycle for use at night, during twilight |
| your right hand and arm in a horizontal | | | | hours, or in bad weather. A tail light is a |
| position straight from and level with your | | | | good idea as well. |
| shoulder beyond the right side of your | | | | |
| bicycle. Turning left? Extend your left arm | | | | Check your equipment before you ride! Are |
| straight and level to the left side of your | | | | your brakes in good repair and are they |
| bike. For slowing down or stopping, extend | | | | correctly adjusted? You don't want to ride a |
| your arm downward to your side. By following | | | | bike with worn brake pads or faulty cables. |
| the regulations applicable to motor vehicles | | | | Are your tires properly inflated and in good |
| (which the law requires you to do, like it or | | | | condition? It is always a good idea to oil |
| not), you make it less likely a motor vehicle | | | | your chain regularly and ensure it is in good |
| driver will misunderstand what you are doing | | | | working order. Make certain your bicycle |
| and where you are going. Such | | | | seat, handlebars, and wheels aren't loose, |
| misunderstandings cause accidents. | | | | that they fit tightly. |
| | | | |
| Wear a helmet! Because head injuries are | | | | These are just a few tips for safer cycling. |
| ordinarily the most serious type of injury in | | | | Use your common sense and always remain alert |
| bicycle accidents, always wear a helmet when | | | | to your surroundings and nearby vehicles. |
| cycling. Your helmet should meet U.S. | | | | Bicycling is great exercise and a wonderful |
| government safety standards. Check for the | | | | hobby. Just make sure you remember the safety |
| CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Commission) | | | | rules while you enjoy the ride. |