10 Rules for the Road
10 rules for the road
1. Always Carry ID (and a cell phone if you have one).
2. Ride on the right side of the road. Never ride on the sidewalk because cars are not expecting to see you there, which can create a dangerous situation.
3. Obey all traffic laws. In most states, a bicycle is considered a vehicle with the same rights AND responsibilities of a motorized vehicle.
4. Signal when making a turn or stopping.
5. Don't listen to music while riding - you can't react to a situation if you can't hear it happening.
6. Be visible to traffic - wear light colored-clothing. Use lights and reflectors if riding at night.
7. Be predictable - Don't do anything that would surprise drivers. Try to anticipate situations so you can start responding as early as possible. For example, if you see a car sticking out of an intersection and rolling through the stop, assume they do not see you and may not stop. You may have the right of way, but they have two tons of mass on their side.
8. If possible, make eye contact with drivers - If you can lock eyes with a driver it helps them realize you are there and acknowledge your presence.
9. Yield to pedestrians - People jaywalk and do other hare-brained things that they aren-t supposed to do.
10. Watch out for parked cars - Drivers absent-mindedly open car doors without checking behind them all the time. Anticipate when this might happen and try to move to the left side of the lane you-re in.
1. Always Carry ID (and a cell phone if you have one).
2. Ride on the right side of the road. Never ride on the sidewalk because cars are not expecting to see you there, which can create a dangerous situation.
3. Obey all traffic laws. In most states, a bicycle is considered a vehicle with the same rights AND responsibilities of a motorized vehicle.
4. Signal when making a turn or stopping.
5. Don't listen to music while riding - you can't react to a situation if you can't hear it happening.
6. Be visible to traffic - wear light colored-clothing. Use lights and reflectors if riding at night.
7. Be predictable - Don't do anything that would surprise drivers. Try to anticipate situations so you can start responding as early as possible. For example, if you see a car sticking out of an intersection and rolling through the stop, assume they do not see you and may not stop. You may have the right of way, but they have two tons of mass on their side.
8. If possible, make eye contact with drivers - If you can lock eyes with a driver it helps them realize you are there and acknowledge your presence.
9. Yield to pedestrians - People jaywalk and do other hare-brained things that they aren-t supposed to do.
10. Watch out for parked cars - Drivers absent-mindedly open car doors without checking behind them all the time. Anticipate when this might happen and try to move to the left side of the lane you-re in.