Safety education
We all must take responsibility to follow the law, pay attention and share the road to keep everyone safe.
When driving
- Be patient when passing a bicyclist - slow down and pass only when it’s safe. Allow clearance of at least three feet.
- Look before you merge - check mirrors and blind spots before changing lanes.
- Be on the lookout - watch for and yield to bicyclists before making a turn.
- Use extra caution around young bicyclists - children’s movements can be unpredictable.
- Be respectful - don’t speed past a bicyclist to make an upcoming right turn. It’s easy to misjudge how fast bicyclists are traveling.
- Exit your vehicle safely - look for bicyclists before opening your car door.
- Think before you honk - honking may startle a bicyclist and cause a crash.
- Stay alert and avoid distracted driving
When bicycling
- Follow the law - obey all traffic signs and signals. Ride in the same direction as traffic.
- Ride predictable - maintain a straight course and avoid weaving between parked cars.
- Communicate your intent - look, yield to traffic and signal before turning or changing lanes.
- Use extreme caution near commercial vehicles - pass only on the left and recognize drivers’ blind spots.
- See and be seen - wear bright colors, reflective gear and use head and tail lights.
- Protect yourself - wear a helmet.
- Stick to roads and trails - sidewalk riding puts you at risk for crashes at driveways and intersections. Always yield to pedestrians.
- Avoid distracted bicycling - put away mobile devices and headphones.