BLOG: Tips and Tools for Safe Cycling

Biking to the , work or school? It is National Bike Month, which means time to give your car a rest and start biking.

Before heading out, take a moment to review some simple rules for sharing the road:

• Obey all traffic regulations – knowing and following the rules helps all drivers, cyclists and pedestrians anticipate and react to each other. 
• Avoid riding on a sidewalk – It is not recommended to ride on sidewalks and in many cities it is illegal. If you must ride on a sidewalk, do so at a walking pace – pedestrians have the right of way. Slow down and look carefully for traffic at driveways and intersections.
• When necessary, use the entire lane – ride in the center of the lane when it is too narrow for motorists to pass safely or when you are moving at the same speed as traffic.
• Avoid the "door zone" – this is the 3- to 4-foot area along the left side of a parked car. Avoid the door zone and you’ll avoid being hit by an opening car door.
• Use bicycle lanes, when available – when riding in a bike lane, ride to the left side of the lane and avoid the door zone.
• Watch behind you – keep track of and listen for traffic behind you. A mirror may help you see traffic behind you as you pedal forward.

Ride safely!