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What We Do Home>Transportation Planning>Southwest Michigan Trailways Efforts>Trails and Roadways>Traffic Safety for Bicyclists and Drivers>Tips for Bicyclists

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TIPS FOR BICYCLISTS

Avoid common mistakes made by bicyclists by learning how to bike safely on the roadways! [Click here to view full size picture]
Avoid common mistakes made by bicyclists by learning how to bike safely on the roadways!

Most bicyclists know the rules that they must follow when bicycling on trails and roadways.  With more bicyclists on the road there are more people taking to bikes for the first time to meet their transportation needs.  This means some people may not know what they should and should not be doing. 

 

Please take the time to learn all the proper rules and ettiquette to bicycling on the roads safely.

 

1.  Ride Predictably

  • Ride in a straight line

  • Don't swerve in the road or between parked cars

  • Check for traffic before entering street or intersection

  • Anticipate hazards and adjust your position accordingly

  • Listen for automobiles

 

2.  Be Visible

  • Wear brightly colored clothing that provides contrast
  • Use a white front light in low light conditions
  • Use a red rear light in low light conditions
  • Use a reflector or reflective tape or clothing anytime
  • Announce yourself by making eye contact with motorists

 

3.  Always Wear a Helmet

  • Wear a helmet, no matter how short the trip
  • Learn how to fit your helmet by clicking here

 

4.  Ride on the Right

  • Always ride in the same direction as traffic
  • Use the furthest right lane that heads to your destination
  • Slower moving cyclists and motorists stay to the right

 

5.  Expect the Unexpected

 

6.  Same Road-Same Rules

  • The same laws that apply to motorists apply to cyclists
  • Obey all traffic control devices
  • Use hand signals to indicate stops and turns other users

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This page last updated on 4/3/2009.
 
Southwest Michigan Planning Commission  185 East Main Street  Suite 701  Benton Harbor, MI 49022
Phone: 269.925.1137  Fax: 269.925.0288  Email: swmpc@swmpc.org
 

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