May is National Bike Month to bring awareness to all the benefits regarding Biking. No matter what age it’s important to be a good “Roll Model” for Safety to be a good cyclist says Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna. “More and more people are taking to the streets for both exercise, pleasure and commuting.” It’s important to observe the following safety tips when riding your bicycle:
Be Visible Always think of how other operators see you. Wear light and/or bright colors to be seen better.
Be Predictable Follow the same rules motorists do. You will get along with them better and enjoy cycling more.
Select The Best Route Look for roadways that have less traffic, are wider and are reasonably straight. Use designated bike routes. They are planned for your safety and enjoyment as a bicyclist.
Watch For Hazards Regularly scan the roadway ahead and to your side for cars, pedestrians and unexpected hazards such as potholes, glass and roadside trees that limit visibility. Be prepared to yield even though you may have the right-of-way. Ride at least 2 feet from the road edge to avoid debris and allow space to maneuver.
Keep Control Of Your Bicycle Keeping both hands on the handlebars allows you to make quicker turns and stops. In rain, allow up to three times the normal distance to stop.
Always Wear A Helmet A helmet does four things for you: Makes you more visible; keeps your head cooler in the sun; helps gain motorists respect; and, most importantly, it protects your head if you fall.
Use Lights At Night – Be Seen! The laws requires a white headlight and red rear reflector at night. Adding a red tail light or amber reflector makes you even more visible.
Obey Traffic Signs, Signals, Laws Bicyclists must operate their bicycles like drivers of vehicles. Obeying laws makes you more predictable to motorists, who will then take you more seriously.
Use Hand Signals Hand signals tell motorists and pedestrians what you intend to do. Signal as a matter of law, courtesy and self-protection.
Ride On The Right With Traffic Ride with traffic. Motorists aren’t looking for bicyclists riding on the wrong side of the roadway. Bicycling on the wrong side is particularly dangerous at intersections, roadway curves and on the crests of hills.
Turning Left Bicyclists can make a left turn by: 1) signaling, yielding to traffic, moving into the left lane, then turning left; or 2) riding straight across, stopping, and crossing when clear.
Riding Through Intersections When you’re going straight through an intersection, avoid the right-turn-only lane. Don’t try to ride to the right of a right-turning motorist, even if you think you have the right-of-way.
Motorists, Pass With Care Motorists are required by law to pass with at least three feet clearance; please provide even more (up to five feet) whenever possible.
For additional Cycling Safety Tips go to: http://www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/brochures/fast_facts/ffdl37.htm
