Safety Tips for Bicycling on the Road

Bicycles provide riders with a fun, healthier form of transportation during the warmer months, but in many states they are considered vehicles, meaning cyclists have the same rights and the same responsibilities to follow the rules of the road as motorists. Even if you are an experienced cyclist, it’s a good idea to review the basics from time to time to ensure your safety and the safety of those around you.

When riding, always:

  • Go with the flow of traffic. Ride on the right in the same direction as other vehicles. Go with the flow – not against it.
  • Obey all traffic laws. When you ride your bike in the street be sure to obey all traffic signs, signals, and lane markings.
  • Yield to traffic when appropriate. Almost always, drivers on a smaller road must yield (wait) for traffic on a major or larger road. If there is no stop sign or traffic signal and you are coming from a smaller roadway (out of a driveway, from a sidewalk, a bike path, etc.), you must slow down and look to see if the way is clear before proceeding. This also means yielding to pedestrians who have already entered a crosswalk.
  • Be predictable. Ride in a straight line, not in and out of cars. Signal your moves to others.
  • Stay alert at all times. Use your eyes AND ears. Watch out for potholes, cracks, wet leaves, storm grates, railroad tracks, or anything that could make you lose control of your bike. You also need your ears to hear traffic and avoid dangerous situations; don’t wear headphones when you ride.
  • Look before turning. When turning left or right, always look behind you for a break in traffic, then signal before making the turn. Watch for left- or right-turning traffic.
  • Watch for Parked Cars. Ride far enough out from the curb to avoid the unexpected from parked cars (like doors opening, or cars pulling out).

Sidewalk vs Street Riding:

The safest place for bicycle riding is on the street, where bicycles are expected to follow the same rules of the road as motorists and ride in the same direction. Children less than 10 years old, however, are not mature enough to make the decisions necessary to safely ride in the street and are better off riding on the sidewalk.

Riding on a sidewalk:

  • Check the law in your state or jurisdiction to make sure sidewalk-riding is allowed.
  • Watch for vehicles coming out of or turning into driveways.
  • Stop at corners of sidewalks and streets to look for cars and to make sure the drivers see you before crossing.
  • Enter a street at a corner and not between parked cars. Alert pedestrians that you are nearby saying, “Excuse me,” or, “Passing on your left,” or use a bell or horn.


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Source: NHTSA.gov