SAFETY TIPS / HELPFUL HINTS
Bicycles are subject to the same rules and regulations as any other vehicle on the
road. Except for freeways, bicycles have the right to travel on any roadway.
The keys to safe bicycling include being predictable and visible and communicating
your intentions to motorists. Here are some helpful hints and specific safety rules to
follow:
Getting Started
- Check your bike
(Inexperienced cyclists may want to have these services performed by a bike shop.)
- Check the fit of your bike. A proper fit is essential for a safe, efficient and enjoy-
able ride. A rough guideline for frame size is your inseam minus 10. If you're not sure,
ask your local bike shop.
- Adjust the seat to the proper height. When your foot is at the bottom of the pedal
stroke, your leg should be slightly bent.
- Be sure handlebars are secure.
- Keep pedals lubricated so they spin freely.
- Keep wheels lubricated and true to spin freely without wobbling.
- Keep the chain lubricated and replace if worn.
- Check brakes for wear; replace rubber brake pads if worn.
- Check reflectors on pedals, wheels and frame. Clean or replace to maximize visibility.
- Check lights. Are batteries charged?
- Does generator work?
- Tighten fenders and carrier racks.
- Check all gears for broken or worn
- Check operation of derailleurs; adjust if necessary.
- Pick the best route: Consider the amount of traffic you want to ride in; check for
on-street bike lanes or separate paths convenient to your home and worksite.
- Test your route: Ride your route on a weekend to determine how much time you'll need. If
it's too far, consider transporting your bike part of the way and riding the rest of the
way to work.
- Determine the availability of secure bike storage facilities; lock you bike securely;
secure or remove any parts or accessories that could be taken off the bike: quick release
wheels and seats, pumps, panniers etc.
- What to carry: Are you going to carry clothes? If so, check local bike shops for
accessories available for carrying necessary items. Look for storage space. The more you
can store at work, the less you'll have to carry back and forth on your bike.
- You may want to bring a towel, comb, antiperspirant and anything else you'll need to
clean up when you arrive at work.
SUMMARY
The keys to bicycle safety are predictability, visibility and communication:
- Obey traffic laws
- Always wear a bicycle helmet
- When it's dark, use lights and reflectors
- Be cautious, courteous and treat other vehicles and pedestrians the way you want to be
treated.