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Be Safe
Always wear a Helmet. |
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Be Alert
Ride defensively and expect the unexpected. Make eye contact with drivers. Assume they do not see you until you are sure they do. |
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Scan the Road
Feel comfortable looking back over your shoulder, without losing your balance or swerving into the left lane. Some bicyclists use rear-view mirrors. |
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Avoid Road Hazards
Watch for sewer grates, manhole covers, oily pavement, gravel, ice and railroad tracks.
Watch for chasing dogs. Do not make eye contact with them or firmly yell "NO!" If the dog does not stop, dismount with your bike between you and the animal.
Don't wear ear plugs or a headset covering both ears. You will greatly reduce your awareness of your surroundings. |
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Be Secure
Invest in the best locking system you can afford. The U-Shaped locks or cables are highly recommended. Remove the front wheel in order to secure both wheels and frame. Lock your bike to a fixed object in an open public place. Park your bike so that is does not interfere with pedestrian and vehicle movements. Keep a record of your license and a copy of your bike purchase receipt. Report all bike thefts to the police. Lost or stolen bikes are usually turned in to the police and will be auctioned off after 90 days. Check with your local police department.
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Be Predictable
Obey all traffic laws. You have a legal right to the road, but in order to be safe in traffic you have to act like traffic. CVC 21200 |
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Always ride with the traffic flow
This is the law. Motorists are not prepared for bicycle traffic coming from the wrong direction. You also endanger oncoming vehicles. CVC 21650.1 |
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Signal your intention to turn
Take as much of the lane as you need for safety. Don't let vehicles creep by and force you into parked cars or the curb. CVC 21208 |
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Ride in a straight line
If you ride with someone else, ride in a single file. Allow cars space to pass. Follow lane markings. For example, don't turn left from the right lane, and don't continue straight in a right turn lane. |
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Choose the best way to turn left
Use the left turn lane if one is present. If not, either use the left hand travel lane or ride to the far-side crosswalk then walk your bike across. |
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Pass on the left only
Motorists do not expect a bicyclist to pass on the right, and tend not to be prepared to handle this confrontation. |
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Dress appropriately. Wear light-colored clothes at night. Bright colors aid visibility during the day. Dress in layers to adjust to temperatures.
Be prepared for roadside repairs. Carry a spare tube, patch kit, tire levers, in a seat pack, and a pump which can be mounted on the frame.
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General Information