10 Smart Rules for Bicycle Safety

graphic of person wearing blue bicycle helmet

Protect Your Head

Wear a helmet.

graphic of a close up of a bicycle headlight turned on, on a green bike frame above a black wheel.

Stay Visible

If drivers can see you, they are less likely to hit you. Use lights when biking at night or in low-light conditions.

arm signals for turning on bicycle, Left = right arm straight out, Right = Right arm bent at the elbow with hand pointed up, Stop = right arm bent with arm bent at elbow pointed down.

Look, Signal & Look Again

Use hand signals to let drivers and other bicyclists know where you’re going. Look and make eye contact. Don’t assume drivers will stop.

graphic of a bicycle with lights showing it is paying attention to surroundings

Stay Alert

Keep a lookout for obstacles in your path.

graphic of two bicycles and arrows going opposite directions on a path

Go with the Flow

Bike in the direction of traffic.

graphic of bike swerving back and forth with big red slash through it

Act like a Car

Drivers are used to the patterns of other drivers. Don’t weave in and out of traffic. The more predictably you ride, the safer you are. Check for traffic. Be aware of traffic around you.

graphic of a cell phone and music system with big red slash through it

Don’t Get Distracted

Don’t listen to music or talk on the phone while riding.

graphic showing three types of traffic controls: Stop lights, Stop sign and a One-Way sign

Obey all Traffic Laws & Lights

Traffic laws and controls (lights and signing) are there to protect all roadway users.

Graphic of a close up of a black bicycle seat on a green bicycle frame.

Assure Bicycle Readiness

Is your bicycle properly adjusted? Is your saddle in a comfortable position?

graphic of a bicycle wheel highlighting bicycle brakes

Do a Quick Bicycle Test

Check your brakes and your wheels. Make sure that “quick release” wheels are properly secured.

What is a Bike Box?

graphic showing green block at front of intersection and bicycle logos, meant for bicycles to be present and visible prior to crossing after a signal light.

Bike boxes are rectangles, painted on the pavement at intersections, which move car traffic back several feet from the crossing and allow space for bicyclists to position themselves in front of waiting traffic. Bike boxes are intended to reduce bicycle and car collisions, especially those between drivers turning right and bicyclists going straight by providing greater visibility.

Bike Box Brochure