Cyclists, motorists and pedestrians all share the same paths and streets. Learning to safely navigate these areas provides a safe bicycling experience for you and for those around you. When you're cycling, using signals, wearing safety gear and practicing other safety methods informs motorists and pedestrians of your intentions while riding. It also helps you arrive safely at your destination.
Significance
Using safe biking methods can reduce your risk of injury, especially brain or head injury. You will also enjoy cycling more because you feel confident negotiating through traffic. You will also help drivers be safe because they know what you expect to do while cycling.
Gear
When biking, always wear a helmet., This is your most important defense against a head injury. Other safety gear includes gloves to protect your hands during a fall and maintain good contact with the handlebars. Wearing jerseys with sleeves helps protect your upper body from road rash during a crash. Sunglasses protect your eyes and reduce glare, making it easier to keep an eye on the road.
Hand Signals
While biking, use hand signals to inform drivers and other cyclists what you are doing. To signal to traffic, use your left or right hand to point out the direction you are going. Note: In some states you only use your left hand to signal. Pointing at a right angle vertically means right turn; extended to the left means left turn. Signal that you are braking by dropping your hand down at a 45 degree angle. Making eye contact is yet another way to signal to traffic.
Other signals include notifications that you are passing or want another cyclist to pass you. This type of signal is most commonly used during serious training within paceline groups.
Laws
Within each state and even some cities, the laws to keep cyclists safe for both bicyclist and drivers must follow vary. One way to learn rules for your state is by contacting your local Department of Motorized Vehicles, or DMV.
Education
Some organizations provide special classes or education for cyclists. These classes can vary, but include confident city cycling, basic bike handling skills and simple bike maintenance courses and according to Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Center, can be for all ages and abilities. Some classes may be offered for free, while you can enroll in others for a small fee. Classes such as these help build confidence, provide valuable hands-on learning and allow for a more safe biking experience.
Considerations
Safer cycling measures are important, but following them not mean you will never get in an accident. There are situations and hazards you cannot prevent, especially those involving other people, vehicles or animals. However, using safe bike methods helps minimize the chance of an accident, and increases the likelihood you will be able to walk away from the incident.
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