The pedals, seat, and handlebars let you control your bike. Make sure they are firmly attached.

Make sure the tires are properly inflated and in good condition.

Ensure the brakes will function adequately when needed.

Motorists are used to looking for car-sized objects. To enhance your visibility, wear light-colored or fluorescent clothing and accessories. Apply reflective tape to your helmet and moving parts on your bike, and always use proper lighting at night.

Ride single file or double file as appropriate to the roadway and traffic conditions and where allowed by law. Most state vehicle codes permit narrow vehicles such as bicycles and motorcycles to ride double file within the lane. Even where riding double is legal, courtesy dictates that you single up when cars are trying to pass you.

When riding in traffic, avoid weaving in and out of the “parking lane”. Instead, maintain your line of travel, remaining as far right as is safe.

Continually scan for hazards that could cause you to lose control.  When crossing slippery surfaces (such as utility covers) avoid braking or turning.  Cross train tracks at right angle and stand up to absorb shock from the uneven surface.

Traffic law violations cause the majority of bicycle/motor vehicle collisions. By following traffic laws, cyclists are predictable to other drivers. will help determine if your bike is safe with a free safety check.

° Ride in the direction of traffic.

° Obey traffic signs and signals.

° Yield when entering a roadway.

° Signal before turning or changing lanes.

° Pass on the left.

° Use proper lighting at night

When riding in a group each rider should look out for themselves and not simply follow the rider in front of them. Make sure all riders in the group are aware of how to ride safely and legally.

Head injuries cause the majority of bicycle motor-vehicle collision deaths.  Helmets can help reduce the frequency and severity of head injuries.  Helmets can only do their job, however, if properly fitted and adjusted.  Always wear the helmet level on your head. The side buckles should be situated just below your earlobes. The chin strap should be adjusted to fit snugly when the chin buckle is closed.  Bicycle helmets are designed to withstand one crash only. Structural damage is not always visible, so never use a crashed or second hand helmet.  Store your helmet away from sunlight, as ultraviolet light can damage it.  Helmets are required of bicyclists under the age of 16.

Group riding requires even more attention to predictability than riding alone. Other riders expect you to continue straight ahead at a constant speed unless you indicate differently.

Use hand and verbal signals to communicate with members of the group and with other traffic. 

When riding in a group, most of the cyclists do not have a good view of the road surface ahead so it is important to announce holes, bumps, glass, and other hazards. The leader should indicate road hazards by pointing down to the left or right, and by shouting “hole,” “bump,” etc. where required for safety.

Warn cyclists behind you well in advance of changes in your direction or speed. To notify the group of a change in path, the lead rider should call out “left turn” or “right turn” in addition to giving a hand signal.

When riding up hills or on narrow roads where you are impeding faster traffic, leave a gap for cars between every three or four bicycles. That way a motorist can take advantage of shorter passing intervals and eventually move piecemeal around the entire group.