bike-walk

Safe Cycling

Safety first. And second. And third. Yes, it’s that important.

Safety is a top concern for cyclists out on the streets with cars.  While it is often the drivers’ action that you may worry about, there are a number of steps that cyclists can take to improve safety when on the road. 

1. Protect your noggin.  Wear your helmet, always.
2. Be visible.  Wear light-colored or reflective clothing and use both front and rear lights from dusk to dawn.
3. Ride defensively. 
4. Yield to pedestrians.
5. Be predictable.  Use hand signals for turning and follow the rules of the road.
6. Follow safe cycling practices:

• Bicycle Laws in North Carolina (from NC Department of Transportation)
• Rules of the Road (from League of American Bicyclists)
• Traffic Negotiation Principles (from North Carolina Coalition for Bicycle Driving)
• How Not To Get Hit By Cars (from bicyclesafe.com)
• Ten Tips for Safe Riding (from About.com)
• Bike Safety for Kids (from International Bicycle Fund)