Safety

The Rules of the Road

When you ride a bike on a street or road, you are a driver. Therefore, yo= u have the same road rights and responsibilities as the driver of a car or t= ruck.

To have a safe ride, follow these rules as you ride:

Wear a helmet. This is mandatory to participate in the START TO FINISH MS Bike Ride
Obey all traffic signs and signals
Never wear headphones
Ride on the right side of the lane, a few feet from the edge
Ride in the same direction as traffic
Ride single file to allow traffic to pass
Never ride more than two abreast
Pass on the left only
Give hand signals when stopping or turning
Ride friendly and respect the communities that we ride through

Good Ideas For Cycling Smart
It is also important to follow these tips and practice cycling etiquette:

Ride in a straight line. Do not weave
Cross railroad tracks at a right angle
Make eye contact with drivers before turning
Glance back before moving right or left
Watch out for yourself. Do not depend on other riders to spot hazards
Talk to your fellow cyclists. Let them know “CAR BACK,” “ON YOUR LEFT” or “STOPPING”
Before passing, be sure it is clear, and then signal
When passing another cyclist, call out “ON YOUR LEFT”
When you hear someone say “ON YOUR LEFT,” do not turn around. Hold handlebars steady and your bike straight

Common Mistakes TO AVOID
Everyone wants to stay safe and have an enjoyable Ride. Here are common errors that you can avoid:

Following too closely behind other bicyclists or cars
Drafting behind motor vehicles
Not getting off the pavement when stopping to rest
Not keeping clear of road-edge hazards, such as trash, low branches and parked vehicles
Not watching out for drains, sand and gravel
Riding two abreast

Additional Safety Thoughts

Be courteous to other riders, especially when passing.

Source National MS Society E-mail