Parks & Recreation

Bicycle Saftey Tips

1. Wear your Helmet. Never ride a bicycle without a helmet. Select a helmet that fits snugly and sits

flat atop the head.


2. See and be Seen. Wear bright clothes that make you more visible.



3. Avoid Biking at Night. It is more dangerous to bicycle at night than during the day. If you ride at night, make sure your bike is equipped with a lamp on the front with a white light visible from 500 feet to the front, and both a red reflector and a lamp on the rear with a red light visible from 600 feet to the rear.



4. Go with the Flow. The Safe Way is the RIGHT Way. Ride on the right side of the roadway in a straight path. Riding against traffic puts you where motorists don ’t expect you. They may not see you, and may pull across your path, or turn into you.



5. Check for traffic. Most crashes occur at driveways or other intersections. Before you enter any street or intersection, check for traffic. Always look left-right-then left again.



6. Make sure your Bike Fits and is Ready. Adjust your bike to fit you. Before using your bike, check to make sure all parts are secure and working well.



7. Check your Brakes. Always control your speed by using your brakes. If your bicycle has hand brakes, apply the rear brake slightly before the front brake.



8. Learn the Rules of the Road. Bicycles are considered vehicles. Bicyclists must obey the same rules as motorists. Read the Florida Driver’s Handbook, and follow the traffic signs, laws and rules for operating a vehicle on the road.
   


9. Always signal your moves. Use both hand and audible signals. Be courteous to pedestrians.



10. Stay alert at all times. Watch out for potholes, cracks, expansion joints, railroad tracks, wet leaves, drainage grates, or anything that could make you fall.