PUBLIC WORKS

Bicycle Safety

Tips for Cyclists – Sharing the Road

On-Street Biking - Sharing the Road
	Obey Traffic Regulations Bikes must be driven like other vehicles if they are to be taken seriously by motorists. cyclists are required by law to follow all California traffic laws.
	Be Careful at Intersections Most accidents happen at intersections. proceed with care. Avoid being in a turn-only lane if you want to go straight through an intersection. In narrow lanes or slow traffic, it may be safer to take the whole lane.
	Use Hand Signals Signal all turns and stops ahead of time. Look over your shoulder for any traffic, then make your intended move only when iti s safe to do so.
	Keep Both Hands Ready to Brake You may not stop in time if you brake one-handed. Allow extra distance for stopping in the rain, since brakes are less efficient when wet.
	Lock Your Bike Lock the frame and rear wheel of your bike to a bicycle rack. If you have a quick release, lock the front wheel also. Do not lock your bike to trees.
	Avoid Road Hazards Watch out for parallel-slat sewer grates, slippery manhole covers, oily pavements, potholes and construction plates. Cross railroad tracks carefully.
	Make Eye Contact Confirm that you are seen. Establish eye contact with motorists to insure that they know you are on the road. Look over your shoulder regularly or use a mirror to scan the road behind. Although bicycles have an equal right on the road, be prepared to maneuver for safety.
	Beware of Car Doors Be wary of parked cars. Motorists can unexpectedly open doors. Be particularly careful if you see a motorist in the car. Ride in a straight line at least three feet away from parked cars.
	Keep Your Bike in Good Repair Maintain your bike in good working condition. Check brakes regularly and keep tires properly inflated.
	Turning Left: Two Options Vehicular Style: Signal your intentions in advance. Move to the left turning lane and complete the turn. Pedestrian Style: Ride to the far crosswalk and wait for the light to advance.
Tips for Multi-Use Paths
	Signal to Others Cyclists: sound your bell or call out a warning when approaching others, then pass safely on the left. Skaters: follow travel rules as per bicyclists. Do not perform trick-skating.
	Stay on the Path Ride only on designated paths to protect parks, natural areas and yourself. Riding off a designated pathway is dangerous and prohibited in City of Riverside parks.
	Be Careful at Crossings Look both ways. Cyclists: yield to through traffic at intersections; pedestrians have the right of way. Pedestrians: exercise caution. Be aware of stopping limitations of cyclists and skaters.
	Pedestrian Right-of-Way Cyclists and in-line skaters must yield to pedestrians. Pedestrians always have the right-of-way.
	Keep to the Right All path users must keep to the right except when passing or turning left. Pedestrians: move to the right when someone is passing. Move off the path when stopping. Never block the path.
	Use Designated Path Where designated, cyclists and skaters must ride on the specified path. Don't ride on a pedestrian path. Look both ways at crossings. Cyclists: yield to through traffic at intersections; pedestrians have the right of way. Pedestrians: exercise caution

Sharing the Road - Tips for Cyclists
	On the Road: The same laws that apply to motorists apply to cyclists Use hand signals to indicate stops and turns
	Always Wear a Properly Fitting Helmet (even on short trips): Measure head just above the eyebrows, helmet should cover the forehead For children, only two of the child’s fingers should fit in the space between the eyebrow and the helmet Adjust the foam pads and straps – straps should form a “V” just below each ear Only one finger should fit between the strap and chin Test the fit – helmet should only move one inch in either direction. If it moves too much you may need to tighten the straps or use thicker pads
	Ride on the Right: Always ride in the same direction as traffic Use the furthest right lane that heads to your destination Slower moving cyclists and motorists stay to the right
	Ride Predictably: Ride in a straight line Use the furthest right lane that heads to your destination Check for traffic before entering street or intersection and announce yourself by making eye contact with motorists

Tips for Motorists – Sharing the Road

On-Street Biking - Sharing the Road
	On the Road: Drive with caution Reduce speed when approaching cyclists Don’t tailgate, especially in bad weather Recognize hazards cyclists may face and give them space
	Yield to Cyclists: Bicycles are considered vehicles Cyclists should be given the right–of–way Allow extra time for cyclists to cross intersections
	Be Considerate: Look for cyclists in traffic and at intersections Don’t blast your horn in close proximity to cyclists When opening your door, watch for passing cyclists
	Pass with Care: When passing leave four (4) feet between you and a cyclist Look over your shoulder before moving back
	Watch for Children: Children on bicycles can be unpredictable – expect the unexpected Don’t expect children to know traffic laws Children are smaller and can be harder to see – be alert