Everybody’s Riding Bikes, Do You Know the Rules of the Road?

By Rigel Celeste on February 8th, 2010

1161198_71957247

Bicycle riding is the new “hipster chic” way to travel but having bikes all over the road can be a real adjustment for drivers on both sides. Whether you’ve jumped on the bandwagon and have taken to pedaling on two wheels yourself, or are simply trying to share the road and navigate around them in your car, it’s a good idea to take a little refresher course in the rules of the road for cyclists.

Think like a vehicle, not a pedestrian. Because we start riding bikes as kids it can be hard to think of them as a serious mode of transportation when we ride them on the road with traffic as adults.
Always ride in the same direction as traffic, staying in the bike lane or on the road if there isn’t one. Avoid riding on sidewalks or in crosswalks as it can be harder for drivers to see you there.
Obey all traffic signals. Stop signs, yields, and even turning lanes apply to bicyclists as well as cars or trucks. Be consistent and predictable in your reaction to traffic signals and laws.
Dress to be visible. Wear bright colors with reflective elements (especially if you’ll be riding at night) and always wear a helmet.
Stay alert and pay attention! Riding a bicycle in the midst of cars and trucks is just as dangerous, if not more so, than driving a car. Be alert and ready for any possibility.