Bicycling Safety Tips

Bicycling is a great way to enjoy the outdoors, but it is always important to be safe, take precautions, and be prepared.

Trail Etiquette / Rules

• Keep to the right of the trail.
• Yield to walkers and other trail users.
• All users of the trails share responsibility for the courteous use of them.
• Respect public and private property.
• Pets must be on a short leash. Keep your animal to the edge of the trail and tight to your side when another trail user approaches.
• Pick up after your pets.
• Be courteous to other trail users.

Tips

• Always wear a helmet.
• Yield to walkers and other trail users.
• Be courteous of other trail users.
• Keep to the right of the trail.
• Respect public and private property.
• Ride defensively.
• Adhere to all stop signs and traffic signals.
• Be aware of riders or others behind you before you stop.
• Slow down and use caution when approaching walkers, runners and othercyclists from either way. Make your presence known well in advance.
• Pull offthe trail or road if necessary.
• Ride in small groups (less than five), and avoid riding abreast when meeting other trails users.
• Signal all turns and stops with appropriate hand signals and/or verbally.
• Always stay in the right lane. Pass on the left when clear.
• Avoid passing when approaching trail areas with blind spots like curves on the trail.
• Give a vocal warning like “biker on your left”; or ring a bell to warn others when you are passing.
• Don’t cross the street against the light.
• Double check for traffic before proceeding through an intersection.
• Ensure vehicles are stopping and make eye contact with the driver before proceeding through an intersection, even if the cyclist does have the right of way.
• Watch for cars pulling out onto the trail; they may not see you.
• Wear light colored or reflective clothing when cycling at night or in low light or foggy conditions.
• Use appropriate safety equipment.
• Use a light on your bike when dark, both front and back – it’s the law.
• Carry a cell phone, Identification Card, Medical Card, First Aid Kit, bicycle tire repair kit and extra water.
• When cycling at night or long distances, let someone know the route you will be taking and approximate time you will be arriving at your destination.
• Mechanically propelled scooters/bikes are not allowed on trails. (This does not include scooters required by persons with disabilities)