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)