Basic Cycling Rules, Laws and Conventions
Signaling Turns
Signal all turns. Extend your left arm and point left for left-hand turns, and extend your right arm and point right for right-hand turns. This helps other cyclists, pedestrians, and people you may not even notice, as well as motorists. (It also helps cyclists gain respect from motorists who may be more likely to think of us as bona fide users of the road, which of course we are.)
Always Ride on the Right
Always, ALWAYS!, ride on the right-hand side of the road, with traffic. Motorists pulling out of side streets and driveways don’t always look to the right if they are turning right. If you’re on a bicycle on the left-hand side of the road in this situation, you’re a dead duck! That said, one-way streets and using marked lanes at intersections can be exceptions -- use the appropriate lane and do not ride against traffic. DO NOT CUT CORNERS!
Traffic Laws
Obey traffic laws and signs, including stop signs, traffic lights. Cyclists are subject to the same traffic laws as motorists. When using travel lanes, follow motor vehicle laws.
Slowing
When you slow down, put your left hand down with your palm facing back. Motorists behind you need to know you're braking and bikes don't have brake lights to warn them.
Wave-throughs
Be careful of the “kind” motorist who tries to relinquish his or her right-of-way by waving you on. Just because this motorist sees you and wants to be nice doesn't mean other motorists in the area also see you and are of the same mind. Besides, no other person can change the rules of the road for YOU, whether you are riding, walking, or driving.
Cars Backed Up Behind
Do not wave cars backed up behind you past. If they have an accident, you could be held liable. Instead, when you can, pull over and stop to let them by.
Wear a Helmet
Always wear a CPSC certified helmet.
Be Visible
Wear brightly colored clothing. Use appropriate lighting in low-light conditions.
Be Alert
Don't talk on your phone, text, listen to music, etc. while cycling. Cycling requires your full attention at all times.
Avoid being “doored.” When passing a line of parked cars, stay far enough away (at least 3 feet) so that you will not ride into a suddenly opened door. "Take the lane" if necessary.
Be particularly watchful for glass on bridges, overpasses, and underpasses.
Be predictable. Don’t make sudden turns, stops or other maneuvers that motorists or your fellow riders aren’t expecting. Ride defensively! Be aware pof motorists' actions. Make eye contact with motorists in situations where the motorist might not see you.
Group Riding Guidelines, Conventions and Safety
“Car Back” and “Car Up”
Call out “Car Back” and “Car Up.” Move to the right and ride single file until all cars pass. Don’t assume that after one car goes by there aren’t others - - you may not hear the second and third cars because of the noise the first one makes.
Slowing
When you slow down, put your left hand down with your palm facing back and call out, “Slowing.”
Stopping
If you are going to stop, put your left hand down with your palm facing back and call out, “Stopping.” If a group of riders stop, make sure everyone is fully off the traveled portion of the road!
Passing Other Cyclists
When passing another cyclist, call out “on your left” as you approach him or her. Don't wait until you are next to the ear of the cyclist you're overtaking as this could cause him or her to panic and wind up in a ditch. DO NOT PASS ON THE RIGHT.
Road Debris and Obstacles
If you see an obstacle in the road, such as glass, a storm sewer grate, a pothole, or sand, point to it to warn cyclists behind you. Additionally, call out what the obstacle is, such as “glass,” “grate,” “pothole,” or “sand.”
Crossroads and Stop Signs
At crossroads and stop signs, do not call out “all clear” for those behind you to run through the intersection. It just isn't safe. If you hear someone ahead of you call out “all clear,” don’t believe it.
Group Size
When riding in a large group, break up into smaller groups leaving space between them for passing cars to pull back into their lane should a car approach from the other direction. This is especially critical on narrow roads and roads with poor sight lines.
The Five C’s:
be Courteous to other riders and motorists;
be Careful;
be Cautious;
use Common Sense; and
Communicate.
Signaling Turns
Signal all turns. Extend your left arm and point left for left-hand turns, and extend your right arm and point right for right-hand turns. This helps other cyclists, pedestrians, and people you may not even notice, as well as motorists. (It also helps cyclists gain respect from motorists who may be more likely to think of us as bona fide users of the road, which of course we are.)
Always Ride on the Right
Always, ALWAYS!, ride on the right-hand side of the road, with traffic. Motorists pulling out of side streets and driveways don’t always look to the right if they are turning right. If you’re on a bicycle on the left-hand side of the road in this situation, you’re a dead duck! That said, one-way streets and using marked lanes at intersections can be exceptions -- use the appropriate lane and do not ride against traffic. DO NOT CUT CORNERS!
Traffic Laws
Obey traffic laws and signs, including stop signs, traffic lights. Cyclists are subject to the same traffic laws as motorists. When using travel lanes, follow motor vehicle laws.
Slowing
When you slow down, put your left hand down with your palm facing back. Motorists behind you need to know you're braking and bikes don't have brake lights to warn them.
Wave-throughs
Be careful of the “kind” motorist who tries to relinquish his or her right-of-way by waving you on. Just because this motorist sees you and wants to be nice doesn't mean other motorists in the area also see you and are of the same mind. Besides, no other person can change the rules of the road for YOU, whether you are riding, walking, or driving.
Cars Backed Up Behind
Do not wave cars backed up behind you past. If they have an accident, you could be held liable. Instead, when you can, pull over and stop to let them by.
Wear a Helmet
Always wear a CPSC certified helmet.
Be Visible
Wear brightly colored clothing. Use appropriate lighting in low-light conditions.
Be Alert
Don't talk on your phone, text, listen to music, etc. while cycling. Cycling requires your full attention at all times.
Avoid being “doored.” When passing a line of parked cars, stay far enough away (at least 3 feet) so that you will not ride into a suddenly opened door. "Take the lane" if necessary.
Be particularly watchful for glass on bridges, overpasses, and underpasses.
Be predictable. Don’t make sudden turns, stops or other maneuvers that motorists or your fellow riders aren’t expecting. Ride defensively! Be aware pof motorists' actions. Make eye contact with motorists in situations where the motorist might not see you.
Group Riding Guidelines, Conventions and Safety
“Car Back” and “Car Up”
Call out “Car Back” and “Car Up.” Move to the right and ride single file until all cars pass. Don’t assume that after one car goes by there aren’t others - - you may not hear the second and third cars because of the noise the first one makes.
Slowing
When you slow down, put your left hand down with your palm facing back and call out, “Slowing.”
Stopping
If you are going to stop, put your left hand down with your palm facing back and call out, “Stopping.” If a group of riders stop, make sure everyone is fully off the traveled portion of the road!
Passing Other Cyclists
When passing another cyclist, call out “on your left” as you approach him or her. Don't wait until you are next to the ear of the cyclist you're overtaking as this could cause him or her to panic and wind up in a ditch. DO NOT PASS ON THE RIGHT.
Road Debris and Obstacles
If you see an obstacle in the road, such as glass, a storm sewer grate, a pothole, or sand, point to it to warn cyclists behind you. Additionally, call out what the obstacle is, such as “glass,” “grate,” “pothole,” or “sand.”
Crossroads and Stop Signs
At crossroads and stop signs, do not call out “all clear” for those behind you to run through the intersection. It just isn't safe. If you hear someone ahead of you call out “all clear,” don’t believe it.
Group Size
When riding in a large group, break up into smaller groups leaving space between them for passing cars to pull back into their lane should a car approach from the other direction. This is especially critical on narrow roads and roads with poor sight lines.
The Five C’s:
be Courteous to other riders and motorists;
be Careful;
be Cautious;
use Common Sense; and
Communicate.