Bicycle Safety Tips

Obey traffic signs and signals

• Bicycles must follow the rules of the road like other vehicles.
• Visit www.dot.state.il.us/bikemap/bikelaw.htm for Illinois Laws.

Never ride against traffic

• Motorists aren't looking for bicyclists riding on the wrong side of the road.
• State law and common sense require that bicyclists drive like other vehicles.

Follow lane markings

• Don't turn left from the right lane.
• Don't go straight in a lane marked "right-turn only."

Don't pass on the right

• Motorists may not look for or see a bicycle passing on the right.

Scan the road behind you

• Learn to look back over your shoulder without losing your balance or swerving.
• Consider using rear-view mirrors.

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 breaks are less efficient when wet.

Never ride with headphones

Dress appropriately

• In rain wear a poncho or waterproof suit.
• Dress in layers so you can adjust to temperature changes.
• Wear bright colored clothing.

Use hand signals

• Hand signals tell motorists and pedestrians what you intend to do.
• Signal as a matter of law, of courtesy, and of self-protection.

Ride in the middle of the lane in slower traffic

Choose the best way to turn left

• Like an auto: signal to move into the left turn lane and then turn left.
• Like a pedestrian: ride straight to the far side crosswalk. Walk your bike across.

Make eye contact with drivers

• Assume that other drivers don't see you until you are sure that they do.
• Eye contact is important with any driver which might pose a threat to your safety.

Look out for road hazards

• Watch out for parallel-slat sewer grates, gravel, ice, sand or debris.
• Cross railroad tracks at right angles.

14) Use lights at night

• The law requires a white headlight (visible from at least 500 feet ahead) and a rear reflector or taillight (visible up to 300 feet from behind).

Keep your bike in good repair

• Adjust your bike to fit you and keep it working properly.
• Check brakes and tires regularly.
• Routine maintenance is simple and you can learn to do it yourself.

Buy and wear a helmet

• Buy a helmet that bears a label saying it meets the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) standard Z90.40 1984; the Snell Memorial Foundation standard B 90,B 90S, N 94, or B 95; the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standard F 1447 93 or F 1447 94; or the Canadian Standards Association standard CAN/CSA D113.2 M89.
• Wear the helmet flat atop your head. Do not wear the helmet tilted back at an angle.
• Make sure the helmet fits snugly and does not obstruct your field of vision.
• Always wear the helmet with the chin strap firmly buckled.
• Make sure the chin strap fits securely and that the buckle stays fastened to provide impact protection. No combination of twisting or pulling should remove the helmet from the head or loosen the buckle on the strap.
• Do not use a helmet after it has been involved in an accident. Damage to the helmet may not be visible to an untrained eye. Even very small cracks in the helmet may greatly reduce a helmet's effectiveness in preventing injury. Either destroy the helmet and get a new one or have it inspected by the manufacturer. The manufacturer will tell you if the helmet needs to be replaced.