Smart Cycling Tips
BE VISIBLE!
For a cyclist, this can mean many things. - Wear bright and re ective clothing. - Consider the use of front and rear, daylight-visible lights to increase awareness. - Practice proper lane positioning. Contrary to popular opinion, ride further towards the center of your lane when roads are narrow.
Signal Your Intentions!
When you ride predictably, motorists are more likely to respect your right to the road. Cyclists use their left hand to signal left turns, right turns, and that they are stopping or slowing for a sign or signal. Cyclists in the proper lane position are also indicating their intention to proceed in the same direction of travel.
.jpg)
Follow the rules of the road.
In the State of Texas bicycles are considered vehicles. With that in mind bicyclists should consider themselves as the drivers of vehicles and are therefore subject to all traffic laws. - Stop at stop signs. Stop at red lights. - Signal before changing lanes or turning. - On multiple lane roads, control your lane through proper positioning and when approaching a lefthand turn, scan, signal, scan again, and then move into the appropriate lane. You’d be surprised at how many times motorists have approached me at traffic signals to thank me for following the rules of the road.
Work with traffic, don't become traffic.
- When riding on narrow but heavily tra cked roads, if you notice a queue of cars behind you, use common courtesy and pull over to the side to allow traffic to pass. - When approaching a controlled intersection while riding with a large group, use hand signals to communicate with other motorists and allow traffic to fl ow in a regular manner. Eye contact with motorists is critical. At busy 4-way stops groups should pass through two at a time. - At stop signs and red lights, take your queue in line with the rest of traffic. Do not attempt to pass motorists on the right in order to move to the front of the line.
Control your lane!
Riding too far to the right gives motorists the impression that they can squeeze past you in the same lane. By riding further out into the lane, motorists know to change lanes or wait for a safe opportunity to pass. Often times by riding further out you can avoid road debris or other hazards.
Avoid the door zone!
When riding streets with parallel parking, ride at least five feet to the left of parked cars. Wide doors can open suddenly and pedestrians can run out between bumpers. The extra space gives you more control and more time to react.
Make sure your bike is in sound mechanical condition. Follow the acronym “ABC Quick Check” before every ride.
- A is for Air in the tires. Follow recommended tire in ation guidelines commonly found on your tire sidewall. - B is for brakes. Make sure that pads evenly contact the rim, replace when worn, and that brake levers do not come into contact with the handlebars when squeezed. - C is for Chain and Cranks. Keep your chain clean and lubed using light oil. Cranks should be checked regularly to ensure that they are properly connected to the bike. - Quick is for Quick Release. Modern bikes have levers on their wheel axles that allow for quick removal of the wheel from the frame. A quick release should be set up so that it can be closed and opened with the pressure of two fingers.
Look Both Ways
Look both ways before you cross the street: Left, then Right, then Left again.
