Road Bike Safety

Bike Equipment

Make sure you have checked air in your tires.
Test your brakes; make sure they work in all weather conditions.
Make sure your bike chain is clean and lubricated.
Make sure your bike is tight (do a pick-up and drop test)
Be seen and heard. Have you attached a bell and horn to handlebars on your bike? Wear bright, visible clothing.
It is recommended to have a white light on the front of your bike and a red light on the rear (make sure that they work).
Make sure that the seat height is correct. You should have a slight bend in your knees when sitting on the seat.
Make sure you are wearing a safe helmet; be sure that the chin strap is snug and that you can see.
Pay attention to traffic behind you, use a mirror. ✎

Rules for Riding on the Road

Plan your route. Take advantage of bike lanes. When riding with a group, stay in the rightmost lane. Avoid passing the rider in front of you on the right!
Yield to traffic and pay attention to parked cars.
When you are at a four-way stop, proceed safely. If there is a car stopped, wait for that car to proceed before you move.
When planning to turn, use appropriate hand/arm signals.
Ride defensively and obey street signs.
Be predictable; stay alert at all times.
Yield to pedestrians.
It makes sense to keep both hands on the handlebars (hitting a bump can interfere with your balance).

Good Links to Review for Bike Safety

Don Zook, Member at Large