Bicycle Safety

Obviously, safety while riding is extremely important. In the past few years, our area has seen several fatal accidents involving cyclists that underscore this point. There are a number of steps you can take to increase your safety while riding, and all of them are relatively simple and involve little cost.

Wear a helmet

Wearing a helmet is the single most important step you can take to improving your riding safety. Helmets have been proven over and over again to drastically reduce head injuries in the event of a crash. When an investment of as little as $30 can save your life, there is simply no reason not to do it. For more information on helmets, check out our Helmet Page.

Stay Visible!

When riding on the road, it is tremendously important to remain visible to cars. This is even more important when riding in low light. Bicycles have a small visual profile and are easily missed by motorists who may not be paying close attention. One way you can make yourself more visible is by wearing brightly colored clothing. In low light, wearing reflective clothing will drastically improve your visibility as well.

If you are riding after dark, it is a very good idea to use lights. Since cyclists are required to ride in the same direction as traffic, a rear light is particularly helpful in alerting cars to your presence. In fact, not only is it a good idea, it's the law. Ohio State Law requires that a red light must be used in the rear, and a white light for the front of the bike if riding after dark. We have these lights available for around $10 each. For more information, take a look at our Lights and Mirrors page.

Ride WITH Traffic

As mentioned in the previous section, cyclists are required to ride on the right side of the road, going in the same direction as traffic. Contrary to popular beleif, riding against traffic is actually far more dangerous. Legally speaking, cyclists have all the same rights and obligations as motor vehicles. In reality, however, many motorists do not recognize this fact, so the cyclist must be wary of cars at all times and be prepared to yield the right-of-way.

Obey Traffic Signals and Signs

As previously mentioned, the law requires cyclists to obey all the same traffic laws as motor vehicles when riding on the street. This means stopping at all stop signs and lights, riding in the proper lane, and signalling turns. Too often, cyclists think they are exempt from traffic laws, ignoring signals and zipping through stop lights. Not only is this extremely dangerous, it is illegal and you can be ticketed for this behavior.

Use Hand Signals

Since bicycles are not equipped with turn signals or brake lights, cyclists must use hand signals to alert motorists to their intentions. Unfortunately, many motorists do not know what the hand signals mean, despite the fact that they are taught in driver's education classes. Regardless, hand signals remain the best way for cyclists to alert motorists to their intended path. To signal a left turn, extend the left arm all the way out to the left, pointing in the direction of the intended turn. To signal a right turn, hold your left hand up, as if you are waving hello. (Many people signal a right turn by pointing with their right hand. While it is not the accepted legal signal, many people find it less confusing for themselves and other motorists.) In order to signal a stop, put the left hand down while making a fist. To signal that you are slowing down, extend your open left hand downward at a 45 degree angle.