Transcript
Safety Points and Road Rules Whether you’re headed out for a 30 mile ride or just to the corner store, as a cyclist you have the same responsibilities on the road as any other vehicle. Follow these tips for safe cycling no matter where you ride.
Always check your bike for mechanical problems before riding, including your tires, brakes, chains and quick release levers. Always wear a helmet. Check helmet chin strap to be sure your helmet is secure, as a loose helmet will not protect your head. Wearing gloves is also a good idea. If you have a mechanical problem while riding or need to get off your bike, call it out while slowing and stopping. It is important to get off of the road to avoid interfering with cars and other cyclists.
Obey the traffic laws. Ride on the right side of the road. You do not have to ride in the gutter, but be as far to the right as is safe. Stop at all stop signs and red lights. Do not ride more than two abreast as this is against Texas law. Never cross the yellow line into oncoming traffic. Do not pass vehicles on the left. Ride in the left hand side of right turn lanes if you are going straight. For more information on Texas Bike laws, see www.biketexas.org/es/infrastructure/texas-bicycle-laws.
Be visible. Wear bright clothing and use reflectors and use appropriate front and rear lights if riding during night time hours.
Use your ears. Make sure you can hear cars and other cyclists. Do not wear ear buds. If riding with speakers, keep the volume low enough to hear vehicular traffic and other riders.
Look out for obstacles on the road. Keep your head up and watch for other vehicles, road hazards, potholes, pedestrians, dogs and other cyclists. Wear sunglasses or protective eye care to avoid getting road debris in your eyes.
Use signals. Alert other drivers and cyclists in advance if you plan to turn and always be clear on where you are going. Do not assume car drivers see you. Make eye contact with them or wave if they are stopped at a stop sign to make sure they see you.
When passing, use a quick glance to clear the lane behind you. Don’t look back other than a quick glance to clear the lane behind you when passing. Looking back for longer can cause you to swerve, slow down and jeopardize the people behind you.
Don’t stop pedaling. While in pace lines, keep your pedals moving to keep your legs fresh and to make it easier to meet the challenge of suddenly putting in an effort when you start uphill.
Road Rules
Keep your distance by having a safe area around your bike. Veteran riders feel comfortable being closer to other bicycles, but it takes hundreds of hours to hone this steadiness. The major cause of wrecks on the MS 150 is the overlapping of wheels. Do not overlap the wheels of the cyclist in front of you when in a pace line. Leave at least 6 - 12 inches between bikes. Do not follow close behind other cyclists you do not know. If you are drafting someone you don’t know, ask them if they feel comfortable with you behind them.
Get comfortable on your bike. Learn to adjust items on your bike so you aren’t fumbling around while you ride. Practice getting your water bottle in and out of the cage repeatedly without looking down and learn to be very proficient in gear changes.
Be predictable. Ride smoothly and consistently. Ride in a straight line. Don’t swerve between vehicles or make sudden movements. Turn safely. Look out for other cyclists on the left, as that is where they are expecting you. Never pass on the right.
Know the lingo. Learn how to communicate with other riders. For example: o Car Back – Car behind you. If you are riding two abreast go to single file to allow the car to pass. o Car Up – Car coming toward you. o Slowing – Some cyclists will put the hand down with the palm facing you. o Left Side – When passing on the left other cyclists will let you know they are approaching. If you are riding two abreast go to single file. Hold your line. o Road Hazards – Can be called out as gravel, road kill, holes, tracks, holes, etc. o Call out upcoming turns, i.e. right turn ahead.
Take extra care. If the roads are wet, you need to slow down and keep more distance between riders. When approaching hills, know how to change gears and anticipate shifting to lower gears when needed. Some cyclists are not strong climbers and will be weaving, so try to avoid them. Be careful entering and exiting rest stops. Some may have gravel. Move your bike away from the entrance so as to not block other riders.
