RULES & SAFETY

Bicyclist Education

One of the best ways to learn how to be safe and confident while cycling in traffic is to take an Bicyclist Education Course, administered by the League of American Bicyclists. There is a three-hour class designed specifically for bicycle commuting. Call WABA, (202) 518-0524, or the League of American Bicyclists, (202) 822-1333, for more information on Effective Cycling in the Washington area.

Bicycle Rules in the Washington Area

Riding in Traffic —Safely Riding in traffic is not as hard as it looks if you follow the suggestions below. In Effective Cycling, John Forester writes, Cyclists fare best when they act and are treated as drivers of vehicles.

Be Predictable
Ride so drivers can see you and predict your movements.

	Obey all regulatory signs and traffic lights Bicyclists must follow the same rules of the road as drivers of		Choose the best way to turn left There are two ways to make a left turn: (1)Like an auto. Look behind, signal, move into the left lane and turn left. (2)Like a pedestrian. Ride straight to the far-side crosswalk. Walk your bike across.
	Never ride against traffic Motorists aren t looking for bicyclists riding on the wrong side of the road or on the sidewalk. Ride with traffic.		Take the lane in slow traffic Ride in the middle of the lane whenever you are moving at the same speed as traffic.
	Use hand signals to tell motorists what you intend to do. Signal as a matter of law, courtesy and self protection.		Ride in straight line Whenever possible, ride in a straight line to the right of traffic and about a car door width away from parked cars.
	Don't weave between parked cars Don’t ride out to the curb between parked cars unless they are far apart. Motorists may not see you when you try to move back into traffic.
Be Alert Ride defensively,watch the traffic, and be prepared to react
	Watch for cars pulling out Make eye contact with drivers. Assume they don't see you until you are sure they do.		Scan the road behind you Learn to look back over your shoulder without losing your balance or swerving left.
	Avoid road hazards Watch out for parallel-slatted sewer grates, slippery manhole covers, oily pavement, gravel, pot holes, and ice. Cross railroad tracks carefully at right angles. For better control as you move across bumps and other hazards, stand up on your pedals.		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 brakes are less efficient when wet.
	Wear a helmet Always wear a helmet whenever you ride a bicycle. Helmets dramatically reduce the risk of head injury in a bicycle accident.		Use lights at night Always use a strong head light and tail light at night and when visibility is poor.

 

Trail Etiquette

• Stay to the right except when passing.
• Travel at a reasonable speed in a consistent and predictable manner.
• Always look ahead and behind before passing.
• Pass slower traffic on the left; yield to oncoming traffic when passing.
• Give a clear warning signal before passing (ring bell and say “passing on the left”).
• Move off the trail when stopped to allow others room to pass.
• Yield to other users when entering and crossing the trail.
• Use a light and reflectors after dusk and before dawn; most trails are not lit.
• Stop for traffic where the trail crosses a road.

For more bicycle safety information, see Street Smarts: Bicycling Traffic Survival Guide by Bicycling Magazine. Call WABA for a copy: (202) 518-0524.

Safety icons courtesy of Metro Regional Services, Portland, Oregon. Reproduced by permission.