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Safety |
Safety: The Rules of the Road
When you ride a bike on a street or road, you are a driver. Cyclists fair best when they act and are seen as motorists.
You have the same road rights and responsibilities as the driver of a car or truck.
To have a safe ride, follow these rules as you ride:
- Wear a helmet that is approved and fits properly. This is mandatory to participate in the START TO FINISH FestiVELO
- Obey all traffic signs and signals ALL THE TIME.
- Never wear headphones
- Ride on the right side of the lane, a few feet from the edge
- ALWAYS ride in the same direction as traffic
- Ride single file to allow traffic to pass
- Never ride more than two abreast, THIS IS THE LAW
- Pass on the left only and announce to the cyclists you are approaching
- Give hand signals when stopping or turning
- Ride friendly and respect the communities that we ride through
Good Ideas For Cycling Smart It is also important to follow these tips and practice cycling etiquette:
- Ride in a straight line. Do not weave
- Cross railroad tracks at a right angle
- Make eye contact with drivers before turning
- Glance back before moving right or left
- Watch out for yourself. Do not depend on other riders to spot hazards like pot holes or uneven payment
- Talk to your fellow cyclists. Let them know “CAR BACK,” “ON YOUR LEFT” or “STOPPING”
- Before passing, be sure it is clear, and then signal
- When passing another cyclist, call out “ON YOUR LEFT”
- When you hear someone say “ON YOUR LEFT,” do not turn around. Hold handlebars steady and your bike straight
- Carry ID, spare change, cell phone, liquids to drink, spare tube, tools, pump, wear a mirror, eye protection, and wear sun screen
Common Mistakes TO AVOID Everyone wants to stay safe and have an enjoyable Ride. Here are common errors that you can avoid:
- Don’t Following too closely behind other bicyclists. This IS the primary cause of accidents
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Stay within your comfort and “lung” limit. Don’t riding outside your heart rate.
- Get off the road when stopped. Don’t stand in the road when NOT riding. Get off the pavement when stopping to rest
- Watch and keep clear of road-edge hazards, such as trash, low branches, pot holes, glass, debris, and parked vehicles
- Watch out for drains, sand, and gravel
- Don’t ride more than two abreast, if cars are behind you, move to single file and allow passing.
- It is a great idea to use a hand and wave the driver around you, this way they are aware that you see them and they are clear to pass.
- Never ride on sidewalks. It is against the law in SC to ride a bicycle on the side walk.
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