Ten Simple Rules for Successfully Sharing the Road

When riding on public roads

1. Follow the rules for cars:

• • Stop at Stop signs
  • Signal your intended direction
  • Turn left from the rightmost lane travelling in the direction you intend to go (that means use turn lanes; don’t turn left across traffic going in your direction)

2. Ride 2-3 feet from the curbing or edge of the road and out of the band of silt and sand that is present on the roads in the spring.

3. Be predictable – ride straight and use BIG gestures to communicate your directional intentions to those with whom you are sharing the road.

4. Be visible – dress brightly and use “blinkie” lights both fore and aft.

5. Wear a helmet – PERIOD!

6. Don’t  put ANYTHING in your ears. They are your best sensory organ to alert you to a vehicle approaching from the rear.

7. Eat before you are hungry, drink before you are thirsty.

• • Dehydration occurs fast – especially in cooler weather.  Hypoglycemia creeps up on you too. The effects of both are reduced mental acuity resulting in poor decision-making. Stay hydrated and fueled.  If you “bonk” on a ride, stop and find a can of Coca Cola. There aren’t many better ways to re-start your mental metabolism than that.

8. Put an emergency app in your smartphone.  It will text your location to your emergency contacts with one touch.

9. Always carry a form of identification.

10. Think, think, think!

• • Road, light and weather conditions change rapidly. Good decision making is your best asset for staying safe on your bicycle.

Ride Smart! Ride Safe!