Get out and ride!

Bicycling is fun, healthy, and a great family activity. But a bicycle isn’t a toy; it’s a vehicle!  Some bike crashes can cause serious injuries and most are related to the behavior of you (the bicyclist) or the motorist. There are a number of things you can do to prevent a crash, and protect your brain if a crash occurs. The Colorado Springs Fire Departments wants you to make sure you, your family, and the bicycles are ready to ride. By following basic bicycle safety, rules of the road and knowing where to ride can prevent an unwanted injury or emergency.
 

In all States, bicycles on the roadway are considered vehicles, and bicyclists are the drivers, with the same rights and responsibilities as motorists to follow the rules of the road. When riding, always go with the traffic flow. Ride on the right in the same direction as other vehicles and go with the flow – not against it.Obey all traffic laws, a bicycle is a vehicle and you’re the driver. When you ride in the street, obey all traffic signs, signals, and lane markings.  

Almost always, drivers on a smaller road must yield (wait) for traffic on a major or larger road. If there is no stop sign or traffic signal and you are coming from a smaller roadway (out of a driveway, from a sidewalk, a bike path, etc.), you must slow down and look to see if the way is clear before proceeding.

Action Steps You Can Take!

SAFETY TIP:

Remember to listen for traffic and avoid dangerous situations; don’t use personal electronics when you ride.

  • Wear a bicycle helmet. Everyone – at every age – should wear a bicycle helmet.
  • Adjust your bicycle to fit.
  • Check your equipment. Before riding, inflate tires properly and check that the brakes work.
  • See and be seen. Whether daytime, dawn, dusk, bad weather, or at night, make yourself visible to others. 
  • Watch for and avoid road hazards. Look for hazards such as potholes, broken glass, gravel, puddles, leaves, and dogs. All these hazards can cause a crash.
  • Avoid Riding at Night. It’s hard for road users to see bicyclists at dusk, dawn, and nighttime.
  • Use bike lanes or bike paths, if available. 
  • A lane or path is a safer choice than riding on a sidewalk.
  • Riding on sidewalks puts you in a place where cars do not look for or expect to see moving traffic. 
  • Stop at corners of sidewalks and streets to look for cars and to make sure the drivers see you before crossing.

You can download and print this Bicycle Safety flier for more information.