Before using your
bicycle, make sure it is ready to ride. You should always ?inspect your bike to make sure all parts are
secure and working properly.
Check
Your Equipment: Before riding, inflate tires
properly and check that your brakes work.?
Stay
Alert at All Times: Use your eyes AND ears. Watch
out for potholes, cracks, wet leaves, storm grates, railroad tracks, or
anything that could make you lose control of your bike. You need your ears to
hear traffic and avoid dangerous situations; don’t wear a headset.
Be
Predictable: Ride in a straight line. Signal your
moves to others. ?
Control
Your Bicycle: Always ride with at least one hand on
the handlebars. Carry books and other items in a bicycle carrier or backpack.
See
and Be Seen: Whether daytime, dawn, dusk, foul
weather, or at night, you need to be seen by others. Wearing white has not been
shown to make you more visible. Rather, always wear neon, fluorescent, or other
bright colors when riding day or night. Also wear something that reflects
light, such as reflective tape or markings, or flashing lights. Remember, just
because you can see a driver doesn’t mean the driver can see you.?
Wear a Properly Fitted Bicycle Helmet: Protect your brain, save your life. For more information see the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration publication ?