Always Wear A Helmet

RIDING TECHNIQUES

A bicycle is considered a motor vehicle, so bicyclists have the same rights and duties as motorists when on a public road.

1. Obey all traffic laws.
2. Ride on the right hand side of the road in a straight line as close to the shoulder as is practical.
3. Ride single file.
4. Use hand signals for all turns.
5. Use hand and voice signals when stopping.
6. When stopping for reasons other than traffic, move off the roadway making way for those who follow, bicyclists and automobiles alike. Voice and hand signals required.
7. When you are aware of approaching vehicles from behind, alert bicyclists ahead by calling "car back."
8. When making left turns at a controlled intersection ( those having a traffic light or other traffic control) ride close to the right side of the traffic lane that will turn left. Remember hand signals.
9. When making left turns without traffic controls – when traffic allows, move to right of center completing turn to right side of road you are turning into. Use hand signals.
10. When making a right turn, stay right throughout entire turn. Do not wander left before or after turn.
11. Always wear a helmet when bicycling.
12. When riding after dark, have a high visibility front and rear light on your bicycle.
13. Do not wear headsets while riding on a public highway.
14. Do not carry any packages that prevents keeping both hands on the handlebars.
15. Do not hitch a ride by attaching to any other vehicle.

Standard arm signals:  Left arm straight out for a left turn; left arm at 90-degree angle with hand raised or right arm straight out for a right turn; left arm cocked down at a 90-degree angle for stop.

CYCLING TIPS FOR SAFE SUMMER FUN

Following is a letter to Abigail Van Buren - Advice From Dear Abby -  in the Journal Inquirer, Thursday, June 8, 2000:

Q.  Summer is upon us, and millions of fellow cyclists across the country will once again be out on the roads.  I personally ride around 4,000 miles a year in training, and thought I'd offer a few tips. 

Many drivers mistakenly believe that cyclists have no rights on public roads and feel compelled to "teach them a lesson," deliberately endangering their lives.

The fact is, a bicycle is classified as a vehicle on the public roads in all 50 states.

Tips for Drivers:

1. Don't get too close.  Cyclists want to be left alone.  Cyclists are not required to ride on the shoulder, on the sidewalk, or 2 inches from the edge of the road.
2. Don't pass a cyclist and then slow down, stop, or turn in front of him.  Sometimes we are going as fast as you are.
3. Don't honk.  You're likely to startle an inexperienced cyclist or a child and cause him or her to fall.

Tips for Cyclists:

1. Wear a helmet.
2. Make eye contact with drivers.  Make sure they see you.
3. Ride on the right side of the road.
4. Obey traffic laws.
5. Signal turns.  Point left or right.
6. Ride in a straight line and don't block traffic.
7. Carry a cell phone.  You might need it to get help for yourself or a stranded motorist.

Thanks, Abby.  The life you save by printing this may be my own - or thousands of others!

                                                                               A Fitness Cyclist for 40 Years

A.  If printing your letter saves just one life, it is well worth the space in this column.  I hope all motorists and cyclists - of all ages and levels of experience - will take your advice.

Additional Tips

To stop quickly, apply both brakes simultaneously. Using only the front brake may send you over the handlebar and using only the rear will cause a skid that won't stop you fast enough. To counter the bike's tendency to pivot forward over the front wheel, slide off the back of the saddle with arms extended.

Nancy A. Butler, Student
Asnuntuck Community College
Enfield, CT
Tunxis Community College
Farmington, CT
Email: nancyab@earthlink.net
Websites:  http://www.simplybicycling.com   http://www.simplycamping.com     http://www.simplyendangeredspecies.com