0 Enjoy Your Ride Safely

In Colorado, we’re fortunate to have more than 300 days of sunshine a year. With that, comes tremendous opportunity for outdoor activities. Just one of these is bicycling. You can hop on a bike and go to work, ride to the store, head to school, or just ride for the sheer pleasure of riding.

Whether you’re a hard-core spandex rider or someone who is just considering the use of a bike, take a peek at these tips to help you safely enjoy your ride.

Bike Riding Tip #1

Your skull is only about as thick as a dinner plate – and about as fragile. Make sure to wear a helmet whenever you ride. 

Bike Riding Tip #2

Never ride against traffic! Ride in the right hand lane with the flow of traffic.  Bicycling against the flow of traffic is against the law and extremely dangerous. Riding the wrong way increases the chance of a head-on collision. 

Bike Riding Tip #3

Ride in a straight line. Riding predictably makes you more visible to motorists.  It’s also easier for a motor vehicle to pass when you’re riding in a straight line. Don’t weave in and out of parked cars – you may disappear from motorists’ sight and get squeezed out or clipped when you need to merge back into traffic. 

Bike Riding Tip #4

The right tire pressure will help you avoid flats, ride smoother and coast farther. Check your pressure once a week to ensure your tires are properly inflated. 

Bike Riding Tip #5

Protect your feet. Wear full-coverage shoes instead of sandals when you ride. 

Bike Riding Tip #6

Remember that you’re legally a vehicle on the road, so behave as though you are driving a car. Follow all traffic signs and signals, and use your hand signals to indicate turning and stopping movements. 

Bike Riding Tip #7

Let pedestrians know you’re behind them. Again, it’s the law that you signal when you pass a pedestrian (or another bicyclist). Ring a bell, or just give a pleasant “passing on your left” notice when it’s time to go around. 

Bike Riding Tip #8

Be seen and be safe. Make sure you have a light for the front of your bike, and at least a red reflector for the rear (preferably a rear light is best). And always wear bright or light-colored clothing. 

When you follow the safety rules and laws of the road, bike riding can be fun, and it’s a great way to feel and look terrific. Anyone can do it.

Written by Betsy Jacobsen

As the Bicycle, Pedestrian, TDM and Scenic Byways Unit Manager for the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT), Betsy Jacobsen works on both policy and programs that promote transportation choices. In addition to helping the general public learn about bicycling and walking in Colorado, Betsy also works with engineers, planners, advocates and enthusiasts to help make Colorado more bicycle and pedestrian friendly. Prior to accepting her position with CDOT, she was the Bicycle and Pedestrian Coordinator for the City of Fort Collins, Colorado, where she received national recognition for several bike and pedestrian programs.