| Even though a bicycle is relatively simple to operate, a | | | | adult. Head-related injuries account for 75 percent of all |
| cyclist still must exercise careful planning and | | | | bike fatalities. Some states have therefore made the |
| defensive driving in order to assure a safe journey. It is | | | | wearing of helmets mandatory. |
| advisable to check with your local police department | | | | A cyclist should never carry a passenger on a bicycle |
| for city and/or state ordinances pertaining to bicyclists. | | | | built for one driver, except in the case of an adult with |
| These may vary from city to city and from state to | | | | a small child in a seat directly behind the adult. |
| state. | | | | Otherwise, one seat, one cyclist. |
| When bicycling, do not wear wide-bottomed pants, | | | | Choosing a Bicycle |
| flapping skirts, trailing scarves, or any other loose | | | | When choosing a bicycle, pick one that you will be able |
| clothing that may catch in the wheel spokes or on the | | | | to drive with comfort and confidence. When you are |
| gear chain. Pants bottoms should be tucked into socks | | | | on the seat, the toes of both feet should be able to |
| or secured with bicycle clips. Shoes should have low | | | | touch the ground without tilting the bicycle. The thigh, |
| heels. During the daytime, bright-colored or fluorescent | | | | leg, and heel of the foot on a pedal at its lowest should |
| vests or belts can be worn over normal clothing. | | | | form a straight line as you ride along. The seat should |
| For cycling at night, when it is especially difficult for car | | | | be almost parallel to the ground. The handlebars should |
| drivers to see a cyclist, it is even more important to | | | | almost always be level with the seat. |
| wear conspicuous clothing. Retro-reflective material | | | | Keep the bicycle clean and well oiled, and make sure |
| should be sewn onto clothing and retro-reflectors | | | | that there are no loose parts. Pay special attention to |
| should be mounted onto the bicycle. Otherwise, | | | | the brakes, tires, and lights. Regularly check the |
| retro-reflective vests or belts can be worn over | | | | tightness and alignment of the wheels, handlebars, |
| normal clothing. A lit light at the front of the bicycle is | | | | pedals, and chain. |
| required by law in all states for nighttime bicycling. | | | | At all times, cyclists must give clear and positive hand |
| Some states also require a lit light at the back. | | | | signals when turning. Do not weave in and out of |
| Bicyclists should always wear a helmet to provide | | | | traffic or ride close to moving vehicles. Special care is |
| head protection in case they fall or are knocked down. | | | | needed at crosswalks, near parked cars, and on |
| It is especially important to provide infants or small | | | | uneven road surfaces. |
| children with the same protection when riding with an | | | | |