Charlottesville Bicycle Club - Safety Information

Safety Guidelines

I. On The Road

The same laws that apply to motorists apply to cyclists.
Obey all traffic control devices.
Use hand signals to indicate stops and turns to other users.
Never wear portable music players (cassette players, MP3, etc) while cycling. Your ability to hear motor vehicles and other potential dangers is of utmost importance.
Always wear a properly fitting helmet. If possible, wear a rear-view mirror.

II. Traffic Lights:

Cyclists, just like motorists, must obey all traffic control devices.
It takes longer to travel through an intersection on a bike; plan to stop for yellow lights.
Avoid cars that run red lights by waiting for the signal to turn green and scan to make sure it’s clear.

III. Ride on the Right:

Always ride in the same direction as traffic.
Use the furthest right lane that heads to your destination.
Slower moving cyclists and motorists should stay to the right.
Ride at least 3 feet from parked cars.
Do not ride on the sidewalk.
Always ride single file with the only single exception being that you're using a mirror, traveling a lightly used road, can easily notice approaching cars, and can quickly return to single file (long before car reaches you). This is the law.

IV. Ride Predictably:

Ride in a straight line.
Don't swerve in the road or between parked cars.
Check for traffic before entering street or intersection.
Anticipate hazards and adjust your position accordingly.

V. Yield to traffic in busier lanes:

Always use signals to indicate your intentions to switch lanes.
Roads with higher traffic volumes should be given right-of-way.
Use a mirror to look behind and make sure that you can switch lanes.
Left hand turns are the most dangerous; double check these before turning.

VI. Yield to traffic in destination lanes:

Traffic in your destination lane has the right-of-way.
Signal and make your lane change early.

VII. Speed Positioning:

Position yourself relative to the speed of other traffic.
Yield to faster moving vehicles by staying to the right.
Use a mirror to make sure that you can switch lanes.

VIII. Be Aware:

Watch for motorists passing you by using your mirror.
Make sure the motorist is passing at a safe distance; scan the road for a potential bail out place (driveway, ditch).
Motorist towing a trailer, boat, etc. are especially dangerous. They do not always remember to account for the thing they are towing when pulling back over. As they are overtaking you slow down to provide more of a buffer in case this happens.

IX. Take the lane:

If there is insufficient road width for cyclists and cars.
If traveling the same speed as other traffic or if hazards narrow the usable width.
Before intersections and turns to assert your position on the roadway.

X. Extra wide lanes:

Do not ride completely to the right; you will be more visible 3-4 feet away from traffic.
Right turning cars and cars entering will be more likely to see you before they turn.
Be careful of motorists passing on the right around left-turning vehicles.

XI. Group Riding (Pacelines and drafting):

This is not recommended at all for novice riders.
Ride single file between intersections; double up when the group stops.
On narrow road or during climbs, leave room between every three or four riders to allow cars to pass.
The entire group should move completely clear off the road when stopped.
Do not draft on high traffic roads or roads with frequent intersections.
Only draft off someone whose riding style or experience you trust.
There is very little room for error when riding very close to others.
Multiple biker crashes are more likely in pacelines.
Always communicate to surrounding cyclists when appropriate (when a motorist is approaching from behind, when passing a cyclist on their left, when you notice a road obstacle, preceding turns).

XII. Be Visible:

Wear brightly colored clothing that provides contrast.
Use a white front light in low light conditions.
Use a red rear light in low light conditions.
Use a reflector or reflective tape or clothing anytime.
Announce yourself by making eye contact with motorists.
Do not pass on the right; motorists are not looking for other vehicles there.

This information was derived from the League of American Bicyclists’ Safety Guidelines. For more information, visit the League of American Bicyclists at http://www.bikeleague.org