Biking as Transportation Safely

• Today we will have a great and safe ride.

• We will use our bikes as transportation.

• We will ride in pods, following our pod leader’s instructions, and meet together at stops along the way.

• We will follow all the things we are about to learn/review.

Follow Signals, Signs, and Laws

Obey all traffic regulations How?• Stop at all stop signs and

red lights• Follow laws• Ride with the flow of Traffic • Don’t ride on sidewalksWhen? • Always! It saves lives

Why?• Riding predictably and following

the law are the keys to safe bicycling• Knowing and following the rules helps

all road users properly anticipate and react to each other

Take the Lane

How?• Position yourself where front

passenger would sit• Ride in the right most lane that

serves your destination

When? (Most of the time today)• When it is too narrow for

motorists to pass you with 3ft.• When you are moving

at the same speed as traffic

Why?• To be visible and predictable• To avoid the Door Zone

Always Ride Outside the Door Zone

The Door Zone is the 4-foot along the side of a parked car where an opening door can hit and seriously injure a cyclist.

How?• When riding in a bike lane

ride nearest the left outside line of the bike lane

• When riding on a street withouta bike lane ride at least 4 ft.from parked cars (this is may lead to you taking the lane)

Ride Predictably in a Straight Line

How? • Ride in a straight line• Avoid weaving between

parked cars• At least 4 ft. away from

parked cars avoidingthe “Door Zone”

Why?• To be visible• To be predictable

Signal and Communicate

How?• Scan (1st sign of your intentions)• Signal • Make eye contact• Be aware of other cyclist too!

When? • Whenever you are going to

make a lane change• When you are going to turn• When you are going to stop

Why?• To be predictable• To know you are seen• To signal your intentions• To be courteous

Crossing Intersections

To cross an intersection, use the lane farthest to the right that points to where you are going.

How?• Left Turn- Left Lane• Going Straight- Right Lane• To signal your intentions

Why?• To be predictable• To be seen• To be courteous

Don’t try to squeeze through cars, use the lanes!

Riding on Trails

How? • Keep to the right• Stop and yield for pedestrians• Pass carefully and slowly• Inform when passing what and where

– Ex: “Passing on Your Left”.

Why?• To be visible• To be predictable• Keep trails safe and enjoyable for all!

• Questions…

• Comments…

• Ideas…

• Find out more and sign up for a class at www.bikewalktwincities.org