Bike safety tips from the League of Illinois Bicyclists, www.bikelib.org T R A N S P O BIKERight R Tis a A T I O N H E A L T H R E C R E A T I O N 15-18 hour program, activity you can enjoy for a lifetime ... if you do it right!
based on the League of American Bicyclists foundation Road I course, covering everything you need to know about on-road bicycling - the safest Always ride on the right, with the traffic flow. cycling choice for commuting and You’ll be more visible to cars and safer, esperecreation. cially at intersections. And—it’s the law.
Lane positioning
Intersection positioning Avoid you or a car cutting the other off. At intersections without turn lanes:
Sidepath bicycling
Other
Be aware of the intersection conflicts and visibility problems that often make biking on sidepaths (trails along roads) and sidewalks less safe than on-road cycling! This is true especially on roads with lots of side streets, commercial entrances, and other driveways.
Status on roads—By state law, bicyclists are granted all the rights on the road and are subject to all the rules for car drivers. Traffic laws apply to cyclists—ignoring them hurts our public perception! Cyclists fare best when we act and are treated like other vehicles on the road. For example, wait for and take your turn when you have the right-of-way.
1) when clear, merge into the left part of the lane to turn left; 2) to goFor straight, many of us, bike safety training ended at Many right-turning Don’t hug the road edge— move out a bit cars (Car B) stop leave some room to avoid balancing a bicycle. Those who learn more, ride with into the lane—to Riding Side-by-Side—Riding two abreast is Brief Course Outline: past the stopline or Controlling a narrow lane in downtown Ferguson hazards. Don’t allow cars to prevent right turn permitted as long as the normal and reasonmore confidence, in more places, with a much better only look to their squeeze by dangerously in cutoffs; 3) stay able movement of traffic is not impeded. left. Bike 2 might narrow lanes—force right forsafety a right record. 4. When approaching a place wherethe a right turn ession 1: 5-6 hour classroom and bike check for fit and mechanical condition and preliminary be seen, but Bike 1 passing situation that it is. turn. n-road exercises on quiet street or parking lot. is authorized. Use eye contact to communicate with drivers. is much less likely In very wide lanes (below), Wear a helmet—your brain to beSignal seen. your intentions. out a bit further to 5. When riding on amove one-way highway with two is worth protecting! Adjust ession 2: 5-6 hour on-bike, starting with 1 to 1-1/2 h on the parking lot [riding in a straight line/ remain visible to cars. or more marked traffic lanes. Here, bicyclists You may also make a “pedestrian-style” left for a level, snug fit: Even if Bikes 1 & 2 canning behind/hazard avoidance techniques]. Street ride, starting on low-trafficked streets and turn. Go straight through the intersection, 1) EYES—should see helmet are seen by rightmay ride as near to the left-hand curb or orking up with me leading and students rotating into #2 position behind. stop, turn your bike left 90 degrees, thenfrom the left side as Signals shall be given edge when you look up turning Car A, who of Bicyclists have all the rights and responsibilities edge of such roadway as practicable. proceed as if you were coming from the right. 2) EARS—straps should form has the right-offollows: Your brain is worth protecting! other road users. Your actions affect a “Y” just under your ears (ILCS 5/11-1505) ession 3: 5-6 hour on-bike, starting in parking lot [hazard avoidance exercises]. Street ride same way isthe not public’s always 3) MOUTH—straps loose Adjust for a level, snug understood. Try to oute as before but with me in #2 position and students rotating into #1 position to receive one-onopinion of cyclists. For your bicycling safety and toenough for afit. Left turn - hand and arm extended horizontally. finger between make1. eye Eyes contact, ne coaching. should see helmet edge buckle and jaw, but tight do your part to share the road, read state’s traffic and the be defensive. If there are Right turn - hand and arm extended upward, enough that the helmet pulls when you look up. laws at www.bikelib.org/education/laws.htm Riding two abreast is any turn down on top your head when ve been teaching adults and older children for 10 years and have gradually improved my except bicyclists may extend the right hand To turn Car C - straps 2. left, EARS should form a “Y” lanes, ride in you open your mouth wide permitted as long as the looks ahead on the structional methods and materials over that time. I've found that it takes at least 15-18 hours to and arm horizontally and to the right side of the rightjust under your ears. road for a gap in over the material thoroughly. I can handle a large classroom class if space permits but when it normal and most lane the bicycle. Ride reasonable in a straight traffic, then accel3. MOUTH straps loose enough for a finger omes to the on-bike sessions class size is limited to 4 students per instructor, soline. each student going to your dodging movement ofAvoid traffic is erates during the See, be and seenjaw, and be Use lights at between buckle butheard. tight enough destination. Stop or Decrease of Speed - hand and arm nrolling will get plenty of personal attention. between parked cars. turn. Again, the not impeded. Riding night or in poor visibility. A white headlight bike going in the thethe that helmet pulls down on top of When riding on roadways and bicycle paths Riding two abreast is permitted as long as normal and rear red reflector are requiredyour by law. extended downward. more than two Also, lookabreast inside same direction as Fees: Ferguson residents $60,speed, non-resident with $10 discount for each additional Flashing lights are especially head when you open your moutheffective. wide. Use at less than normal traffic ride as$80, close parkedexcept cars before and reasonable movement of traffic is not impeded. the adjacent cars is prohibited family member. Classes by arrangement, usually on Saturday and/or passing. Sunday. Especially if bike reflectors, reflective clothing, and a bell. Signal not less than the last 100 feet before the (Bike 4) might be as practicable and safe to the onlocal paths or see parts of or Location: Classroom session in my home; on-bike instruction on roads. you a driver seen, but you’re turn, and while bicycle is stopped waiting to turn. curb or$12 edge of theor League Guide to Safe Cycling $18roadways can’t avoidfor the right-hand Student Notebook [33 pages] [128 pages] setsee, aside less visible against Signals need not be given continuously if the Be predictable—signal your intentions. Also “door zone”—the 4 roadway except: the flow (Bike 3).proficient at looking over your shoulder Become the exclusive use of bicycles. use eye contact to communicate with drivers. feet along parked hand is needed Anticipate when For1. more information: Please Bicyclists Cycling When overtaking andcontact Martin Pion, League of American without swerving. Consider cars where doors (ILCS 5/11-1505.1) Car C will turn and Instructor, 6 Manor Lane, Ferguson, MO 63135. in the control of LEFT RIGHT may suddenly open. passing another bicycle or getting aSLOW/STOP rearview mirror. assume you have Tel: 314/524-8029 fax 524-8129 <mpion@swbell.net> operation of Keep the right, pass on not been seen. Leave three feet of space when passing a vehicle proceeding in the Checking traffic in back of you the left. Announce bicycle. intentions to pass. bicycle. It’s the law! same direction; or can help you blend better with Some of the illustrations herein are copyMove off trail when (ILCS 5/11-806) 2. When preparing for a left turn; or the flow of traffic. righted by Wordspace Press, and may not be In each case above, cyclists biking legally on stopped. Yield to used without the written permission of the right side of the road are within the view 3. When reasonably necessary to avoid other users as shown Wordspace Press (www.wordspacepress.com, areas of the turning motorists. on left. 773/292-0932).
Safe Riding Skills
Beprecede predictable—ride in a straight line. Learn Classroom presentations to look parking lot practice and how cycling on behind local you without swerving. streets, working up from residential to more trafficked roads.
Know the Laws
Safety
Bicyclists have all the rights and responsibilities of other road users. Your actions affect the public’s opinion of cyclists. For bicycling safety and to do your part to share the road, read and obey Illinois traffic laws.
Hand Signals
Be Predictable
Know the Laws
Wear a Helmet
Cars Passing Bikes
Riding Side-by-Side
Lane Positioning
Be Predictable Trail Etiquette Left
Scanning Behind
Stop
Right
Parental Responsibility
fixed or moving objects, parked or moving vehicles, bicycles, motorized pedal cycles, pedestrians, animals, surface hazards, or substandard width lanes that make it unsafe to continue along the right-hand curb or edge. A “substandard width lane” means a lane that is too narrow for a bicycle and a vehicle to travel safely side by side within the lane.
Illinois law states that a parent or guardian shall not knowingly www.bikelib.org/education/tips.pdf permit a child to violate the laws governing bicycle use. (ILCS 5/11-1501)
Use eye contact to communicate with drivers. Signal your intentions.
See, Be Seen, and Be Heard Use lights at night or in poor visibility. Flashing lights and reflective clothing are very effective. Use a bell.
Bicycles are for transportation, B Iyou K E the too! When can, leave car at home and bike to work, transit, or errands. It’s an efficient way to fit exercise into your schedule. Feel better and save $$$.
C O M M U T I N G
Illinois State Police Jonathon E. Monken, Director
Bike Safety
Learn commuting tips at www.bikelib.org/commute
BICYCLES ARE FOR
Bike Safety Tips
Bike Shops TRANSPORTATION TOO!
Typical Crashes Involving Child Bicyclists
Illinois has more than 150 specialty bike shops which have bikes to suit everyone. The shops have the experience and parts bicyclists’ traffic violations disturb toAlthough keep your bike rolling and even anger some motorists, they are plus accessories — usually not the major causes of crashes with helmets, jerseys, shorts, motorists have motor vehicles. Nonetheless, shoes and Find a shopfor nearest to you at no right to more. intimidate bicyclists riding in the road, where they have a legal right to be. www.bikelib.org/shoplist
Most are caused by the bicyclists, such as riding out of a residential driveway, alley or side street without first looking, failing to stop at stop signs or traffic lights, and making left turns without first looking over their shoulder for approaching traffic and signaling. With training, these crashes can be prevented.
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Typical Crashes Involving Adult Bicyclists
8.
No Justification for Intimidation
Everyone gets where they’re going safely when everyone shares the road and shows patience and courtesy.
See, Be Seen, and Be Heard Use lights at night or in poor visibility. Flashing lights and reflective clothing are very effective. Use a horn or bell to be heard.
Most are caused by motorists, such as failing to yield when making turns in front of bicyclists and failing to yield at stop signs and traffic lights. The exception: bicyclists riding against the flow of traffic. By sharing the road, observing traffic laws, and being patient and courteous, these crashes can be prevented by motorists and bicyclists.
State of Illinois Pat Quinn, Governor
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Wear a helmet at all times. Obey all traffic laws, signs, and signals. Keep to the right side of the roadway. Keep brakes, lights, reflectors, horn or bell, and all safety devices in good working condition. Learn and use hand signals for turns and stops. Follow the Rules of the Road, but ride defensively. Avoid riding after dark. If you must ride after dark, the bike must have a headlight and taillight or reflector. Do not speed, race, or weave in and out of traffic. Do not carry passengers or large packages. Never hitch on to a truck, car, or other moving vehicle. Keep both hands on the handle bars, except to signal a turn or stop. Be cautious and ride defensively. If needed, dismount and walk the bike across dangerous intersections or streets. Never squeeze into narrow places or between two vehicles. Printed by the Authority of the State of Illinois ISP Central Printing Section Printed on Recycled Paper ISP 5-35 (3/09) 50M www.illinois.gov www.isp.state.il.us
Organized Rides Bike clubs and charities sponsor annual rides for the public. The rides have maps, marked courses of varying distances, rest stops with snacks and drinks and SAG vehicles to support the bicyclists. Ride with hundreds of other bicycle enthusiasts, typically on quiet rural roads. For a listing of one-day rides or weekState Police long tours, goIllinois to www.bikelib.org/ridelist