Bicycle Safety

Tips for Bicyclists

Carter bike.png

Be safe. Be seen. It's the law. Specifically, a bicycle operated between 1/2 hour after sunset and 1/2 hour before sunrise must have an appropriate white lamp on the front of the bike and a red reflector on the rear. Bike lights help ensure that motorists see bicyclists on the road, who are much more likely to suffer a serious or fatal injury than a driver of a motor vehicle in a crash.

Here are some additional tips to help you stay safe, and be seen:

  • Always Wear a Helmet. Never get on your bike without a well-fitting bike helmet!

  • Be Seen. Always make yourself visible to others by wearing neon or other bright colors when riding as well as something that reflects light or flashing lights. Use a white lamp on the front of your bike and a red reflector on the rear ½ hour after sunset and ½ hour before sunrise to ensure motorists see you when riding your bike.

  • Maintain Your Bike. Before riding, properly inflate tires, and check that the brakes work.

  • Follow the Rules of the Road. Bicycles on the roadway have the same rights and responsibilities as motorized vehicles. Ride on the right-hand side of the street in the same direction as other vehicles, and obey all traffic laws, including signs, signals, and lane markings. A bicycle is a vehicle, so always ride sober.

  • Ride Defensively and Predictably. Don’t assume drivers see you and watch for turning vehicles at intersections and driveways. Ride where you are expected to be seen and in a straight line, use appropriate hand signals, and always check for traffic before turning or switching lanes.

  • Stay Alert. Watch for anything that could make you lose control of your bike, including potholes, cracks, wet leaves, storm grates, or railroad tracks. Listen for traffic, and keep your eyes off personal electronics when you ride.

  • Avoid Sidewalk Riding if Possible. First, check to make sure sidewalk riding is legal in your area. If you must ride on the sidewalk, yield the right-of way to pedestrians and give an audible signal before passing. Exercise extra caution when crossing driveways and intersections.

Tips for Drivers

Bicyclists have all the rights and duties applicable to the driver of a vehicle and are permitted on all roadways unless specifically prohibited, like on limited access highways.

  • Give them Three. Give at least 3 feet when passing bicyclists. (Check your local ordinances – in some places, the requirement is greater than 3 feet)

  • Yield to Bicyclists. Yield to bicyclists as you would motorists, and do not underestimate their speed. This will help avoid turning in front of a bicyclist traveling on the road or sidewalk, often at an intersection or driveway.

  • Stay Alert. In parking lots, at stop signs, when backing up, or when parking, search your surroundings for other vehicles, including bicyclists. Take extra caution at intersections, especially when making turns.

  • Check Before Opening Your Door. Never open a car door without first checking for passing traffic, including bicyclists.

  • Never Drive or Park in a Bicycle Lane. It is illegal to drive or park in a bicycle lane. A driver may cross into a bicycle lane only when turning. This means that drivers are to make turns from the travel lane and not the bicycle lane.

Resources

Video Library

The Kent County Sheriff’s office has traditionally offered bike rodeos during the summer that teach children skills and precautions to ride a bicycle safely. While these in-person bike rodeos are currently suspended due to COVID-19, the Kent County Sheriff’s Office has created a virtual bike rodeo so that you and your children can create your own event at home.

Check out this video from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration for safety tips on riding your bicycle.

 

Grand Rapids Driving Change has also produced a number of videos related to bike safety. Check them out below, or visit their website to learn more!