Smart Riding is Safe Riding

Whether you're a motorist, bicyclist, or pedestrian, knowing about safety for your desired mode of travel is important. The Department of Motor Vehicles makes a driver's manual teaching motorists how to drive safely, so why not have a manual teaching bicyclists the same? Bicyclists are road-users too. Well, the wait is over because now "Safe Bicycling in the Washington Area" is here!

A partnership of BikeArlington, the Washington Area Bicyclist Association, and the District of Columbia Department of Transportation worked together to create "Safe Bicycling in the Washington Area". This booklet instructs the reader on everything the beginner and intermediate bicyclist needs to know, including:

cover of Safe Bicycling in Washington Area

- fitting and equipping your bike;

- where and how to park your bike;

- how to choose a good helmet;

- traffic basics;

- lane positioning, turning, and passing;

- what to wear in the dark and in inclement weather;

- and a whole lot more!

"Safe Bicycling in the Washington Area" is an invaluable guide and a biker's bible. You can download the booklet for free.

The following items are things every cyclist needs to know:

traffic signs Obey all traffic signs and signals

They apply to all vehicles, including bicycles. Obeying the law is the best way to gain respect from other road users. Bicyclists can be ticketed for traffic violations.

Always ride with traffic

Riding against traffic is unpredictable. Drivers turning at intersections, exiting driveways or leaving parking spaces are not expecting wrong way bicyclists. diagram showing proper side of street to ride on

diagram showing proper riding position to the right of the street
Ride as far to the right as practicable
but stay far enough away from the curb to avoid hazards. Ride three feet from parked cars to avoid a suddenly opened car door, and ride in a straight line.

Ride further out in the lane

when traveling at the same speed as other traffic, when the lane is too narrow to safely share with cars, and when approaching intersections to be more visible. diagram showing proper lane position

diagram showing proper clearance Three feet of clearance

is required when passing moving or stopped cars or bicycles. Motorists passing bicycles have to give three feet of clearance, too.

Go straight in a through lane,

not a right turn only lane. Make left turns from the left lane, if there is one, or the left side of the through lane. Look behind you for traffic and give hand signals before turning. diagram showing proper use of lanes for turns

diagram of proper lane change To change lanes,

look behind you for traffic and signal first. Traffic in the lane you want to move into has the right of way. Look back and wait for an opening in traffic before moving over.

Two ways to make a left turn

(1) Look back for traffic, signal, and move to the left side of the lane when safe.
(2) Ride straight through the intersection, dismount at the opposite corner and walk your bike across the street. diagram showing how to make a left turn

diagram illustrating how to scan the road ahead Scan the road ahead

At intersections, watch for turning cars and pedestrians. Mid-block, watch for cars pulling out of driveways, alleys and parking spaces. Make eye contact with other drivers. Yield the right of way to pedestrians in crosswalks.

Ride single file

when other traffic is present. Riding two-abreast is permitted as long as other traffic in not impeded. diagram of riding in sigle file or abreast where appropriate

diagram showing how to cross railroad tracks Cross railroad tracks at a right angle

to avoid getting your front wheel caught. Slow down and look behind you for traffic. Change your lane position if necessary to line up to cross the tracks at right angle. Return to your original lane position after crossing the tracks.

Pass buses on the left

Bus drivers have blind spots to their right and rear. Passing on the right could get you squeezed against the curb if the bus pulls over. Be prepared to stop - for pedestrians who may cross the street in front of the bus. diagram showing how to pass a bus

illustration of riding on a sidewalk Bicycling on sidewalks

is permitted, avoid bicycling upon sidewalks, especially in areas where motorists may not expect bicyclists or may have obstructed visibility. Pedestrians always have the right of way on sidewalks and in crosswalks. Give an audible warning before passing pedestrians, and pass with care.

Watch for cars crossing the sidewalk

at driveways, alleys and intersections. Buildings, fences, poles, trees, shrubs, and parked cars can hide you from traffic and make it difficult for you to see them, too. At intersections, you have the same responsibilities as pedestrians. diagram showing how to watch for traffic crossing sidewalks

diagram showing how to scan for traffic when entering street from a driveway Stop and scan for traffic

before entering the street from a driveway, alley or sidewalk. Look left, right, and left again, and wait for traffic to clear before entering the street.

Be visible

At night, a white light to the front and a red rear reflector are required. Additional lights and reflectors can, and should, be used. Bright colors help you to be seen during the day. illustration of bike with lights

Helmets

Helmet Helmets will not prevent accidents; however, they are valuable protective devices proven to be effective in reducing serious head injuries and fatalities during crashes and spills. Because even a careful and skillful bicyclist will crash occasionally, it is important to wear a helmet whenever you ride.

Helmets are required equipment for all bicyclists age 14 and under in Arlington, Alexandria and Fairfax County.

To obtain a free consumers guide to bicycle helmets, call Washington Area Bicyclist Association at 202-518-0524.

Bicycling Instruction

Child on bike Always teach your child to ride a bicycle safely before allowing the child to ride without you or another trusted supervisor. Adults interested in safety tips, long distance touring, commuting techniques or competition can also benefit from expert instruction.

The Arlington County Police Department has four district offices which can provide bicycle instruction to a group of at least 20 school-aged children when the class is initiated by a community organization such as a religious institution, civic association, service club, scout troop or youth club. Simply contact the appropriate district to arrange a time when an officer is available to conduct the class, sign up the children, and provide a safe location for the class. Call the following Police Department District offices for details.

The Districts will give lectures to classes and organizations on crime prevention tactics for pedestrians and bicyclists. There are many effective confidence-building tips! Call the appropriate District for details.

District One (northern and western Arlington)....................228-4130
District Two (Rosslyn to Ballston)....................................228-4150
District Three (southern Arlington)...................................228-3556
District Four (Crystal City, Pentagon City, Arlington Ridge)....228-4140

Youth and adult bicyclists may want to check out the Effective Cycling instruction offered by the League of American Bicyclists. Certified instructors teach a variety of classes for nominal fees to ages eight and up. Courses range from riding in traffic and emergency maneuvers to tour preparation and bicycle mechanics. For the name and number of an instructor near you, write to the League of American Bicyclists, 1612 K Street NW, Suite 401, Washington, DC 22206, (202) 822-1333 or E-mail labedu@aol.com.

Pedestrian Safety Around Bicycles and Bike Trails

If you are walking or jogging at night, make yourself visible; walk where the lighting is best, wear light colored, reflective clothing, use a battery power safety light at night, and walk where bicyclists can easily see you. You want to make sure that a bike commuter, riding at night, can see you well in advance.

Be aware of your position on the trail. Stay to the right. Don't suddenly cross a trail or turn around without looking to see what is behind you. You may not be able to hear a bike approaching from the rear.

If you are wearing headphones and listening to music, you probably won't be able to hear an audible warning from a biker or rollerblader when they are going to pass you. Don't change course with out visually checking in all directions.

Pedestrians should follow all safety practices such as crossing with traffic signals, using crosswalks when available.

Baby on Board

If you are considering carrying a child on your bicycle, first talk to some experienced bicyclists. It requires more strength and balancing skill than you might suspect, and there is also the danger of your attention being distracted when the child grabs at passing objects or holds out an arm at passing motor vehicles. Rear- mounted child carriers must have enclosed aprons to keep the child's feet out of the spokes.

A better alternative is to use a bicycle trailer with one or two seats which can carry up to 80 pounds. Either way, ride with extra caution and remember that both children and adults should always wear helmets while bicycling. These carriers are also great for grocery shopping when the kids stay home.

Dad with double child carrier snoozing in a single carrier

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