Bicycle safety

"Biking to work is a great way to get exercise - plus I've gotten to know aspects of my neighborhood that I'd never noticed before!" – AB, White River Junction, VT

Follow the Rules of the Road

Ride with traffic and obey the same laws as motorists.

Use the rightmost lane that heads in the direction that you are traveling.

Obey all traffic control devices, such as stop signs, lights, and lane markings.

Always look back and use hand and arm signals to indicate your intention to stop, merge or turn.

Be Visible

Ride where drivers can see you

Wear brightly colored clothing at all times.

At night, use a white front light and red rear light or reflector. Wear reflective tape or clothing.

Be Predictable

Ride in a straight line and don’t swerve between parked cars.

Make your intentions clear to motorists and other road users.

Make eye contact with motorists to let them know you are there.

Do not ride on the sidewalk.

Signal turns, and check behind you well before turning or changing lanes.

Think Ahead

Anticipate what drivers, pedestrians, and other bicyclists will do next.

Be aware of traffic around you and be prepared to take evasive action.

Learn braking and turning techniques to avoid crashes.

Be extra alert at intersections.

Watch for turning vehicles and ride outside the door zone of parked cars.

Look out for debris, potholes, and utility covers.

Cross railroad tracks at right angles.

Wear a Helmet

Make sure that the helmet fits on top of your head, not tipped back or forward.

After a crash or any impact that affects your helmet, visible or not, replace it immediately.

Ride Ready

Check your tires have sufficient air, brakes are working, chain runs smoothly, and quick release wheel levers are closed.

Carry repair and emergency supplies appropriate for your ride.

Keep your cool

Road rage benefits no-one and always makes a bad situation worse.

More links and information

League of American Bicyclists

Vermont Bicycle Commuters Guide

Article: New 'Safe Passing' Law To Help Bikers

Bike-Walk Alliance of NH

Bicycle Pedestiran Info Center - NHDOT

Safe Routes to School

Vermont Bicycle & Pedestrian Coalition

New Hampshire Laws Pertaining to Bikes