Bicycle Safety

Key Safety Practices for Bicyclists

Following traffic laws and using appropriate gear are critical for staying safe while riding.

• Wear a Helmet: A properly fitted helmet should be worn on every ride, as it significantly reduces the risk of head and brain injuries.​

• Be Visible:

  • Wear brightly colored clothing for daytime riding.

  • Use reflective, light-colored clothing at night or in poor visibility.

  • Equip your bicycle with a white front headlamp and a red rear light or reflector for riding in darkness or twilight.

• Follow Traffic Laws: As a bicyclist on public streets, you must follow the same rules as other vehicle drivers.

  • Ride with the flow of traffic on the right side of the road.

  • Obey traffic lights, signs, and signals.

  • Use hand signals when turning.

  • Ride in dedicated bike lanes when available.

• Stay Alert: Avoid distractions like using headphones in both ears and be aware of traffic and potential road hazards.

• Inspect Your Bike: Regularly check that your brakes, tires, and chain are in good working condition.

 

Drivers Should Share the Road

Sharing the road safely with bicyclists is a shared responsibility, and drivers play a critical role in preventing accidents. Since a car weighs significantly more than a bike, drivers must be extra mindful of a cyclist's vulnerability.

Here are the most important ways drivers can safely share the road with bicyclists:

 

Give Space and Pass Safely

• Give a Wide Berth: When passing a bicyclist, you must give them plenty of room, treating them like any other slow-moving vehicle. Over 20 states have laws requiring drivers to give at least 3 feet of clearance when passing.

• Pass Only When Safe: Only pass a bicyclist when it is safe to do so and be aware that they may need to suddenly react to hazards like potholes or debris.

• Do Not Tailgate: Avoid following a bicycle too closely behind.

 

Be Alert, Especially at Intersections

• Look Twice for Turns: Before making a turn, look carefully for approaching bicyclists, especially when making a right turn or merging into a bike lane. Bicycles can move faster than you might expect.

• Avoid "Dooring": Before opening your car door when parked on the street, check your mirror and look over your shoulder for oncoming cyclists to prevent opening your door into their path.

• Respect Bike Lanes: Never park in a bike lane. When traveling next to or crossing a bike lane, use extra caution, as bicyclists in the bike lane have the right of way.

 

Respect Cyclist Rights and Behavior

• Bicyclists are Vehicles: Understand that cyclists 10 years and older are considered vehicles on the road, meaning they have the same rights and responsibilities as motorists and must obey all signs and signals.

• They Can "Take the Lane": Be prepared for bicyclists to use the entire lane if they need to, as they are entitled to do so, particularly for safety reasons (e.g., avoiding obstacles, preparing for a left turn).

• Be Patient: Adjust your attitude and be patient. Avoid distractions like mobile devices.

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Our Services 

• Bike Rodeos and helmet checks available through Bicycling in Greensboro.​

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Resources

• CDC: Bicycle Safety

• League of American Bicyclists

• National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)​