With summer here we are outside doing fun things including riding our bicycles. Here are ten smart rules to consider when you ride your bike:
Protect your head: Always wear a helmet when riding your bicycle.- Stay visible: If drivers can see you, they are less likely to hit you. Use lights when biking at night or in low-light conditions.
- Look, signal & look again: Use hand signals to let drivers and other bicyclists know where you’re going. Look and make eye contact. Don’t assume drivers will stop.
- Stay alert: Keep a lookout for obstacles in your path.
- Go with the flow: Bike in the direction of traffic.
- Act like a car: Drivers are used to the patterns of other drivers. Don’t weave in & out of traffic. The more predictably you ride, the safer you are.
- Don’t get distracted: Don’t listen to music or talk on the phone while riding.
- Obey all traffic laws and lights: Traffic laws pertain to bike riders also.
- Assure bicycle readiness: Make sure your bike is properly adjusted and your seat in a comfortable position.
- Do a quick bicycle test: Check your brakes and your wheels.
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The Cleveland Police Foundation, in partnership with the Cleveland Division of Police and the Ohio Crime Prevention Association present these tips so citizens can help to make our community safer.