Compiled by Barbara Day, M.S., R.D., C.N.
Here are the Rules of the Road. Be Courteous and that recommendation goes both ways!
Safety should be your first concern.
- Respect right of way of motorists.
- Obey traffic signals like from green to yellow light. Stop unless safety is a concern – wet pavement.
- Obey stop signs and stop lights. (My personal downfall is when riding in my own neighborhood – but am forcing myself to adhere to law. This makes motorists mad if you don’t obey the rules of the road).
- If riding with a group, look behind for another bike or car before changing position in a pace line.
- If riding with a group, if you see a pothole, a dog, or some debris on the road, let your fellow cyclists know by pointing.
- When over taking another cyclist or passing around a runner or walker, saying On Your Right or Car Up or Car Back to help ensure safety. As a runner, too, I can’t tell you have many times a cyclist has flown past me and one simple step from me could have caused a collision with the cyclist. When riding on Rails-To-Trails, dogs are also a problem. They don’t understand command like on your left so I am especially careful around dogs.
- In most states, riding two abreast is allowed unless in heavy traffic but sometimes the interpretation is left up to law officer’s discretion. Check your state’s policy.
- Cyclists should ride to the right in most cases but on a narrow road you should share the road without being run off the road for safety.
- When turning, using effective hand signals in a group will alert other cyclists as to your intention which can help with safety of both you and the other cyclist.
- Follow the GOLDEN RULE: ALWAYS KEEP YOUR COOL and remain courteous to other cyclists and motorists.
Barbara Day, M.S., R.D., C.N, is a registered dietitian (www.DayByDayNutrition.com) who has been teaching healthy lifestyles strategies to consumers for over 35+ years.