Stay focused and alert

Cycling when you’re distracted can be just as dangerous as driving distracted. Avoid being on your phone and having it in your hand while cycling. For hearing cyclists, zoning out to music or a podcast on headphones can make you unaware of what’s around you, like a bus or car coming near you.

When you’re not focused and alert, you’re more likely to make a sudden movement that can be jarring to cyclists or drivers around you, particularly when stopping or turning. You also might get too close to a just-parked car and risk getting “doored”.

Ride with the flow of traffic

It’s a misconception that riding against the flow of traffic can be safer if you’re a less experienced cyclist. The reasoning is that you’ll be able to react faster since you can see who is coming your way. However, this is confusing to other cyclists and to drivers.

Cyclists correctly going with the flow of traffic may have to go around you unexpectedly, putting themselves in danger. You’ll also simply be in a place where cars are not expecting you to be, making it likely they won’t see you.

Know signs, hand signals, and lanes

As a cyclist, understanding the language of cycling—whether road signs, hand signals, or lane markings—is critical. You can learn more about how to recognize Share the Road signs, how to communicate your next move using cycling hand signals, and how to decipher road markings for different types of bike lanes, here.

Also, ride as close to the right side of the road as you can, whenever possible, though it’s fine to be in the center of the lane when you’re turning or when you’re in a shared lane.

Use the right equipment

Helmets can help protect you from injury. Reflective gear and clothing help drivers see you at night. White front and red rear lights, as well as spoke lights, also help others see you at night.

If you’re deaf or hard of hearing (HOH), bike and jersey accessories can communicate this to other cyclists or other drivers. There’s a lot of great equipment out there to help keep you safe—we’ll soon have a special section devoted to sharing our favorites. Stay tuned!

Make eye contact

Don’t assume that others on the road have seen you. They might be distracted!

Do your best to make eye contact before making a turn or crossing a road, so you can be sure others are aware of your presence.

Obey traffic lights, road signs, and road markings

Yep—they apply to you, too. You have the same rights and responsibilities on the road as a driver.

Running a light or stop sign can be just as dangerous when a cyclist does it as when a car does. So is ignoring a road sign or road marking indicating where you can and can’t bike on the road.