MHBC Guidelines for Safe Road RidingBicycle safety on the road is your responsibility. As a bicyclist you have the same rights and responsibilities as other road users. Be predictable, be alert, and be responsible. 1. Ride predictably, just as you would if you were operating a motor vehicle. Blending in with the normal traffic flow is the safest way to ride. Share the road. 2. Always ride on the right side of the road, with the flow of traffic. Riding on the left significantly increases your chances of being involved in a crash, especially at intersections, where motorists won’t expect you to be. RIDING ON THE RIGHT IS THE LAW. 3. Obey all traffic signs, signals, and other traffic control devices. 4. Always yield to overtaking traffic, and then signal before turning or changing lanes. If stopping for other than a traffic stop, pull to the right and out of the path of vehicles and other riders. 5. Ride single file, unless the law and traffic conditions allow you to ride two abreast. If overtaking another cyclist, pass to their left. Avoid passing to the right, if at all possible. Announce that you are "passing left" (or right, if unavoidable). 6. Yield to other vehicles and pedestrians when traffic law requires you to do so. 7. Be highly visible. In daytime, wear light, bright-colored clothing. Also, consider adding a flashing headlight and taillight to your bicycle to improve daytime visibility. At nighttime, including dusk and dawn, a bright white headlight and a red taillight are required by NYS law. At least one of these lights should also be visible from the sides. To make yourself even more visible at night, add reflectors to your bicycle and wear reflective clothing. Submitted by Paula Ward
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