Biking Safety Tips - ACT Smart, ACT Safe!

Follow these simple safety tips to ensure a fun, injury-free ACT 8 ride!

Safe Biking

Before you get on your bike, put on a helmet. Always, always, always.
Bicycles have the same rights and responsibilities as cars.
Stop at stop signs and stoplights. If you are hesitant to stop because of the momentum it takes to get going again, learn how to down shift, just like in a car. (Read more about this in the Shifting Section.)
When stopping at a light or a stop sign, stop behind the line of cars. Do not attempt to pass them on the right.
Use hand signals to indicate intentions. Always use your left arm. Left arm out and up for a right turn; Left arm straight out for a left Turn; Left arm out and down for slowing or stopping.
Never ride against traffic.
Watch for car doors opening from parked cars.
Stay as far to the right as safely possible. Give at least three feet clearance to parked cars and pedestrians.
Always approach railroad tracks at a 90-degree angle.
Wet roads? Double your normal braking distance.
Leaves? Gravel? Ice? Relax, anticipate the road condition, keep the bike underneath you and stay centered over your bike. Try to keep the wheels straight. Don't brake or turn unless necessary.
Never wear headphones while riding. You need to be able to hear approaching danger in order to avoid it.
If you have pedals that clip to your shoes, make sure to get through an intersection before attempting to clip in.

Call out hazards to your fellow riders.
Ride single file. Although Wisconsin law does permit bicycles to ride side-by-side as long as other traffic is not impeded, it is simply safer to ride single file.
If you need to pass, pass on the left side and yell out "Passing on the left."

You'll learn more about group safety on the ACT 8 training rides.