Bikes are a common sight to see here in Eau Claire, knowing some basic etiquette can help you as a rider, and your fellow students avoid accidents and stay safe.
Prepare and Be Aware
• Wear personal safety gear (helmet, gloves, sunglasses)
• Check your equipment.
* Inflate tires, ensure brakes work
* Have front and rear reflectors and white light for night riding.
• Ride only in safe weather conditions
• See and Be Seen.
* Wear neon, fluorescent, or bright colors to clearly been seen in the day or night.
* Especially at night, wearing reflective tape, markings or a using flashlight can help ensure drivers see you.
Many bicycle-related crashes resulting in injury or death are associated with the bicyclist’s behavior, including such things as not wearing a bicycle helmet, riding into a street without stopping, turning left or swerving into traffic that is coming from behind, running a stop sign, and riding the wrong way in traffic. (DOT HS 810 601, April 2006)
Riding on the Sidewalks
• Only ride on sidewalk if areas are marked permitting bikes or path is clear
• Watch for vehicles parked, turning, coming in, or out of driveways
• Loudly and clearly communicate presence to people walking (Verbal, “on your left”, or a bell ring)
• Be aware of oncoming bikers and pedestrians
Riding the Road
• Follow the flow of traffic
• Obey traffic laws, including yielding to traffic when appropriate
• Be predictable & stay alert, do not use your smartphone or headphones while riding and watch for road hazards
• Look before turning, use hand signals to communicate to drivers
Bicycles in many States are considered vehicles, and cyclists have the same rights and the same responsibilities to follow the rules of the road as motorists.
(DOT HS 810 601, April 2006)
