Bicycle Safety - Riding Tips

Avoid riding at night, but if you must, use a headlight, a taillight, reflectors on your pedals and wear bright, reflective clothing.
Scan the road behind you. Check over your shoulder as you ride being careful not to loose your balance or swerving. Many riders use a handle bar or helmet mounted rear view mirror.
Always look back before changing lanes or position in your lane to make sure you are not turning in front of someone.
Go slow on sidewalks and bike paths. Pedestrians have the right-of-way. When passing pedestrians give an audible warning to let them know you are passing. Keep a careful eye out when passing driveways. Many drivers back out without even looking.
Always obey traffic signs and signals. Many accidents a year stem from bicyclists not obeying the same rules as automobiles.
When riding on the street always ride with traffic not against it.
Make sure you use hand signals when turning or stopping. Ride in a straight and don't weave between parked cars unless they are far apart.
Don't pass a car on the right. Vehicles turning right may not be looking for a bike coming up on their right side.

Village of Oxford Michigan Police Department