People can ride a bicycle from early childhood until well into old age. Bicycles extend our mobility and can help keep us fit. But whether we ride bicycles for transportation, exercise or fun, we need to keep some safety tips in mind.
Wear a helmet every time you ride! Helmets are important for everyone, whether riding on the road or the trail. According the the Brain Injury Association, there are brain injuries every 4 minutes and 1 death a day that could be prevented by wearing a helmet. In Massachusetts, children under 16 must wear a helmet when riding a bike. Just wearing a helmet isn't enough; your helmet must fit properly to protect you. See the video on fitting your helmet on this page.
Go with the flow. In Massachusetts, bicycles are considered vehicles and must follow the rules of the road, with a few modifications. Always ride in the same direction as automobile traffic, otherwise you are out of the line of sight of others on the road.
Obey road signs and signals. If you are riding on the road, you must stop at stop signs and red lights.
Ride on the right side of the road, unless you are turning left. Stay to the right of the road to allow other traffic to pass. If you are turning left, stay to the right side of the left turn lane. For more detailed information on how to safely navigate in traffic, see the Same Roads. Same Rules on the MassBike website.
Beware of road grates and debris. Trash, sand, glass, rocks, etc. tends to settle on the right side of the road where you may be traveling. Ride so that you can avoid them, but be careful not to veer in front of cars that may be passing you.
Ride in a straight line. Be predictable. Don't weave in and out of parked cars.
Watch out for the other guy. Watch for cars exiting a driveway, pedestrians coming off a sidewalk or motorists opening their car door. Getting "doored" is a common cause of bicycle injury.
Use hand signals to let others know you plan to turn or stop. If you are turning left, put your left arm straight out; turning right: hold your left arm up and in an "L". To stop, put your left arm straight down.
Be sure that your bike fits you and is in operating condition. A bike that is too small or too tall is dangerous. Also check the ABC's before you set out:Air in your tires, your Brakes and your Chain.
Alert pedestrians or other bicycles when overtaking. Call out "on your left" or "passing on your right" when approaching another rider or walkers that you will pass. Startled people may veer into your path.
Obey the law! Massachusetts has laws that govern bicycling for adults and children. These laws have recently changed. Check the MassBike page on the laws in our state.
