City of Davis

Bike Safety and Education

Whether you ride to commute, for errands, or recreationally, the League of American Bicyclists offers “Five Steps to Riding Better” for safe bicycling with pedestrian, bicycle, or vehicle traffic. The website includes a variety of resources for cyclists of all levels of experience. To learn more about biking safely, Click Here.

Riding a bicycle is fun and by using your bicycle instead of a car, you can help reduce air pollution and traffic congestion. Bikes are great for errands. Trips to the convenience store, the park, a restaurant, etc. are easy and fun.

• Obey Traffic Signs And Signals
  Bicycles must drive like other vehicles if they are to be taken seriously by motorists
• Never ride with headphones;
• Always wear a helmet
• Never ride against traffic
  Motorists aren't looking for bicyclists riding on the wrong side of the road. State law and common sense require that bicycles drive like other vehicles.
• Use Hand Signals
  Hand signals tell motorists and pedestrians what you intend to do. Signal as a matter of law, of courtesy, and of self-protection.
• Don't Weave In Between Or Leave The Curb Between Parked Cars
  Don't ride out from between parked cars. Motorists may not see you when you enter traffic.
• Follow Lane Markings
  Don't turn left from the right lane.
• Chose The Best Way To Turn Left
  There are two ways to make a left turn. (1) Like an auto: signal, move into the left turn lane and turn left. (2) Like a pedestrian: ride straight to the far-side crosswalk. Walk your bike across.
• Don't Pass On The Right
  Motorists may not look for or see a bicycle passing on the right. Pass on the left like other vehicles.
• Make Eye Contact With Drivers
  Assume that other drivers don't see you until you are sure that they do. Eye contact is important with any driver which might pose a threat to your safety.
• Scan The Road Behind
  Learn to look back over your shoulder without losing your balance or swerving. Some riders use rear-view mirrors, but still look before turning.
• Avoid Road Hazards
  Watch out for gravel or debris. Cross railroad tracks at right angles.
• Keep Both Hands Ready To Brake
  You may not stop in time if you brake one-handed. Allow extra distance for stopping in the rain, since brakes are less efficient when wet.
• Be visible: wear bright colors in daylight and use lights at night
• Keep your bike in good repair
  Adjust your bike to fit you and keep it working properly. Check brakes and tires regularly. Routine maintenance is simple and you can learn to do it yourself.
• About traffic circles:
  • Merge into the circle smoothly just like you would on a freeway onramp.
  • Traffic always flows counter-clockwise.
  • Bikes already in the circle have the right-of-way over bikes entering the circle.
  • If you miss your exit, just continue around the circle until you reach your exit point again.