Cycling rules of the road

• Use the road as any other vehicle - observe all traffic laws

• Never ride more than 2 abreast and get into single file when being overtaken by a motorized vehicle

• Ride with the flow of traffic  - never ride against traffic

• Ride as far right as practicable

• Ride on the shoulder when possible if it is in good condition

• Use the driving lane in slower and urban traffic and at all intersections

• Indicate your intended actions by signaling for turns

• Follow lane markings

• Be of sound and sober mind

Safety tips from your fellow STBC members

• It's safer to ride in a group

• Always wear an approved helmet (required on all STBC rides)

• Use eye protection to shield from dust, bugs and glare

• Wear bright clothing to maximize visibility to motorists

• Wear reflective clothing at night

• Use flashing front and rear lights day and night

• Use a rear view mirror to see what is coming from behind

• Use a bell or horn to warn others as necessary

• Don’t use ear buds while riding

• Have a small first aid kit in your saddlebag and keep it updated

• Know who in your group has CPR or other medical training

• Design routes favoring right turns when possible

• Choose a “sweep” rider to bring up the rear and establish communication with the ride leader

• Be courteous to all other road users

• Realize that motor vehicles travel at a faster speed and anticipate their maneuvers

• Never pass another bicyclist on their right, and alert them when passing on the left

• Exercise caution, particularly while being overtaken by traffic

• Alert riders ahead of you while being overtaken by a motor vehicle by calling out "Car Back!"

• Be extra cautious at intersections or when traffic is entering the road

• Alert pedestrians when overtaking with voice or a warning device to avoid startling them

• Pay attention to road conditions like pot holes, cracks, sticks, rocks and glass

• Signal to the rider behind you of a road hazard, vocally or with a sweep of the arm

• Advise the leader or sweep if you are going to leave the group

Some say it’s the motorist's responsibility...

In a survey of motorists who were stopped while driving and asked “what are you doing”, the replies were things like "going shopping, going to work, picking up the kids..."

Not one person stated that they were operating a motor vehicle.

Driving is such a routine event that is taken very lightly. 

Distracted driving, whether it’s talking with passengers or on a cell phone, or worst of all, texting while behind the wheel, is an epidemic. A distracted driver’s senses are not fully engaged in the task of driving. The human brain simply cannot divide its attention in such a way for any length of time to allow for safe driving. 

But cyclists play a big role in safety too...

Some of this falls upon you the cyclist... 

You are out in the clean air and feeling good. You are getting lost in the visual beauty of nature as your brain sends soothing waves to your body. But while you are relaxed and floating in the peace and tranquility of the ride...

Stay Alert !! – Stay Awake !! – Stay Alive !! 

Keep the rubber necking, the birdie watching and as well, the gabbing with all of your biking friends under control.

You are operating a bicycle with all of its responsibilities, so distractions can be deadly.

Bike defensively  - Never assume what anybody is going to do - Expect the unexpected.

Bicycling safety resources  

NYSDOT - https://www.dot.ny.gov/display/programs/bicycle/safety_laws/laws

This site has the New York State Laws that pertain to the safe operation of a bicycle.

Bike Safe - http://BicycleSafe.com

This site has diagrams that show in detail how to avoid being hit by a car, with very detailed explanations of each diagram. Also has more general tips

LAB - www.bikeed.org/

This site is a much more intensive educational site. You will find a complete bike safety course with reading material and video on bike safety, maintenance, adjustments and simple repairs. At the end of each education module there is a quiz. It takes about four hours to complete the entire course but you can do it in smaller blocks of time and return were you left off.

Kids Health - http://kidshealth.org/kid/watch/out/bike_safety.html

This site is geared toward older children with good reading comprehension skills. No quizzes or games to re-enforce the written information but good information. The site would be good for independent readers.

NHTSA - https://www.nhtsa.gov/road-safety.

This site has education material for young children. Printable activities you can do with you children or grand children, fun activities to re-enforce the written material.

Be Safe - http://www.be-safe.org/css_com/bicycle/basic_skills.html

This site is an interactive safety education site. It is very user friendly and suitable for adults and youths. Younger children would benefit from reviewing the web site with an adult.

Accident Guides -  http://www.injuryclaimcoach.com/state-car-accident-guides.html

This site provides guides that cover in detail laws and responsibilities as well as guidance for car accidents across all the states. 

NYBC -    https://nybc.net/education/test-your-knowledge?highlight=WyJxdWl6Il0=

 Think you know all there is to know about biking and walking? Take the NYBC quizzes to test your knowledge. These quizzes are designed to help you understand how bicyclists, motorists, and pedestrians can safely and respectfully share the road with one another. Whether you’re a cyclist, motorist, pedestrian, or all three, we have a quiz for you. We even have quizzes for youths and adults. Take them all and see what you know.