Bicycle Safety Tips

AAA has been involved in bike safety for close to 100 years through educational programs and outreach efforts.

AAA advises bicyclists to follow these safety tips:

Be Alert: Scan ahead, center, left and right.
Be Wary: Pay attention to vehicles, pedestrians and others on the road.
Be Seen: Use your horn, hand signals and light to be seen by others on the road.
Wear your helmet. Follow this simple rule and you reduce your risk of serious injury by as much as 85 percent.
Keep your head up and look ahead, not at the ground. You need to see what is coming up so you have time to react and maneuver.
One person per bike. Riding with unsecured passengers puts you at risk for injury to yourself and others.
Ride in single file with space between bikes.
Ride on the right side of the road, never against traffic. Otherwise, you are at risk for an accident – or a ticket.
Plan ahead if you will ride in a group. Agree on the route ahead of time. Have a plan on what you will do if separated by traffic.
If you will be riding in an unfamiliar area, check out local laws and rules first.
Avoid busy roads and peak traffic times on your route.
Before riding at night, ask someone to help you check your visibility to motorists.
Maintain the bikes in your household. Keep chains clean and lubricated and periodically inspect brake pads.