1. Avoid Riding On Sidewalks.  Many people think that the sidewalk is a safe place to ride.  However, accident studies show that riding on sidewalks has about twice the accident risk as proper cycling on the road.  Sidewalk cyclists are in danger at every road crossing and even driveways because motorists do not look for fast traffic on the sidewalk.  Also, mixing pedestrians and cyclists is dangerous to both.  A bicycle “sidepath” next to a road is just about as dangerous as a sidewalk.  This is why cyclists are often required to walk bikes across intersections.  (Note the sign in the photo to the right.)  You are much safer in the street, following the rules of the road for drivers of vehicles.

2. Ride On The Right With Other Traffic.  Some people were taught to ride on the wrong side of the road so they can “see traffic coming”.  This is dangerous and it is illegal in all 50 states.  Pedestrians walk facing traffic so they can sidestep off the road, if necessary.  But you cannot sidestep on a bike.  The accident rate for wrong-way cyclists is 3.6 times as high as for cycling the "right" way.  Other drivers look for traffic coming from the usual direction.  They usually are not looking for wrong way traffic.

3. Be Visible!  Other drivers will not hit you IF they can see you.  Bright clothes make you easier to spot in the daytime but they are useless at night.  Riding without lights in the dark is a very dangerous mistake.  About thirty percent of cycling crashes occur at night although only about four percent of cycling is done then.  The reflectors that come with new bikes are grossly inadequate for nighttime safety.  Always use a headlight and taillight when you ride in the dark.  If you are caught by darkness without lights don't try to sneak home on the sidewalk.  Walk your bike home or call for a ride.  The photo at right shows the author's machine with two headlights.  Notice how little of the bike is visible other than the headlights.

5. Learn Proper Lane Position.  Beginners usually “hug the curb” and then wonder why cars pass so close.  Experienced cyclists let traffic pass when they can but they “take the lane” when needed for safety.  If cars are passing you too close, move a bit left to signal to passing drivers that they must use another lane to pass.  If you collect a string of cars behind you, try to find a safe way to let them pass.  It takes practice to learn to ride effectively in traffic.  The right tire track of the right lane is often a good place to ride on a narrow road.  (See the photo at right.)