Even if you are an experienced cyclist, it’s a good idea to review the fundamentals periodically. You may also want to review them with younger cyclists in your family.
The best guideline is: Be Alert. Be Wary. Be Seen.
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.
10 Tips for Safer Cycling
Communicate your intention to turn, stop, and change lanes using recognized hand signals. Learn more about hand signals for bicyclists here.
What is a Hazard?
Both road and weather conditions can be dangerous to riders. Identifying potential hazards and paying attention to your surroundings will keep you safer.
Hazards on the road
Make safe choices
Avoid riding at twilight or in the dark, especially on narrow roads and roads with speed limits that exceed 35 mph.
Source: AAA Exchange
Article coming soon.
The League of American Bicyclists five "Rules of the Road" are the core of their Smart Cycling program and will prepare you for a safe and fun bike commute no matter where you are riding.
Your safety and image of bicyclists depend on you. You have the same rights and duties as drivers. Obey traffic signals and stop signs. Ride with traffic; use the rightmost lane headed in the direction you are going.
Make your intentions clear to everyone on the road. Ride in a straight line and don't swerve between parked cars. Signal turns, and check behind you well before turning or changing lanes.
Ride where people can see you and wear bright clothing. Use a front white light, red rear light and reflectors when visibility is poor. Make eye contact with others and don't ride on sidewalks.
Anticipate what drivers, pedestrians, and other people on bikes will do next. Watch for turning vehicles and ride outside the door zone of parked cars. Look out for debris, potholes, and other road hazards. Cross railroad tracks at right angles.
Check that your tires have sufficient air, brakes are working, chain runs smoothly, and quick release levers are closed. Carry tools and supplies that are appropriate for your ride. Wear a helmet.
>> Learn more safety tips in What Every Michigan Bicyclist Must Know
You may think it’s the handlebars that do the steering on a bike, but your body actually does the majority of the steering. If you turn by just moving your handlebars, you will make turns that are wide and clumsy. The tighter and smoother the turn, the more you have to lean.
Your job is to use small motions to steer the front wheel as little as possible to keep the bike directly under your center of gravity.
Source: League of American Bicyclists
Since 2006, the League of Michigan Bicyclists has distributed over 300,000 copies of What Every Michigan Bicyclist Must Know and What Every Young Michigan Bicyclist Must Know. The booklets are designed to help bicyclists safely and enjoyably share the public roads and trails of Michigan with other users. The booklet contains information about traffic laws, safety equipment, road and lane placement, signs and markings, fixing a flat, bike and helmet fitting tips, and more.
This handy booklet is designed for individual bicyclists, but is also an excellent resource for law enforcement agencies and other organizations interesting in distributing safety information.
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>> Download a Copy
What Every Young Michigan Bicyclist Must Know
What Every Young Michigan Bicyclist Must Know booklet is a companion piece to our adult publication, What Every Michigan Bicyclist Must Know. It was created to help young bicyclists understand how to ride their bicycles legally and safely in Michigan.
After realizing that many of the adult versions of this publications were actually being distributed at youth bicycle events, the League of Michigan Bicyclists created a stand alone document specifically targeted at elementary school-aged children.The publication is filled with colorful illustrations by Michigan artist Ray Templin. The playful art is coupled with simple text developed by the League of Michigan Bicyclists to help make it fun and easy for children to learn about bicycle safety.
If you or a group that you are associated with is involved with youth bicycle safety, please considere incoporating this document into your training or events.
>> Request copies by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
>> View PDF Preview
>> Download a Copy
What Every Michigan Bicyclist Must Know by League of Michigan Bicyclists
What Every Young Michigan Bicyclist Must Know by League of Michigan Bicyclists