Bicycle Safety

Erving Police Patch
Erving Police Department

 

Be smart. Follow bike safety rules.

Bicycles are fun but they are not toys. They are vehicles just like cars and trucks and buses. Follow bike safety rules to keep yourself and others safe.

  1. Your bike helmet is your most important piece of biking equipment. Wear it at all times, even for short trips. It can save your life.
  2. For your own safety and others', be sure to stop at all red lights, yield to oncoming traffic and obey street signs.
  3. Keep to the right side and ride single file in the same direction as traffic.
  4. Use hand signals when you stop or make a turn. This lets drivers and other bicycle riders know what you are going to do. Always use your left hand to signal.
  5. Keep both hands on the handlebars. Never carry passengers. Avoid overloading baskets so you can't see.
  6. Look to the right and left before crossing. Walk your bike through busy intersections.
  7. Stop, look left, right and left again before leaving a sidewalk, driveway, alley or parking lot. Enter traffic only when the road is clear.
  8. Watch for road hazards such as potholes, glass and sand. Also watch for parked vehicles entering traffic, doors opening unexpectedly or cars pulling out of driveways.
  9. Dusk or night riding is extremely dangerous even with reflective clothing. If necessary, walk your bike home at night or call for someone to pick you up.
  10. Always wear bright or highly visible clothing. Avoid clothing that can get caught in bike chains. Use a strap or band to secure pant legs if necessary. Make sure shoelaces are securely tied. A refelctive vest or arm refelctor is recommended at all times.
  11. Brakes should tighten and release smoothly and quickly. To test them, squeeze levers as you push your bike forward. Your wheels should not move.
  12. Check air pressure. Tires should be firm to the touch. Examine them for cuts, cracks or bulges.
  13. Your bike should have front and rear reflectors. Check to make sure they are secured tightly and are clean.
  14. Your chain should be well oiled. It is a good idea to oil it once a month.