Why Use a Bicycle to Get Around?

A bicycle will certainly be one of the least expensive ways to get around. It will be healthier for you and for the environment.

If you can’t bicycle all the way to work, have you thought about bicycling to a bus stop and then loading the bicycle on the bike racks on the bus for the rest of the trip? Most Cortland Transit buses have bike racks on the front of the bus.

How about bicycling to the store or farmers market instead of using your car?

TOP 10 RULES FOR SAFE CYCLING

1. Cyclists, like motorized vehicle operators, must ride defensively and be aware at all times.

2. Cyclists should always ride single file, each following safety rules and signals independently.

3. Wearing light, bright clothing makes a cyclist much more visible.

4. Cyclists should use caution when riding at night. Reflectors, headlights, and backlights are necessary for night riding.

5. Cyclists should never wear headphones or use a cell phone while biking. These prevent you from hearing other sounds around you.

6. When approaching an intersection, cyclists must stop, look both ways, and signal.

7. Always use hand signals to show a left or a right turn and a stop.

8. Ride on the right side, with traffic.

9. Everyone should always wear a helmet. The law requires all children under the age of 14 to wear a helmet when bicycling or skate boarding.

10. Make sure your helmet fits properly. Front should be about an inch above eye brows, in center of forehead, securely clasped and snug under the chin. No baseball caps under the helmet.

 

TIPS FOR SHARING THE ROAD WITH BICYCLISTS

Bicyclists have the right to share the road and travel in the same direction as motor vehicles. They are often difficult to notice in traffic and have little protection from a traffic crash. Check your vehicle’s “blind spots” before you make a turn, parallel park, open a door or leave a curb. Don’t rely only on your rearview mirrors—turn your head to look for bicyclists, skaters and scooter operators who maybe alongside or approaching.

 

• Drive Cautiously. Reduce speed when encountering cyclists. Don’t tailgate, especially in bad weather. Recognize hazards cyclists may face and give them space.
• Yield to Cyclists. Bicycles are considered vehicles. Cyclists should be given the appropriate right of way. Allow extra time for cyclists to traverse intersections.
• Be Considerate. Scan for cyclists in traffic and at intersections. Do not blast your horn in close proximity to cyclists. Look for cyclists when opening doors.
• Pass with Care. When passing, leave four feet between you and a cyclist. Wait for safe road and traffic conditions before you pass. Check over you shoulder before moving back.
• Watch for Children. Children on bicycles are often unpredictable. Expect the unexpected and slow down. Don’t expect children to know traffic laws. Because of their size children can be harder to see.

TIPS FOR BICYCLISTS

• The same laws that apply to motorists apply to cyclists. Obey all traffic control devices and use hand signals to indicate stops and turns.
• Always wear a properly fitting helmet. Wear a helmet, no matter how short the trip.
• Ride on the right. Always ride in the same direction as traffic. Use the furthest right line that heads to your destination. Slower moving cyclists and motorists stay to the right.
• Ride Predictably. Ride in a straight line and don’t swerve in the road or between parked cars. Check for traffic before entering a street or intersection. Anticipate hazards and adjust your position accordingly.
• Be visible. Wear brightly colored clothing that provides contrast. Use a white front light in low light conditions and a red rear light in low light conditions. Use a reflector or reflective tape or clothing at any time. Announce yourself by making eye contact with motorists.