AAA in the community

Bicycle safety

family riding bicycles
Staying safe while cycling the roadways

Cyclists share the road with vehicles of all shapes and sizes. Riding bikes are a convenient way to exercise, running errands or commute to work, but come with understandable risks. AAA wants you to feel safe. Here are some resources to help while you’re traveling the streets.

 

Riding fundamentals

Riding a bike might seem as simple as the phrase implies but it never hurts to brush up on the basics. From hand signals to clothing choices, here are some fundamental cycling tips to help you stay safe on the road. Explore skills and tips

Family riding bikes in the countryside
Bicycle safety tips
  • Follow the rules of the road. Ride in the same direction as traffic and follow signs and signals. 
  • Always wear a helmet.
  • Wear bright colors during the day and reflective gear in low light.
  •  Install headlights and taillights. Use them in low-visibility conditions.
 

Driver safety tips

  • Check for bicyclists before opening your door.
  • Look for bicyclists when changing lanes.
  • Slow down and leave clearance when passing pedestrians and bicyclists.
  • Yield to bicyclists turning.
  • Slow down around stopped cars, especially if they are in your lane or the lane next to you.
  • Never honk your horn at a bicyclist; it could cause them to swerve into traffic or off the road and crash.
  • Be extra cautious in and around school zones. Children often make unpredictable moves.
 

Helpful articles

Driver looking at cell phone while driving
Don’t drive intexticated

Keep your eyes on the road. Maintaining focus on driving is simple but often overlooked with so many distractions pulling our eyes away. One of the biggest contributors to vehicle crashes involves looking at smartphones. 

TBD
How safe is your vehicle?

According to research, vehicle safety systems, like collision avoidance and automatic braking, reduce the number of collisions. But the devices themselves are not enough.