Bicycling is one of the best ways to get exercise outdoors, yet bicyclists face many hazards when sharing the road with motor vehicles. National Bike Month is a great time to reacquaint yourself with bike safety before you head out for your next ride.
Bicycling Safety Basics
Check Your Equipment. Make sure your seat is set at the right height for you and locked in place; properly inflate your tires; add a working horn or bell, a rear-view mirror, and a headlight.
Wear bright-colored clothing. Florescent, bright colors help others see you, especially in the shade during the day.
Use lights at dusk and at night. According to Massachusetts law, you must use a white headlight and red taillight or rear reflector if you are riding anytime from 1/2 hour after sunset until 1/2 hour before sunrise. At night, you must wear ankle reflectors if there are no reflectors on your pedals.
Wear a Helmet. Massachusetts law requires that persons16 years old and younger must wear a helmet. While adults are not required to wear a bike helmet, it offers head and brain protection in the case of a fall or crash. (Watch a helmet-fitting video below.)
Know the "rules of the road." Download the Mass.gov rules of the road for bicyclists and motorists driving in the presence of bicyclists. (Watch rules of the road video below.)
Ride at least three feet from parked cars. Stay outside of the "door zone" and protect yourself from getting hit by opening vehicle doors.
The following videos are provided by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Bike Riding Safety Video
Helmet Fitting Guide
Rules of the Road
Bike Safely and Enjoy the Ride
May is National Bike Month, promoted by the League of American Bicyclists and celebrated in communities from coast to coast. Established in 1956, National Bike Month is a chance to showcase the many benefits of bicycling — and encourage more folks to give biking a try.
