4
Rules of the Road
WARNING: Failure of the rider to obey the following “Rules of the Road”
can result in injury to the rider or to others.
• Obey all traffic regulations, signs, and signals.
• Always wear a bicycle helmet that meets CPSC safety standards, as well
as local safety standards.
• Ride on the correct side of the road, in a single file, and in a straight line.
• If possible, avoid riding at night, dusk, dawn and any other time of poor
visibility.
• If you must ride at night or at time of poor visibility:
• Purchase, install, and use a headlight and taillight.
• Headlights are required by all states for nighttime riding and taillights
are required in some states.
• Battery-powered lights or flashing safety lights are also recommended.
• Make sure the reflectors of your bicycle are correctly positioned. Do not
remove the reflector or replace the reflectors with lighted devices that
look similar to reflectors.
• Make yourself more visible to motorists.
• Wear light-colored or reflective clothing, such as a reflective vest and
reflective bands for your arms and legs.
• Use reflective tape on your helmet.
• Do not let anything cover the reflectors.
• Use extra caution in wet weather:
• Ride slowly on damp surfaces because the tires will slide more easily.
• Avoid these hazards to prevent loss of control or damage to your
wheels:
• Be aware of drain grates, soft road edges, gravel or sand, pot holes or
ruts, wet leaves, or uneven paving.
• Cross railroad tracks at a right angle to prevent the loss of control.
• Avoid unsafe actions while riding.
• Do not carry any passengers.
• Do not carry any items or attach anything to your bicycle that could
hinder your vision, hearing, or control.
• Do not ride with both hands off the handlebar.
