Cycling Safety Tips

• Look out for pedestrians everywhere, at all times. Safety is a shared responsibility.
• Protect Your Head Wear a helmet.
• Obey traffic signs and signals - Bicycles must follow the rules of the road like other vehicles.
• Never ride against traffic - Motorists aren't looking for bicyclists riding on the wrong side of the road. State law and common sense require that bicyclists drive like other vehicles.
• Follow lane markings - Don't turn left from the right lane. Don't go straight in a lane marked “right-turn only.”
• Don’t pass on the right - Motorists may not look for or see a bicycle passing on the right.
• Scan the road behind you - Learn to look back over your shoulder without losing your balance or swerving. Some riders use rear-view mirrors.
• Keep both hands ready to brake - You may not stop in time if you brake one-handed. Allow extra distance for stopping in the rain, since brakes are less efficient when wet.
• Wear a helmet and never ride with headphones - Always wear a helmet. Never wear a headphone while riding a bike.
• Dress for the weather - In rain wear a poncho or waterproof suit. Dress in layers so you can adjust to temperature changes. Wear bright colored clothing.
• Use hand signals - Hand signals tell motorists and pedestrians what you intend to do. Signal as a matter of law, of courtesy, and of self-protection.
• Choose the best way to turn left - There are two choices: (1) Like an auto: signal to move into the left turn lane and then turn left. (2) Like a pedestrian: ride straight to the far side crosswalk. Walk your bike across.
• Make eye contact with drivers - Assume that other drivers don't see you until you are sure that they do. Eye contact is important with any driver which might pose a threat to your safety.
• Look out for road hazards - Watch out for parallel-slat sewer grates, gravel, ice, sand or debris. Cross railroad tracks at right angles.
• Use lights at night - The law requires a white headlight (visible from at least 500 feet ahead) and a rear reflector or taillight (visible up to 300 feet from behind).
• Keep your bike in good repair - Adjust your bike to fit you and keep it working properly. Check brakes and tires regularly. Routine maintenance is simple and you can learn to do it yourself.
• Look, Signal & Look Again Use hand signals to let drivers and other bicyclists know where you’re going. Look and make eye contact. Don’t assume drivers will stop.
• Obey all Traffic Laws & Lights
• Stay Alert Keep a lookout for obstacles in your path.
• Assure Bicycle Readiness Is your bicycle properly adjusted? Is your saddle in a comfortable position?
• Go with the Flow Bike in the direction of traffic.
• Do a Quick Bicycle Test Check your brakes and your wheels. Make sure that “quick release” wheels are properly secured.

Additional resources for Bicycle Safety can be located using the following web links:

The League of American Bicyclists - Smart Cycling Tips

State of Illinois Bicycle Rules of the Road

Ride Illinois

Driving Safety Tips

• Look out for pedestrians everywhere, at all times. Safety is a shared responsibility.
• Use extra caution when driving in hard-to-see conditions, such as nighttime or bad weather.
• Slow down and be prepared to stop when turning or otherwise entering a crosswalk.
• Yield to pedestrians in crosswalks and stop well back from the crosswalk to give other vehicles an opportunity to see the crossing pedestrians so they can stop too.
• Never pass vehicles stopped at a crosswalk. There may be people crossing that you cannot see.
• Never drive under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.
• Follow the speed limit, especially around people on the street.
• Follow slower speed limits in school zones and in neighborhoods where children are present.
• Be extra cautious when backing up—pedestrians can move into your path.
• Approach Intersections Safely-Most crashes occur near intersections; always know who has the right of way and how to avoid a collision.
• Watch for people walking or cycling against traffic.  If you see a pedestrian walking/running or bicyclist riding the wrong way (against traffic), slow down and pass with at least three feet of space.
• Pass cyclists at a safe distance - Passing cyclists too closely is dangerous and illegal; the driver must also pass with at least three feet clearance of the bicycle – a distance mandated by state law.

The Chicago Department of Transportation has some useful information in the following brochure: Chicago Department of Transportation Tips for Motorists