Bicycle Safety

Before every ride, you should check your bike for the following to be sure it is in safe riding condition.

• Tire pressure-the amount is listed on the side of your tires.
• Check tires for wear, cuts or debris. Worn tires may blow the tubes while riding.
• Check all brakes for proper working condition.
• Saddle at proper height and secure.
• Handlebar and stem secure.
• Spin wheels to be sure they are straight and tightened properly to frame of bicycle.

We highly suggest a bicycle tune up at least once a year depending on how much you ride. A few other safety features that may help in your safe riding experience are:

• Mirrors- a handlebar, eyeglass or helmet-mounted mirror is nice to see traffic OR other riders who may be approaching from behind.
• Some sort of bell or horn to alert other riders and or pedestrians you are approaching.
• Always lock your bike.
• LIGHTS are required when riding at night.
• Helmets are required for those 16 and under, but SMART for all!
• Ride with traffic NOT against it.
• Check your bicycle prior to each ride.
• Use hand signals for making turns or stopping or even slowing down.
• DO NOT wear headphones.

A note to motorists to please keep in mind the “3 foot rule”: The driver of a vehicle overtaking a bicycle or other non-motorized vehicle must pass the bicycle or other non-motorized vehicle at a safe distance of not less than 3 feet between the vehicle and the bicycle or other non-motorized vehicle.

These are some of the laws applicable to cyclists in Florida, for more information refer to www.dot.state.fl.us website or www.floridabicycle.org/rules/bikelaw.html.