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    • Home
    • Safety
    • Services
    • Bikes For Sale
    • Support
    • Events
    • Volunteer
    • Jobs
    • Contact Us
    • News
  • Home
  • Safety
  • Services
  • Bikes For Sale
  • Support
  • Events
  • Volunteer
  • Jobs
  • Contact Us
  • News

Cycling Safety

Be Visible and Predictable - Be Aware - Protect Yourself

This page has basic cycling safety information to help you get started or refresh your memory. It is a summary and is incomplete. So additional links and information are provided for you to continue your learning. 


The summary below is based largely on Bicycling Street Smarts: CyclingSavvy Edition. We have free copies of this excellent booklet available at the shop. The booklet provides much more in-depth information.  


Want even more? Sign up for a CyclingSavvy class! 


Want a free, online option? Sign up for CyclingSavvy’s free, online Essentials Short Course. 

Be Visible and Predictable - Be Aware - Protect Yourself

Be Visible and Predictable

Cyclists are part of the traffic pattern and generally have the same rights and privileges as motorists. But, you need to be seen and you need to behave predictably. Wear high-visibility garments and helmets and use lights on your bike for increased visibility. Ride on the right, but not on the edge; motorists are looking where they expect to see other cars. When making a turn, signal that turn early and with clear hand signals. Also, when making a turn, position yourself early to avoid crossing paths with vehicles traveling in the same direction (e.g. for a left hand turn work your way to the left side of your travel lane). Starting and stopping with full control and confidence is a skill that needs to be developed, but also helps make your movement in traffic more predictable and safe. CyclingSavvy provides many specific scenarios as part of the course which help figure out specific, safe responses to situations.  Here's a quick video about starting, stopping, and shifting...

Be Aware

Cycling safely requires diligent scanning around you and building an awareness of possible hazards. This means not only looking ahead, but also “looking back” and to the sides.  It takes some time to develop the skill of looking back while maintaining balance. More information and techniques are included in the Street Smarts booklet and CyclingSavvy course. There are specific focus areas depending on specific scenarios that are helpful to be aware of.  Here's a quick video about signaling and scanning...

Protect Yourself

Being visible, predictable and aware are your keys to safe cycling. But, a few additional items can provide another layer of safety. A snug, level helmet that covers your forehead can help prevent serious injury at low speeds. A rear-view mirror, though not a substitute for a “look behind”, can be helpful. Gloves, ankle bands, tools, bags, racks and a lock are all helpful in improving the comfort and confidence of your cycling. Not sure what’s right for you? Swing on down to the Bike Hub and let’s chat.  We’ve got a great inventory of items and even have some basic safety gear we can give-away to those in need thanks to generous grant support. You should also do a quick ABC check (air, brakes, and chain/cranks/cassette) on your bike before any ride.  Here’s a quick video about ABC checks... 

160 Benmont Avenue  Suite 36

Bennington, VT 05201

802-445-4000  

info@ourbikehub.com


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