Bike
helmets were designed to prevent catastrophic, life-threatening
blows. But new research is finding that concussions could be as
dangerous as splitting open your skull. And that brain bucket you
own? It was never designed to prevent concussions.
Get the picture?
If you don't own a helmet, get to your local
bike shop – PRONTO!
What to do if you’re hit
by a car
First of all, call 911 and ask
for the police and EMS, then do this.
Be Considerate!
If a driver allows you to pass in
front of them, it's always good practice to acknowledge their
generosity with a wave or nod (cyclists need all the good will we can muster).
Regarding Earphones
In some states it is illegal to
have any sort of headphone covering your ears while operating a motor
vehicle or bicycle. Florida law, for example, states, "No person
shall operate a vehicle while wearing a headset, headphone, or other
listening device" (Section 316.304). In other states the law
permits wearing headphones as long as one ear remains uncovered, and
in still others wearing both earpieces may be permitted. Finally, in
many states there is no law on the books at all. The absence of a law
does not necessarily mean wearing headphones is permitted, though;
the best course would be to check with your local department of vehicles.
Even in states that have laws on
the books, the legality of headphone use while riding is confusing.
For example, while Florida bans the use of headphones, there is an
exception for using a cell phone with a headset that "only
provides sound through one ear and allows surrounding sounds to be
heard with the other ear." Is this the equivalent of listening
to music with one earpiece out (which, parenthetically, produces an
awful sound)? In your question you referenced people getting ticketed
in California, where the law states, "A person operating a motor
vehicle or bicycle may not wear a headset covering, or earplugs in,
both ears" (CA Vehicle Code Section 27400). This would suggest
that listening to headphones is permitted if you have only one
earpiece in, but again the law is not as clear as it could be.
If you are using a personal music
device and are injured in an accident with a negligent driver, it is
certain that the insurance company will attempt to pin some or all
the blame on you, making recovery of your damages more difficult.
Source: Legally Speaking with Bob
Mionske: Listen up!
By Robert Mionske, JD
August 4, 2005
http://www.bikeforums.net/archive/index.php/t-127896.html
Teamwork
Give a helping hand, watch for
problems (loose straps, loose equipment), and help each other to be
safe and enjoy the ride.
Be Predictable
Group riding requires even more
attention to predictability than riding alone. Other riders expect
you to ride straight, at a constant speed, unless you indicate differently.
Communicate
Use hand and verbal signals to
communicate with members of the group and with other traffic.
Hand Signals
Change Positions Correctly
Generally, slow traffic stays
right, so you should try to pass others on their left. Say "ON
YOUR LEFT" to warn the cyclist ahead that you are passing.
If you need to pass someone on the right, say "ON YOUR RIGHT"
clearly since this is an unusual maneuver.
Watch For Traffic Coming From
the Rear
Even when you are occupying the
proper lane position, it often helps to know when a car is coming.
Since those in front cannot see traffic approaching from the rear, it
is the responsibility of the riders in back to inform the others by
saying "car back." Around curves, on narrow roads, or when
riding double, it is also helpful to warn of traffic approaching from
the front with "car up."
Watch Out at Intersections
When approaching intersections
requiring vehicles to yield or stop, the lead rider will say
"slowing" or "stopping" to alert those behind to
the change in speed. Each cyclist is responsible for verifying that
the way is clear before entering the intersection.
Leave a Gap For Cars
When riding up hills or on narrow
roads where you are impeding faster traffic, leave a gap for cars
between every three or four bicycles. Motorists can then take
advantage of shorter passing intervals and eventually move piecemeal
around the entire group.
Move Off the Road When You Stop
Whether you are stopping because
of mechanical problems or to regroup with you companions, move well
off the road so you don't interfere with traffic. It is usually best
for the lead rider to pull forward in the stopping area and for other
riders to pull in behind the rider in front of them. When you start
up again, each cyclist should look for, and yield to, traffic.
Ride One or Two Across
Ride single file or double file
as appropriate to the roadway and traffic conditions and where
allowed by law. Even where riding double is legal, courtesy dictates
that you single up when cars are trying to pass you if the lane is
wide enough for them to safely do so.
Wait at Turns
If the group becomes at all
separated, even by a few dozen meters, someone should wait at the
turn until the next rider arrives at the intersection, and so on
until all riders have made the turn.
Two at the End
For safety and as a courtesy, if
the group spreads out, the last two people should adjust their speed
to ride as a pair. If either should need assistance, they will have a
helping hand.
League
of American Bicyclists Smart Cycling Videos
Here you will learn about the
different types of bikes and bicycling gear. You will learn
techniques for improving your ride, your rights as a bicyclist and
how to ride safely on the road.
WEAR
A HELMET
You can't bike if you're living
in a vegetative state!
