Bicycling

Bicycle Commuting

Bicycling is becoming more important as an economical mode of transportation for commuters. "Cycle-commuting" helps our environment by reducing traffic congestion, vehicular noise, and air pollution. Many employers encourage their employees to bicycle to work as an alternative to driving alone.

A few tips for the beginning cycle-commuter:

Check with your employer to see if showers and secure bicycle storage facilities are available. Not all employers are able to provide showers, but most should be able to provide storage facilities. Many companies have rideshare coordinators who can help you to prepare for cycle-commuting.
Read the Bicycling Tips page and practice bicycling on low-traffic streets before you attempt your first cycle-commute.
Use the bikeway maps and a detailed street map to plan your commute route. Test-ride your planned route on a weekend when there is usually less traffic. Be on the lookout for any construction that may require you to detour.
For long commutes, consider combining bicycling with riding the bus.

Bicycle Tips

General Tips

Become familiar with your bicycle. Keep it in good working order and adjusted properly to fit you. Learn how to perform routine maintenance and to make simple repairs. Remember to properly lubricate moving parts and check tires and brakes before leaving on long trips. Use bicycle shops as a resource.

Biking Gear

For your protection, always wear a helmet. Head injuries account for 75 percent of bicycle related deaths and permanently disabling injuries. Be sure your helmet has been approved by the Snell Memorial Foundation, or the American National Standards Institute (ANSI).

Don't carry heavy packs on your back. Instead, use saddlebags, racks or handlebar bags. Don't forget to include a water bottle, tools and a tire repair kit on long trips.

Don't wear headphones while riding your bike. A bicyclist must be constantly alert to potential traffic hazards.

Rules of the Road

Obey traffic signs and signals; they apply to all vehicles, including bicycles. Abiding by traffic laws will gain you respect from other road users.

Wherever there is a bike lane provided, you must use it if your speed is less than the auto traffic.

Ride predictably. Try to travel in a straight line, and about a car door's width away from parked cars.

If you are riding erratically, drivers may find it difficult to know when it is safe to pass.

Don't weave in and out between parked cars.

Avoid riding beside another cyclist. Depending on road and/or traffic conditions, this can cause motor vehicles to back up behind you.

Communicate your intentions by using hand signals when turning or changing lanes.

Always ride with, never against traffic.

Be Aware

Keep to the right as much as possible, but be aware of potholes, storm drain grates, broken glass and other road hazards.

Watch out for cars turning right, doors opening on parked cars and other unexpected events.

Cross storm drains and railroad tracks at a right angle.

Never assume that drivers are aware of your presence. Always make eye contact. Scan the road around you. Keep your eyes roving constantly for cars, people, road hazards, etc.

Making Turns at Intersections

Right Turns

To make a right turn, position yourself in the middle of the right-turn lane (or right lane if no right-sum lane is available) and turn right.

When traveling straight ahead and approaching a red light, look behind you and, when safe, move onto the line separating the right-turn lane from the right lane of through-traffic. This allows room for cars to turn right.

If no right-turn lane is available, position yourself in the middle of the right lane. If the lane is wide enough, allow enough room on your right for cars to turn.

Left Turns

For Inexperienced Bicyclists:

Stay to the right. Ride straight through the intersection to the far-side crosswalk. Walk your bike through the far-side crosswalk.

For Experienced Bicyclists Only:

When a left-turn lane is available: Signal, move into the left-turn lane, position yourself to the right of the first car, and turn left into the lane closest to the curb. Yield to cars before moving to the left.

When no left-turn lane is available: Signal, move into the left lane, position yourself in the middle of the lane and turn left when it is safe to do so. Yield to cars before moving to the left.

Crossing Intersections

Don't pass on the right at intersections. Motorists turning right may not see you.

Watch out for cars entering the bike lane--cars preparing to turn right are permitted to enter bike lanes within 200 feet of the intersection.

More Tips

Never park your bicycle in a manner that blocks pedestrian traffic.

If you are chased by a dog, ignore it or try a firm, loud "NO!" if the dog doesn't stop, dismount with your bike between you and the dog. Dogs are attracted by the spinning of wheels and pedals.

At your destination, always secure your bicycle with an appropriate locking device.

Registration of your bicycle with your local law enforcement agency will aid in its recovery in the event of theft.

Source: OCTA