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Rules of the Road The Rules of the Road capture the essence of the League's Smart Cycling education program and we hope they will encourage cyclists to take responsibility for their own safety. We have absolutely got to minimize the excuses people have for not supporting our right to the road. Following them is common sense, and it’s common courtesy. League Rules of the Road 1. Follow the Law - it's the safest way to ride. Bicyclists have the same rights and duties as other drivers and need to follow the same traffic laws. 2. Be Predictable - ride in a straight line, signal turns and check behind you before turning or changing lanes. 3. Be Conspicuous - ride where drivers can see you, use lights at night and wear bright clothing. 4. Be aware — anticipate the next move of drivers, pedestrians and other cyclists. Watch for debris, potholes and grates. 5. Ride Ready — tires need air, brakes must work, chains should run smoothly, and quick release wheel levers must be closed. Carry repair and emergency supplies. Wear a helmet. Download the League's official Rules of the Road card. Practice the Rules of the Road Reasons to Ride on the Right How Far Right? Traffic Principles Lane Positioning Turns and Lanes Lane Changing in Traffic How to Avoid Getting Doored How to Ride in Bike Lanes Traffic Lights Trash Talking Cycling How Far Right? Laws Most bicycle laws use the same language regarding where cyclists should drive Directions to ride "as far to the right as practicable" appears in most laws No clear definition of practicable has been identified Safety Do not ride where you are subject to poor road conditions constant hazards Give yourself ample room to your right to maneuver in an emergency Ride in the right third of the lane if there is not sufficient room for lane sharing Traffic rules Slower moving vehicles travel to the right of faster moving ones Motorists are looking for other vehicles in or near the travel lanes, not against curbs Follow the same rules as motorists including yielding right-of-way and signaling Wide lanes Ride just to the right of the travel lane to remain visible to other motorists Ride at least 3 feet from parked cars in all situations; consider this a right side limit Always ride in a straight line; do not swerve between parked cars Hazards If a lane narrows ahead or is blocked by a bus, establish your position in traffic early Avoid riding where glass and other trash accumulates on the right side of roadways Grates and gutterpans should be avoided by positioning yourself away from them Traffic Principles Ride on the right Always ride with the flow of traffic Do not ride on the sidewalk Allow yourself room to maneuver around roadway hazards Yield to traffic in busier lanes Roads with higher traffic volumes should be given right-of-way Always use signals to indicate your intentions to switch lanes Look behind you to indicate your desire to move and to make sure that you can Yield to traffic in destination lane Traffic in your destination lane has the right-of-way Making eye contact with drivers lets them know that you see them Signal and make your lane change early, before you need to Directional Positioning Position yourself in the right-most lane that goes in the direction of your destination Ride in the right third of the lane Avoid being overtaken in narrow-lane situations by riding in the right third of the lane Speed Positioning Position yourself relative to the speed of other traffic Left-most lane is for fastest moving traffic, right-most for slower traffic Yield to faster moving vehicles by staying to the right in the lane Lane Positioning Ride on the right Ride in the same direction as traffic; stay far enough away from curb to avoid hazards Ride in the right third of the right-most lane that goes in the direction you are going Take the entire lane if traveling the same speed as traffic or in a narrow lane Visibility Always ride in or near a travel lane; stay visible by riding where drivers are looking Wear bright clothing at night as well as during the day Do not pass on the right; motorists are not looking for other vehicles there Parked cars Ride in a straight line, not in and out of parked cars on the side of the road Beware of cars merging into the roadway from a parallel parking position Always ride far enough away from parked cars to avoid hitting a surprise open door Take the lane If there is insufficient road width for cyclists and cars If traveling the same speed as other traffic or if hazards narrow the usable width Before intersections and turns to assert your position on the roadway Extra wide lanes Do not ride completely to the right; you will be more visible 3-4 feet away from traffic Right turning cars and cars entering will be more likely to see you before they turn Be careful of motorists passing on the right around left-turning vehicles Turns and Turn Lanes Positioning for turns Before a turn: scan, signal and move into the lane that leads to your destination Ride in the right third or middle of the lane, as lane width dictates To traverse multiple lanes, move one at a time, scanning and signaling each move Avoiding turn lanes If your lane turns into a right turn only lane, change lanes before the intersection Changing lanes too late could result in an overtaking motorist turning in front of you Maintain a constant position relative to the curb or shoulder during a turn Beware of blind spots Most drivers do not always expect to see cyclists on the roadway Do not ride next to another vehicle unless you are in a different lane or passing If you can't see bus, truck or car mirrors, drivers can't see you Signaling Signal well before the intersection; make sure you are in proper lane position Left arm out and down with palm to the rear to indicate stopping Left or right arm straight out to indicate left or right turn Scan Constant identification of potential hazards in front and behind as well as to each side Scanning allows you to avoid dangerous situations before they happen Scan for motorists, road conditions, pedestrians, animals, traffic signals Lane Changing in Traffic Plan ahead If you are familiar with the traffic patterns, be sure to get in the correct position early Keep in mind the relative speed between you and other traffic; plan accordingly Be aware of road conditions that would impede your progress across lanes Scan Look for traffic, pedestrians and hazards in front of you and behind Identify lane markings and traffic control devices affecting next intersection Note bus stops, driveways, crosswalks and other special traffic zones Signal Signal your intention to turn or change lanes if your speed is near other traffic Signaling may not be necessary if overtaking traffic speeds won't allow time to see it Signal only if you think that oncoming traffic can react safely Act Relative speed may require you to move quickly and decisively when it is safe to do so In high speed overtaking traffic situations, cross all lanes at once when safe Move after signaling in low- and same-speed traffic situations Improvise If you get caught between lanes while crossing traffic, ride the white line until clear Your safety is paramount while changing lanes; if traffic is too heavy, use crosswalks Ride to red light then move to left turn lane if volume and speed do not allow crossing How to Avoid Getting Doored Lane positioning Ride at least three feet from parked cars Never swerve between parked cars; use the outside of the next car as your guide Avoid riding on the right side of any stopped car, especially if it is near the curb Speed positioning As you begin to overtake cars in urban settings, always pass them on your right If you are traveling at the same speed as traffic, ride in the center of your lane As traffic begins to speed up, signal and begin moving to a lane on your right Sudden stops If a car stops in front of you suddenly, stop, look for exiting passengers, then pass on left Make sure that you stop safely before you release the handlebar to signal and pass Maintaining control of your bicycle is the most important task Intersections Before turning, look for cars double-parked in your destination lane When turning, take the lane so you don't get forced to the right of a stopped car Plan your turn so that you remain at least three feet to the left of any stopped cars Bike lanes You do not have to ride within a bike lane if you are avoiding a hazard Cars must not drive in bike lanes but bikes may leave bike lanes at any time Regardless of bike lane position, never ride within three feet of any parked car How to Ride in Bike Lanes Safety considerations Bikes are not required to travel in bike lanes when preparing for turns Never ride within three feet of parked cars; beware of the door zone Avoid bike lanes that you think are poorly designed or unsafe; alert your local government Intersections Avoid riding in lanes that position you on the right side of a right turn lane Bike lanes should stop before an intersection to allow for bikes to make left turns Always signal as you move out of a bike lane into another traffic lane Debris Report obstructions and poor maintenance to your local government Avoid riding immediately adjacent to curbs where trash collects If debris forces you out of the bike lane, signal your move out into traffic Parked cars Never ride within three feet of parked cars Watch for brake lights, front wheels, signals and driver movements Position yourself in the field of vision of a motorist pulling out of a parking space Right turns Avoid riding in lanes that position you on the right side of a right turning motorist Move out of the right turn lane if you are not turning right Ride in the rightmost lane that goes in the direction that you are travelling Left turns Move out of the bike lane well in advance of the intersection; signal every move Position yourself in the rightmost left-turning lane Reposition yourself after executing the turn; remain clear of parked cars Traffic Lights Obey, obey, obey Cyclists, just like motorists, must obey all traffic control devices It takes longer to travel through an intersection on bike; plan to stop for yellow lights Avoid cars that run red lights by waiting for the signal to turn green and scan to make sure it's clear Detection Bicycles must activate a vehicle detector just like a motor vehicle Detectors are embedded in the roadway; look for squares cut into the roadway Detectors use magnetic forces to pick up vehicles, not weight Unresponsive signals In most states, after three minutes, you can treat a red light as a stop sign Pass through a red light only as a last resort Yield to other vehicles while crossing the roadway		Ride Better Rules of the Road Commuter Tips Beginning Cycling Advanced Cycling Bicycle Maintenance Miscellaneous

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