SAFETY RIDING TIPS

Many bicycle-related crashes resulting in injury or death are associated with the bicyclist’s behavior, including such things as not wearing a bicycle helmet, riding into a street without stopping, turning left or swerving into traffic that is coming from behind, running a stop sign, and riding the wrong way in traffic. Here are safety riding tips to follow:

  • Wear a properly fitted bicycle helmet. If below the age of 16, it is required by law to wear a helmet when riding a bike in the State of Hawaii.
  • Adjust your bicycle to fit. There should be 1 to 2 inches between you and the top tube (bar) if using a road bike and 3 to 4 inches if a mountain bicycle. The seat should be level front to back. The seat height should be adjusted to allow a slight bend at the knee when the leg is fully extended. The handlebar height should be at the same level with the seat.
  • Check your equipment. Before riding, check the tires for any damage and make sure that your brakes work. If there is any problem, please report using the SHAREE mobile application. Your help in promoting safety is much appreciated.
  • Visibility is important. Day or night, being seen by others is critical to safety. Wearing neon, bright colors and clothing which reflects light helps. Please remember that just because you can see a driver does not mean that he can see you.
  • Bicycle control. Please ride with at least one hand on the handle bars. Our bikes include a mobile phone holder which you can attach your phone to. For any other items such as backpacks or books, please place in the basket on the bike. Safety first!
  • Watch and avoid road hazards.Be on the lookout for hazards such as potholes, broken glass, gravel, puddles, leaves, and dogs. All these hazards can cause a crash.
  • Be careful when riding at night.It is not advisable to ride at night as it is far more dangerous than during the day because you are harder for others to see. If you have to ride at night, wear something that makes you more easily seen by others, such as reflective clothing with neon and bright colors.

For more information on bicycle safety, visit www.nhtsa.dot.gov.

BICYCLE RULES OF THE ROAD

Bicycles in many States are considered vehicles, and cyclists have the same rights and the same responsibilities to follow the rules of the road as motorists. When riding, always:

Go with the Traffic Flow. Ride on the right in the same direction as other vehicles. Go with the flow – not against it.

Obey All Traffic Laws. A bicycle is a vehicle and you’re a driver. When you ride in the street, obey all traffic signs, signals, and lane markings.

Yield to Traffic When Appropriate. Almost always, drivers on a smaller road must yield (wait) for traffic on a major or larger road. If there is no stop sign or traffic signal and you are coming from a smaller roadway (out of a driveway, from a sidewalk, a bike path, etc.), you must slow down and look to see if the way is clear before proceeding. This also means yielding to pedestrians who have already entered a crosswalk.

Be Predictable. Ride in a straight line, not in and out of cars. Signal your moves to others.

Stay Alert at All Times. Use your eyes AND ears. Watch out for dangerous road conditions such as potholes, cracks, wet leaves, storm grates, railroad tracks, or anything that could make you lose control of your bike. You need your ears to hear traffic and avoid dangerous situations; do wear a headset when you ride.

Look Before Turning. When turning left or right, always look behind you for a break in traffic, then signal before making the turn. Watch for left or right turning traffic.

Watch for Parked Cars. Ride far enough out from the curb to avoid the unexpected from parked cars (like doors opening, or cars pulling out).

Sidewalk vs. Street. There are some jurisdictions in the State of Hawaii where riding on the sidewalk is not allowed. Some examples include the Waikiki District and the Fort Mall District. Check the law or jurisdiction to make sure sidewalk riding is allowed.

ADDITIONAL REFERENCE:

https://www.honolulu.gov/rep/site/dts/bike_docs/BicycleAAASharingTheRoad.pdf