Rules of the Road for Cyclists

Tips for safe bike riding in the city

Mar 31, 2007 Sarah B. Hood

Traffic regulations for cyclists vary in different jurisdictions, but there are some rules that apply everywhere.

A few basic bike riding rules apply to cyclists in every urban setting, and they'll help to keep you safe when you're riding in traffic.

Know and Obey the Rules of the Road

Regulations differ from place to place, but if you know the law where you ride, this basic knowledge gives you the skills you need to handle traffic, and it helps drivers understand what you're planning to do.

See and Be Seen

Get used to watching out for potential hazards in the road ahead.
Check over your shoulder frequently to monitor the behaviour of cars that are overtaking you.
Use hand signals to show what you intend to do.
Wear bright, visible clothing, lights and reflectors.
Stay out of cars' blind spots.

Take Your Lane

Ride as much as possible in a straight line, without swerving.
Stay about one meter (a yard) from the curb or the row of parked cars to avoid curbside debris, sewer grates, careless pedestrians and car doors that open suddenly.
In places where there is not enough room for a car to pass you safely, ride in the centre of the lane until there's more room. (This is actually safer than trying to squeeze over to the right to create space for cars.)

Learning Traffic Laws That Apply To Cyclists

In most places, bicycles and cars have the same rights and responsibilities on the road. With few exceptions, bikes are required to come to a full stop at stop signs and red lights, to obey traffic signals, to ride with the flow of traffic, and so on.

If you don't have a driver's license yourself, and don't feel that you're familiar with the basic, standard rules of the road, find out whether your local provincial or state vehicle licensing office produces a handbook for drivers studying for their license. Sometimes this information may also be available online. You may also want to sign up for a bicycle skills course.

Making Traffic Choices

Once you have a basic command of traffic rules, they will gradually become second nature to you. However, as you ride, you will find that you are constantly faced with decisions. Which lane will you ride in? Where will you stand to wait for a red light to change? How will you approach a left turn? Will you take a shortcut or stay on a major road? In fact, you'll make quick decisions like this in every block. In the next article, I'll discuss how to make wise traffic choices on a bike.

The copyright of the article Rules of the Road for Cyclists in Cycling & Mountain Biking is owned by Sarah B. Hood. Permission to republish Rules of the Road for Cyclists in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.