Bike Lane Guidelines

When using bike lanes, following a few simple rules will help prevent accidents by making your behavior predictable for drivers and other cyclists.

  1. Keep Right

    • To prevent collisions with passing cyclists and motorists, keep to the right side of the lane unless you're passing. After making a pass, move back to the right side of the road.

    Announce Yourself

    • If you are going to pass another rider, use a bell or call out, "On your left." If a rider doesn't know that you're coming, he doesn't know to get out of your way and may do something unexpected at the last second.

    Follow a Straight Line

    • Cyclists who are zigzagging all over the road are hard to pass and make other road users nervous. Ride in a straight line so that your movements are predictable.

    Listen

    • Don't ride with headphones. This allows you to hear cars that are behind you or around corners. You also need to hear other riders calling out as they pass.

    Signal

    • When you are turning, merging or slowing, use hand signals to warn riders and other vehicles of your movements.

    Watch Parked Cars

    • Be wary when riding past parked cars so you don't get "doored." Watch for exiting drivers who may unexpectedly open their doors into your path.