Sharing the Road Safely - Bicycling Tips

Pedestrian tips to share with your child

MYTH: A green light means it's safe to cross.
FACT #1: A green light means you should STOP and SEARCH for cars. Before you step off the curb, look LEFT-RIGHT-LEFT for traffic and cross ONLY if it is safe to do so. Watch out for cars making right turns on red.
FACT #2: A crosswalk is the designated place to cross the street, and drivers should expect to see pedestrians crossing at those locations. Before you begin to cross, look LEFT-RIGHT-LEFT for traffic and cross ONLY if it is safe to do so. Continue to keep looking left and right for cars as you cross.

MYTH: If you see the driver, the driver sees you.
FACT: The driver may not see you. Make sure the driver stops BEFORE you begin to cross the street.

DOWNLOAD all of the following bike safety tips

When crossing at a pedestrian light, PUSH the button, LOOK to make sure the cars have stopped, then WALK

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Sharing the road safely... Ride smart bicycling tips
Cyclists and drivers share the same roads, the same rules, and the same rights and responsibilities. Be polite, alert and smart. Show respect for all users of the road, and you will get respect back as a result.

Three legal ways to turn left
1) Make a left turn like a vehicle by looking over your shoulder, signaling, and moving into the left turn lane when it is safe.

2) Make a left turn by going to the far side of the intersection, turning your bike, and using the roadway.

3) Make a left turn by going to the far side of the intersection, turning your bike, and then walking your bike in the crosswalk.

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Be a defensive bike driver
 Be aware of your surroundings - especially turning and side traffic. Make eye contact with drivers and be sure to get their attention. Don't use headphones or a cell phone when riding as they reduce your ability to hear traffic.

Hand signals; be polite and smart
 Use hand signals to show your intentions and ride in a predictable fashion. Obey all traffic laws, signs and signals.

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Protect your head
Colorado law requires ALL bicyclists under the age of 18 to wear a helmet. Helmet and bicycle mirrors improve your overall awareness and allow you to see vehicles. 85% of brain injuries can be prevented by wearing a helmet.

Riding by parked cars
Look for people in parked cars ahead of you and ride in a straight line at least 5 feet away from the car. Someone may open the car door in front of you unexpectedly. Be predictable; don't weave in and out of parked cars.

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Never, ever ride against traffic
Ride on the right with the flow of traffic - NEVER ride against traffic on the road, in a bike lane, or on a sidewalk. Drivers turning cannot see you and approaching drivers will not expect you to be riding the wrong way.

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Take the lane when appropriate
1) When there's not enough room: Remember that you may take the lane if the lane is not wide enough for both a car and a bike. Check behind to make sure it's safe, signal your intentions, and take the lane by riding 1/3 to 1/2 of the way into the lane. When safe and possible, move to the right to allow a following vehicle to pass.

2) Road hazards: Watch out for glass, grates, oily pavement, loose gravel and railroad tracks. Check behind to make sure it's safe, signal your intentions, and make the move to the left to avoid the hazard.

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