Good bicycle safety is crucial for a great riding experience.

As a bicycler, you have the right by law to access every area a public road goes. This means as a biker you don't have to feel like you're in the way when you street ride. Feel empowered? Good! That said, the most important rule is to:

1.Know how to ride a bicycle. I'm not even joking. This is my serious face.

- You're going to be using one arm for signaling turns and may need to take sudden evasive maneuvers if an idiot in a car pulls in front of you. If you're still wobbly on a bike, stay away from busy roads and close to an empty parking lot.

2. Share the road responsibly. Make yourself VISIBLE!

- Ride with the flow of traffic. Drivers aren't used to things that move outside of the rules of the road.

- Avoid riding on the sidewalk. Why? Because cars can't see you way over there, technically it's for pedestrians, and in many states it's the law.

- Obey traffic signals and signs. Don't run red lights and stop signs, you increase your chances of getting splattered.

- Use hand signals when turning.

- Bike defensively. It's your life, bicycle safety is up to you. Remember that even though a driver may be at fault if he hits you, you're the one that's getting hurt. Keep alert at all times, especially when crossing intersections and in areas with alot of driveways and parked cars. (They open the door to get out and WHAM!)

- I really like bicyclesafe.com for traffic safety. It's got lots of easy to understand pictures that'll open your eyes to the risks out there. I love pictures.

TIP: Grab a map and learn to take the less traveled path. You'd be surprised how you can get from A to B and only cross major roads, not bike on them.

3. Know your bicycle. It is your friend.

Practicing good bicycle safety takes discipline. Before heading out go down this checklist EVERY time:

- Do you have enough air in your tires?

- Is the chain free of debris and turning efficiently?

- Are the brakes working properly?

- Is your seat height adjusted so your leg straightens out when the pedal is in the position closest to the ground?


4. Equip yourself for battle!

It's not really battle, don't be afraid. But chances are you will crash eventually. Keep these points in mind:

- Nothing says "I know bicycle safety" like a helmet. There is some debate out there about the effectiveness of helmets. Forget all that. Go to a Walmart or a bike store and buy a bicycle helmet that is CPSC certified. Wear it properly. (yes, tighten the chinstrap)

- Gloves are nice for grip and are designed for winter or summer use.

- Reflective material is a good thing. Buy some reflective tape and stick it on your helmet for added protection.

- Active (blinking) lights are CRUCIAL if you ride after dark. Hook it behind your seat so cars can see you. There's a new batteryless system out that looks great. Batteries are old hat.

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BUT: Remember, even if you follow all this brilliant advice, I can't guarantee a vehicle won't hit you, so be safe and don't take chances. Your parents really do love you.

Now get out there (carefully) and have fun (safely) you crazy (safe) adventurer!