Bike Safety Tips
Stanford has compiled this list of key bike safety tips to help you prepare and stay safe while riding. Remember, while riding your bicycle, obey all traffic laws and buy and wear a bicycle helmet! Helmets can significantly reduce the risk of head injuries and death. Don't "hit the road" without one! However, even the best helmet has limitations. Defensive cycling is the key to bicycle safety.
- Always wear a helmet that is properly fitted.
- The Campus Bike Shop offers quality bike helmets for $35
- How to Fit a Helmet & Video Instructions
- Register your bike
- Don't use a cell phone while riding unless using a hands-free device
- Ride at a safe speed for conditions
- Have your brakes adjusted and working properly, refer to the pre-ride safety checklist (PDF, 34 KB)
- How to Complete an ABC Quick Check on your bike
- Stop at stop signs
- Ride on the right side of the roadway
- Yield to pedestrians in crosswalks
- Ride in the correct direction in one-way areas
- Use lights when riding after dark
According the California Vehicle Code, every person riding a bicycle upon a street or highway has all the rights and responsibilities of the driver of a motor vehicle. You may be cited for running stop signs, riding at an unsafe speed for conditions, riding on the wrong side of the road, wearing headphones while riding, talking on a cell phone without a hands-free device, not having legal brakes, etc. Cyclists are required by state law to use front white lights, rear red reflectors, pedal and side reflectors at night. Additional lights are a good idea, especially red rear flashers, light colored clothing, and extra reflectors.
For more information, please refer to our Bike Safety Flyer.