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A Person Riding A Bicycle In The Roadway Must:

When it comes to riding a bicycle on the roadway, there are certain rules that a person must follow to ensure their safety and the safety of others around them. Whether you are a seasoned cyclist or a beginner, it is important to know what you should do when riding a bicycle on the road. Here are some of the things that a person riding a bicycle in the roadway must do:

Wear A Helmet

One of the most important things that a person riding a bicycle in the roadway must do is wear a helmet. A helmet can help to protect your head in the event of an accident and can potentially save your life. Make sure that your helmet fits properly and is worn correctly.

Person Wearing A Bicycle Helmet

Ride In The Same Direction As Traffic

When riding a bicycle on the roadway, you should always ride in the same direction as traffic. This means that if you are in the United States, you should ride on the right side of the road. Riding against traffic can be dangerous and can increase your risk of being involved in an accident.

Bicyclist Riding On The Right Side Of The Road

Use Hand Signals

When turning or changing lanes, it is important to use hand signals to let other drivers and cyclists know your intentions. This can help to prevent accidents and ensure that everyone on the road is aware of what is happening. Make sure that you use clear and concise hand signals.

Bicyclist Using Hand Signals

Obey Traffic Signals And Signs

Just like drivers of motor vehicles, cyclists must obey traffic signals and signs. This includes stopping at stop signs and red lights, yielding to pedestrians, and following posted speed limits. Failing to obey traffic signals and signs can result in fines and can be dangerous.

Traffic Light With Red Light

Ride In A Straight Line

When riding a bicycle on the roadway, it is important to ride in a straight line. Swerving in and out of traffic can be dangerous and can increase your risk of being involved in an accident. Make sure that you ride predictably and stay in a straight line as much as possible.

Bicyclist Riding In A Straight Line

Be Visible

When riding a bicycle on the roadway, it is important to be visible to other drivers and cyclists. This means wearing bright or reflective clothing, using lights and reflectors on your bicycle, and staying out of blind spots. Being visible can help to prevent accidents and ensure that you are seen by other drivers and cyclists.

Bicyclist Wearing Reflective Clothing

Use Bike Lanes And Shared Lanes

When available, cyclists should use bike lanes or shared lanes. These lanes are designed to provide a safe space for cyclists and can help to prevent accidents. If there are no bike lanes or shared lanes available, cyclists should ride as far to the right as practicable.

Bike Lane On A Roadway

Avoid Riding On Sidewalks

While it may be tempting to ride on the sidewalk, especially in busy areas, it is important to avoid doing so. Riding on the sidewalk can be dangerous for pedestrians and can increase your risk of being involved in an accident with a motor vehicle. If there are no bike lanes or shared lanes available, ride on the roadway instead.

Sign Prohibiting Bicyclists On Sidewalk

Be Prepared For Weather Conditions

When riding a bicycle on the roadway, it is important to be prepared for weather conditions. This means wearing appropriate clothing, using lights and reflectors in low light or rainy conditions, and being aware of the conditions of the roadway. Make sure that you adjust your riding style and behavior to match the weather conditions.

Bicyclist Riding In Rainy Conditions

Stay Alert And Focused

When riding a bicycle on the roadway, it is important to stay alert and focused. This means avoiding distractions like using your phone or listening to music while riding. Stay aware of your surroundings and be prepared to react quickly to any unexpected situations.

Bicyclist Focused On The Road

Maintain Your Bicycle

Before riding your bicycle on the roadway, make sure that it is properly maintained. This includes checking the brakes, tires, and other components to ensure that they are in good working condition. A well-maintained bicycle is less likely to break down or malfunction while riding.

Bicycle Maintenance

Stay Within Your Ability Level

When riding a bicycle on the roadway, it is important to stay within your ability level. This means avoiding routes or conditions that are beyond your skill level and taking breaks when necessary. Pushing yourself too hard can be dangerous and can increase your risk of being involved in an accident.

Bicyclist Taking A Break

Be Respectful To Others On The Roadway

When riding a bicycle on the roadway, it is important to be respectful to other drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians. This means following the rules of the road, yielding when necessary, and avoiding aggressive or confrontational behavior. Being respectful can help to create a safer and more enjoyable environment for everyone on the roadway.

Bicyclist Being Respectful To Pedestrians

Be Prepared For Emergencies

When riding a bicycle on the roadway, it is important to be prepared for emergencies. This means carrying a cellphone, a first aid kit, and other emergency supplies in case of an accident or other unexpected situation. Make sure that you know how to use these supplies and that they are easily accessible while riding.

Bicyclist Carrying A Cellphone And First Aid Kit

Stay Visible At Night

When riding a bicycle at night, it is important to stay visible to other drivers and cyclists. This means using lights and reflectors on your bicycle, wearing reflective clothing, and staying in well-lit areas. Being visible at night can help to prevent accidents and ensure that you are seen by other drivers and cyclists.

Bicyclist Using Lights And Reflectors At Night

Avoid Distractions

When riding a bicycle on the roadway, it is important to avoid distractions. This means avoiding using your phone or other electronic devices while riding, and staying focused on the road ahead. Distractions can be dangerous and can increase your risk of being involved in an accident.

Bicyclist Avoiding Distractions

Yield To Pedestrians

When riding a bicycle on the roadway, it is important to yield to pedestrians. This means slowing down and allowing pedestrians to cross the roadway before proceeding. Pedestrians always have the right-of-way, and cyclists should respect this when sharing the roadway.

Bicyclist Yielding To Pedestrians

Be Prepared For Traffic

When riding a bicycle on the roadway, it is important to be prepared for traffic. This means knowing how to navigate through traffic, staying aware of your surroundings, and being prepared to react quickly to any unexpected situations. Make sure that you are comfortable riding in traffic before attempting to do so.

Bicyclist Navigating Through Traffic

Stay Hydrated

When riding a bicycle on the roadway, it is important to stay hydrated. This means carrying water or other fluids with you while riding and drinking regularly to prevent dehydration. Dehydration can be dangerous and can lead to fatigue, dizziness, and other health problems.

Bicyclist Carrying Water Bottle

Stay Within The Speed Limit

When riding a bicycle on the roadway, it is important to stay within the posted speed limit. Riding too fast can be dangerous and can increase your risk of being involved in an accident. Make sure that you are riding at a safe and reasonable speed for the conditions of the roadway.

Speed Limit Sign

Be Prepared For Road Hazards

When riding a bicycle on the roadway, it is important to be prepared for road hazards. This means watching out for potholes, debris, and other hazards that can cause you to lose control of your bicycle. Make sure that you are riding defensively and are prepared to react quickly to any unexpected situations.

Bicyclist Avoiding Pothole

Stay Focused On The Road Ahead

When riding a bicycle on the roadway, it is important to stay focused on the road ahead. This means avoiding distractions and staying aware of your surroundings. Make sure that you are looking ahead and are prepared to react to any unexpected situations.

Bicyclist Focused On The Road Ahead

Be Prepared For Mechanical Failures

When riding a bicycle on the roadway, it is important to be prepared for mechanical failures. This means carrying a basic toolkit with you while riding and knowing how to make basic repairs. Make sure that you know how to fix a flat tire and adjust your brakes and gears.

Bicycle Repair Kit

Avoid Riding In Poor Visibility

When riding a bicycle on the roadway, it is important to avoid riding in poor visibility. This means avoiding riding in heavy rain, snow, or fog, and avoiding riding at night without proper lighting. Poor visibility can be dangerous and can increase your risk of being involved in an accident.

Bicyclist Avoiding Riding In Heavy Rain

Be Prepared For Emergency Vehicles

When riding a bicycle on the roadway, it is important to be prepared for emergency vehicles. This means

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