All too often, when I’m racing or just training, I see bike riders out there doing some crazy things. This made me do some of my own research and I developed this Bike Etiquette 101 list.
Bike Etiquette 101
Bike signals
Know your bike hand signals – Left turn fully extend your left arm; right turn either fully extend your right arm or put your left arm up at a 90-degree angle; and if you are going to stop, put your left arm down in a 90-degree angle.
Passing
If you are going to pass a walker, runner, or another cyclist, yell out, “ON YOUR LEFT!” Don’t pass on the right!
Ride with Traffic
When riding outside, ride on the road with traffic. If you are a runner, you run against traffic. Riders, you ride with traffic and obey the rules of the road.
Sidewalk? No!
Don’t ride on the sidewalk. Ride on the road. If there is no bike lane, hug the right side of the road
Communicate!
Make your intentions clear. If you are making a right-hand turn, make sure to watch out for traffic and signal that you are turning right.
What to Wear
Wear bright colors or neon colors to be seen, especially at dusk or in the evening. Don’t wear black!
Space?
Leave yourself space. If you’re riding two by two leave 12 inches or so between you.
Blocking
Don’t take up the whole bike lane or path. Be aware that there are other riders.
Headphones
Don’t wear headphones unless you can hear what’s going on around you. The Aftershoz is a good brand to wear because they are bone conductors and you can still hear everything going on around you when you wear them.
Helmets
Always wear a helmet, no matter what!
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If you can think of any other things to consider on a bike, please write in the comments below.