| While you might have the benefit of a fully blocked off | | | | and keep it buckled tightly. It should fit snugly on your |
| roadway during certain cycling events such as | | | | head and be two finger widths above your eyebrows. |
| triathlons and races, most of the time you will be privy | | | | You want that helmet on firmly and protectively at all |
| to such incredible riding conditions. Most times, you will | | | | times. |
| be faced with the dangerous, often times frustrating | | | | Don't Get Distracted |
| problem of traffic and the risk of being hit by a car or | | | | It is very easy to get distracted while riding. There are |
| truck. Follow these tips carefully to keep safe while | | | | plenty of little things you can do while riding - check |
| riding on a busy roadway and to ensure you do your | | | | your pulse, grab a drink, and reset your computers and |
| part in the intricate ballet of cyclist and motorist. | | | | timers. Forget all of it. If you are not paying attention to |
| Never Assume You Are Seen | | | | the road, the road or the traffic on that road will sneak |
| Never expect a driver to have seen and registered | | | | up on you and plant you face down on its surface. Be |
| your presence on the road. For whatever reason, | | | | prepared for anything and everything. |
| many drivers are only acclimated to recognizing other | | | | Travel in Numbers |
| cars as risks while driving. They assume cyclists, | | | | Always have a few other riders with you. Not only |
| pedestrians and animals stay on the sidewalks or trails. | | | | does it make the ride go more easily when traveling |
| Wear the right clothing and make the necessary | | | | long distances - it makes sure you get out on the road |
| signals to ensure you are always seen. | | | | in the first place. On top of that, you will better ensure |
| Your Speed is Deceptive | | | | you that you are not "missed" by a driver who does |
| Especially for those of you who are exceptionally well | | | | not see you. |
| trained, the road is a chance to open up and ride at | | | | The Right of Way is Meaningless |
| high speeds, occasionally as fast as or faster than | | | | If you are riding on a tiny bicycle with your body |
| traffic. If a car cuts you off or tries to pass you for no | | | | exposed, a 2 ton vehicle always has the right of way, |
| reason other than to get one space further, they may | | | | regardless of the law. They can seriously injure or kill |
| simply not realize that you are going so quickly. Be | | | | you, so if it appears that the vehicle is not going to |
| patient and yield to avoid accidents. | | | | stop, yield and ensure you survive your ride. When the |
| Look for a Way Out | | | | light turns green, do not just go - wait for traffic to |
| When riding on the street, always be aware of your | | | | clear an intersection and then carefully start moving. It |
| surroundings and how you can get out of a situation if | | | | can be the difference between a safe, fun ride and a |
| need be. Look for an opening to swerve, a path to ride | | | | painful end to your hobby. |
| down, or a curb to run up if you absolutely must. If | | | | If you are safe and careful when riding, you can |
| someone swerves into you or another cyclist stops | | | | almost always ensure that you are prepared for |
| suddenly, you need a way out so that you do not end | | | | everything that comes your way - including traffic and |
| up on the pavement. | | | | angry motorists. Be wary and be ready for nearly |
| Always Have Safety Equipment | | | | anything. |
| When riding in the roadway, always have a helmet on | | | | |