A bicyclist's safety on the road depends on the five essential bicycling
skills. These skills can reduce your risk of injury.
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Handling: Control your bike. Know how to handle (start, stop, turn, ride in a straight
line, keep balance at slow speeds, check over should without swerving)
your bike property so that a collision could be avoided. Also, equip your
bike with the required safety features (brakes, front and rear reflectors
and lights).
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Cooperation: Share the road. Bicyclists have the same responsibilities and rights as
a motorist. Obey all traffic signals, signs and road markings. Watch out
for pedestrians and avoid riding on sidewalks whenever possible.
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Positioning: Make yourself visible. When riding slower than the other traffic, ride
in the bike lane (in the same direction as the other traffic). Leave the
lane when traveling fast as the other traffic, to avoid obstacles and
to prepare to turn. On roads without a bike lane ride in the rightmost
through lane in a straight line. Move to the center of the lane when:
- Traveling the same speed as other traffic.
- Narrow lane width or obstacles make it unsafe to be passed by other drivers
within the lane.
- Being more visible makes you safer.
-
Responsiveness: Respond to hazards. Know how to stop and turn quickly when another roadway
user makes a hazardous mistake.
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Protection: Protect your head and hands. Wear a bicycle helmet and cycling gloves
to prevent or reduce serious injuries.