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B i c y c l e S afe t y
i c s A Guide For Grades 7-12
T he Road To Safer Cycling
Today, more bicyclists and motorists are sharing the road than ever before.
Unfortunately, this increase in traffic has resulted in an increase in bicycling
related accidents. But it doesn’t have to be this way. Bicycle riders can
help prevent injury by making a point of developing their riding skills,
learning about their bike’s capabilities and limitations, and seeking to
avoid cycling hazards. You can keep bicycling fun without sacrificing
safety when you know and practice the basics. This information booklet
is designed to help you do just that.
F ind The Bike That Fits You Best
O.K. You want to buy a bike. Before you decide on what style is best for
you, there are a few basic things you should consider:
1) What type of riding will you do? Trail and mountain, or road?
2) How much can you realistically spend on the purchase of a bike?
3) Can you afford the cost of maintaining and repairing a bike?
4) Do you have a place to store a bike?
Now that you’ve thought about your basic biking needs, it’s time to
consider the variety of bicycle styles and features available. As you com-
pare, take into consideration the quality of major parts, such as the frame
and the brakes. Avoid plastic parts that may wear quickly, or parts that can’t
be replaced. Compare the difference in “pedal effort.” Think about
whether you prefer upright or dropped handlebars. You can always stop
into a bike store to look at styles, ask questions, and to test ride and
compare bikes. Ideally, the bike should be assembled when purchased,
if it isn’t, make sure there are easy to understand directions included. Your
new bike should also come with a written warranty that you should take
time to review and understand before you purchase.
B ike Styles
Motocross (BMX)
Maneuverable and durable, this bike is best for
off-road racing and riding around the neighbor-
hood. Can include semi-high rise handlebars, 20-inch wheels, frame and
cross-bar pads, and knobby tread tires. Many models also come with a rear
coaster brake and hand brakes.
Middle Weight
Middle weight bikes are ideal for short trips over
roads with moderate hills. It is larger and heavier
than a motocross and easy to ride and maintain.
Will stand up to rough handling and is equipped with coaster brakes.
Multi-speed Lightweight (Derailleur)
The multi-speed, lightweight bike is a road bike
built specifically for long distance cycling along
flat ground or on hills. Equipment includes
front and rear hand brakes, dropped handlebars,
and a narrow seat, padded or unpadded. Dropped handlebars allow you
to lean forward to reduce wind resistance. For greater visibility in traffic,
riders can sit upright by holding the top portion of the handlebars. This bike
can be configured in up to 27 gear combinations. The gears are shifted by
levers that are usually located on the down tube, near the handlebars, or as
part of the brake lever mechanism. This multi-speed bike is ideal for both
serious and general cycling enthusiasts. Its careful construction makes this
bike one to handle with care.
Mountain Bike
This bike, designed to accommodate a
variety of riding situations, is a good choice
for multi-terrain cycling. It is outfitted with
10 or more gears vital for taking on rugged or
hilly terrain. It’s also an excellent choice for cycling that involves short trips
around town. Handlebar positioning allows the rider to sit in an upright
position enabling a broad view of traffic.
T he Right Fit
The most important decision any cyclist will make
is deciding which bike to buy. And the most
important criteria a bike must meet is how well it
fits the cyclist. Buy a bike that is too large or too
small, and it will be difficult to handle and uncom-
fortable to ride. Following are the key guidelines
(Figure A) to getting the best fit.
1. Compare the frame and wheel size to the length of your legs. For
models with a horizontal top bar, straddle the top bar while keeping both
feet flat on the ground. There should be one or two inches of clearance
between the rider and the bar allowing for easy mount and dismount.
(Figure A)
2. To check seat height, sit on the seat while some-
one holds the bike steady. Place the ball of the
foot on pedal. When the ball of your foot is on
the pedal at its lowest position, your knee should
be slightly bent. (Figure B)
3. When it comes to handlebars, they should be set
(Figure B) with grips at about seat level. Dropped handlebars
should be dropped down at a 10 degree to 20
degree angle from horizontal while the upper part of the bar should be level
with, or slightly below, the seat.
M aster The Basics
Balance, braking and maneuvering ability are necessary cycling skills.
All cyclists need to master these skills before becoming roadway users
in our complex traffic system.
Practice riding on a dry, clean, level area away from traffic and free of
obstructions. A school playground or an empty parking lot is a good
choice. Try the following skill tests until they become comfortable and
easy to perform.
Balance
Draw a chalk line about 75 feet long.
Ride at a walking speed and stay on the
line while keeping your head up. Main-
taining a straight course at a very slow
speed tests the ability to keep your
balance while interacting in various
cycling and traffic situations. (Figure C) 75 ft. 100 ft.
Braking
Pedal a 100-foot distance at an average
speed. Then apply the brakes and come
to a smooth, non-skidding stop within a
distance of 10 feet without losing control. (Figure C)
Repeat at a faster speed. Note the increase
in distance required to stop. If you’re 10 ft.
riding a bike equipped with hand brakes,
remember to apply the rear wheel brakes (Figure D)
first. Note: The law requires that a bike be
equipped with a brake that will enable the 15 ft.
rider to make the braked wheels skid on
dry, level, clean pavement. (Figure D)
Circling
Ride several times around a circle measur-
ing 15 feet in diameter. Then ride several
times around a figure-eight course formed
by two circles. Practice adjusting your
(Figure E)
balance as you change directions. (Figure E)
Control
Ride between two small objects, such as
sponges, placed about six inches apart.
Place another sponge four feet from the
previous two sponges. Repeat the pattern
with additional sponges. Maneuver around
these obstacles to improve your ability to (Figure F)
avoid real-life roadway obstacles. (Figure F)
Or practice in an empty parking lot that has
painted parking grids. Weave and maneuver
your bike through the painted lines. (Figure G)
(Figure G)
Looking Back
Extend the 75-foot chalk line to 100 feet. Ask a
friend to stand on the left side of the line, near
your starting point. Begin riding away from your
friend. He/she yells “Look!” and holds up a cer-
tain number of fingers. You must turn your head
to the left and determine the number of fingers
being held up, while at the same time keeping
your bike on the line. Can you do both? Try the
exercise a number of times. It will help you prac-
100 ft. tice checking for traffic approaching from behind
without swerving into a vehicle’s path. Swerving
left is a leading cause of bicycle accidents.
If you ride a multi-speed bike, it will take practice
to shift gears smoothly and appropriately. As you
get to know your bicycle, your skills and your
control will improve. (Figure H)
After developing a sense of balance and control
while on a bike, practice riding on wet or gravel
(Figure H) surfaces that are away from traffic. When you can
control your bike confidently, you can devote
more attention to the traffic around you.
Hand Signals
Always use hand signals in advance to indicate to other bicyclists and
motorists a change in your direction, or that you will be stopping.
Right Turn Left Turn Stop
A voiding Accidents
The great majority of bicycle fatalities are the result of a collision between a
bicycle and an automobile. Most bike/car crashes occur at intersections and
driveways. Although there are many factors involved, statistics suggest that
the cyclist may be at fault in approximately 75 percent of these accidents.
The good news is that accidents can be avoided. However, you have to
know what to look for and what to do.
One accident avoidance technique can be summed up in the acronym,
SIPDA. It stands for Scan, Identify, Predict, Decide, and Act. Follow each
step when analyzing any traffic situation as a cyclist.
Scan
Look in every direction when deciding which way to ride, particularly far
ahead.
Identify
Identify any potentially hazardous traffic or obstacle that could affect your
cycling path, particularly low hanging tree branches and parked vehicles.
Predict
Process the information you see, and prepare an alternate course of action
you could take.
Decide
Choose the safest route for any given situation. You may have to trade off
between traveling the fastest route in favor of the safest route.
Act
Carry out your decision in a safe and courteous manner.
Every state requires cyclists and automobile drivers to obey the rules of the
road. Failure to stop at a stop sign or traffic signal contributes in great mea-
sure to bicycle and motor vehicle accidents.
Stop, Look and Watch
The best way to avoid accidents is by keeping alert. Always think ahead
and observe what is going on around you. Bicycles aren’t always easy for
motor vehicle drivers to see. Ride on less traveled roads such as neighbor-
hood streets, paths, lanes or routes especially designated for bicyclists until
you are a more advanced cyclist.
Remember these tips to avoid
hazards while bicycling:
• Avoid situations that could cause
potential problems.
• Seek to avoid conflict with other
vehicles.
• Never ride the wrong way against
traffic.
• Always stop and look for approaching
vehicles.
• Be alert for left-turning vehicles in which
the driver may not see you (Figure I).
• Be prepared to yield or change posi-
tions if the driver doesn’t see you.
• Scan ahead for drain or sewer gratings,
their parallel bars have enough separa-
tion between to catch the wheel of your
bicycle.
Left Turning Vehicle
(Figure I)
• Be aware of low hanging tree branches.
• Remember, you’ll need more braking
distance when traveling on wet roads
including rain, ice, oil, mud, or roads
in poor condition with loose gravel or
potholes.
• Watch for the doors of parked vehicles
that could swing into your path.
• Be alert for pedestrians crossing the road
from between parked cars.
• Stay out of the “blind spot,” or rear right
line of vision, of moving motor vehicles
(Figure J).
Right Turning Vehicle
(Figure J)
M aintaining Your Bicycle
Making a point of performing some basic routine maintenance on your bike
will keep it in safe operating condition. Get into the habit of inspecting your
bike on a regular basis, in this way you can make minor adjustments and
repairs as needed yourself. Keep a basic tool kit on hand as well, including
lubricant and cleaning materials. And don’t hesitate to bring your bike into a
bike shop for more complicated repairs.
Bicycle Maintenance Check List
• Tighten nuts, bolts and fasteners on a regular basis.
• Keep coaster brakes firmly attached to the frame, and lightly
lubricated.
• Brake pads should just clear the tire rim.
• If hand brake levers touch or “bottom out” on the handlebars,
they need adjusting.
• Keep brake controls lightly oiled.
• Maintain tires at correct air pressure.
• Replace worn tires.
• Locate tire leaks by filling the inner tube with air, then placing
it in water and looking for where air bubbles appear.
• Wheels should spin evenly and not rub the forks or frame.
• Adjust spoke tension evenly to prevent wheel wobbling.*
• Replace broken spokes.*
• Keep the chain clean and lightly lubricated.
• Keep handlebars tight.
• Cement or glue loose handle grips to handlebars.
• The seat bolt and clamp should be kept tight, and the seat
should not move when twisted.
• Replace cracked reflectors and worn out batteries and lamp bulbs.
• Wipe down all surfaces with a damp cloth then wipe dry.
• Prevent rusting by storing your bike indoors.
*Best if done by a professional at a bike shop.
H elmets
A helmet is the most important accessory a bicyclist should own. Every year,
approximately 1,000 bicyclists are killed in the U.S., and 8 out of 10 bicycling
deaths are as a result of head injuries. Wear a helmet specifically designed
for bicycling. It should include a sticker identifying it as an approved helmet
by one of the following organizations:
1. ASTM 2. Snell Memorial Foundation 3. CPSC
This sticker indicates the helmet has met established safety standards.
Approved helmets usually have an outer shell lined with firm styrofoam.
A helmet should fit snugly and not move or slide around on the rider’s head.
Replace any helmet that has been involved in a crash. Its ability to protect
you may be compromised.
Impact Absorbing Liner
Outer Shell
Cooling Vents
Comfort Liner
Strong Nylon Strap Chin Strap
Secure Plastic Buckle
S tay Visible
Approximately 80% of cyclists involved in nighttime accidents are not seen
by motorists until it is too late to avoid a collision. As a bicyclist, one of the
best ways to stay safe is by taking extra care to be seen at all times. Wear
light colors such as white or fluorescents during the day, and avoid bicycling
at dusk or at night. If you must ride at night, take extra precautions. Wear
reflective clothing or material, add reflectors to pedals and the rear and sides
of your bike, as well as a headlight which is required by law when riding
during hours of darkness. Front lights must be white and rear lights must be
red. A leg lamp, a small battery powered light showing white in front and
red to the rear that is strapped to the leg just below the knee is also recom-
mended. And don’t forget a bell or horn.
T heft Protection
Help keep your bike from being stolen with these simple tips:
• Register your bike. Local bike shops and the police department will record
the serial number which they will file with a photo of your bike.
• Get a high-quality “U” lock, or padlock and a case-hardened chain. Lock
your bike by placing the chain through the front wheel, the frame and then
around a stationary object, or a bicycle rack.
• Store your bike in a garage, secure hallway or basement out of sight.
For more bicycling safety information,
visit our website at njcommuter.com
New Jersey Department of Transportation
CN 600, Trenton, NJ 08625-0600
