by Cynthia Ruff

Created on: July 16, 2008   Last Updated: July 01, 2011

Biking in the Twenty-first Century has taken on a more expansive meaning and purpose than ever before.  People often bike in groups for exercise and recreation.  However, for many people, the bike is a necessary means of transportation.  Since no one needs a license to ride a bicycle, anyone can ride one.  But given the possibility of the severity of unpleasant and life-threatening collisions, a set of rules and laws must exist to keep bikers safe.

As the interest and demand has grown, cities and states have enacted laws that allow the biker to successfully and safely travel on the streets along with automobiles.  For one example, in Ohio, their Department of Transportation has enacted dozens of rules/laws that bikers are expected to follow (i.e., Ohio Revised Code, Titles 29 and 45).  In whatever community the cyclist resides it would be advisable to obtain a copy of the state’s laws and to read and understand them prior to biking.

Essential equipment is a good-fitting helmet, rear-view mirror (i.e., mounted on the left side of the helmet or on the handle bars), gloves (i.e., fingerless), clipless pedals or toe clips (i.e., felt belts), tools (i.e., for repairs), a lock, a water bottle, and a place to store baggage.  Many of these items can be found in a local store or bicycle shop.

Sidewalks are for pedestrians.  No matter how congested or busy the city streets are, research has proven that the safest way to ride is to do it in a predicable straight line with all other traffic (i.e., buses, cars).  It is important to be visible.  The biker should fit into the line of traffic where drivers can easily see them.  The biker should stay to the right of traffic; however, it is advisable that the biker not stay so far right to give the driver the feeling that the biker can be squeezed out.  Therefore, the biker must place him or herself in the center of the furthest right lane; the automobile can then pass when safely able.  This will also assist the biker when making make turns.  When possible, the biker should make eye contact with drivers and make clear signals that indicate their intentions.  The more time spent integrating with traffic, the more confident the biker will become.  Also consider that drivers will respect bikers who do not take unnecessary and reckless chances by zipping in and out of traffic.

Resources:

www.dot.state.oh.us/bike

Allen, John (2001).  Bicycling Street Smarts: Riding Confidently, Legally, and Safely.  Rubel BikeMaps: Rodale Inc.

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