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Whether you are riding your bike to work to save on vehicle costs or biking on the weekends for exercise and fresh air, you will need to follow some basic guidelines in order to ensure you are riding safely.

Using common sense and courtesy:

Always use proper hand signals to indicate your intentions to other road users. A left turn is indicated by holding the left arm straight out to the left. A right turn can be indicated two different ways. You can hold your left arm out to the left side with the elbow bent and the left hand pointing upwards. However, this way is very confusing to motorists because it uses the left arm to indicate a right hand turn. The best way to indicate a right hand turn is by holding your right arm straight out to the right side. Slowing down is indicated by holding your left arm down at an angle and slightly behind you.

If you are biking with a partner, you can indicate that there are potholes on the road ahead by holding your left hand down at an angle and making a small, downward circular motion with the arm. Do not ride side-by-side on the street as this can be quite dangerous and is bothersome to motorists. You should ride single file instead.

Ride in the far right hand lane whenever possible. This is the safest place for you to be because if you are cramped for space you can always ride onto the shoulder or jump the curb to get on the sidewalk.

If you don't ride your bike during the winter months you will need to make an effort to get back in shape before riding your bike on busy roadways. Hop on your stationary bike or take your bike on some paved park trails to get back in shape. Motorists can be impatient and it helps a lot if you're fit and able to keep up with traffic.

Do your best to choose a route that utilizes side streets and less-travelled residential streets whenever possible. Avoid using freeways and other high-speed limit roads unless absolutely necessary.

Don't attempt to pass vehicles travelling at high speeds and don't make obscene gestures when drivers cut you off.

Riding on the street versus riding on the sidewalk? City bylaws usually state that you should ride your bike on the road - not on the sidewalk. If the city you live in allows riding on the sidewalk be sure to give pedestrians the right of way. Most cities require that your bike be equipped with a bell to alert pedestrians you are approaching from behind. You can purchase a good quality bell for under ten dollars. They attach easily to the handlebars and are

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