HomeMy Public PortalAbout20120918Bicycle Rules of the Road.pptxBicycle Rules of the Road
Tybee Island Police Department
By
FTO Bertram Whitley
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All Laws are applicable to bicycles that are operated upon a highway or any path set aside for the exclusive use of bicycles
Cyclists are expected to obey all traffic laws, including traffic lights and stop signs
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Basic Bicycle Rules of the Road
Never ride against traffic flow. Bicyclists must stay to the right side of the roadway, unless they are turning left or avoiding a roadside hazard.
Signal to other road users. Use hand signals to indicate your intentions to turn or stop.
Pull entirely off of the roadway if you need to stop.
Be visible. Wear bright colors so that you can be seen. Orange, yellow, fluorescent green.
Use of lights and reflectors. White light on the front of the bicycle and either a red reflector or light on the rear
Use of a mirror. Rear view mirrors can be extremely helpful and can help you monitor traffic approaching from behind.
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Basic Bicycle Rules Cont.
Be prepared to stop if your approaching a yellow light. Your bicycle moves slower than regular vehicle traffic, you will not have time to clear traffic before the traffic control device
changes.
Use extreme caution when approaching driveways. Drivers backing from driveways typically are looking for oncoming vehicle traffic and rarely see oncoming foot or bicycle traffic
Use extra caution when operating near larger trucks and buses. These vehicles have large “blind spots” and can also take longer to stop
Ride in a predictable manner. Avoid sudden movements when operating your bicycle and never weave in and out of traffic.
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Required Safety Equipment for Bicycles
OCGA 40-6-296 and 297
Children under the age of 16 must be equipped with a helmet. The helmet must meet or exceed the standards of the American National Standards Institute or the Snell Memorial Foundation.
Any parent or guardian that knowingly permits a child to operate without a helmet can be found guilty of a misdemeanor.
No bicycle may be equipped or operated with handlebars that raise the operators hands above the shoulders
Every bicycle sold or operated must be equipped with brakes that allow the braked wheels to skid on a dry, level surface
No bicycle shall be equipped, modified, or altered in such a way as to cause the pedal in its lowermost position to be more than 12 inches above the ground
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Required Safety Equipment Cont.
Every bicycle when used at night must be equipped with a white light on the front visible from a distance of 300 feet and either a red reflector or red light on the rear visible from
a distance of 300 feet
Pedals must be equipped with reflectors on the front and rear and be approved by the Department of Public Safety. Pedals must be visible during darkness from a distance of 200 feet
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Safe Commuting
By following Georgia traffic laws and taking a few extra precautions, risks are reduced significantly
Be visible to motorists
Use hand signals to show your intent to turn, make eye contact at intersections
Wave and smile when a motorist lets you through
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As adults…..
Always set a good example for children. Wear a helmet, stop at traffic control devices and stop signs. Ride responsibly.
Insist that kids wear helmets at all times. It is the law after all
When riding with children, be sure to point out safety hazards and encourage them to follow the rules of the road
Questions?
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Sources
www.bikeforfun.com
www.georgiabikes.org
www.bicyclecampaign.org
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