ALLIANCE FOR PEOPLE POWERED TRANSPORTATION
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TRAFFIC SAFETY BE LEGAL: Cyclists fare best when they act and are treated as drivers of vehicles. The California Vehicle Code states that “cyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as motorists”. This means that cyclists have the right to use the road, and also that we must follow the rules of road, including traffic signals and stop signs. BE VISIBLE Ride where motorists are looking. Always ride with traffic: motorists don't check for road users moving against traffic and won't see you if you're on the wrong side of the road. Sidewalks are dangerous in part because motorists are not expecting you to be there and do not look before pulling across the sidewalk (and sometimes the bike lane). Position yourself on the road in a place where drivers typically look. This often means that cyclists should ride in the middle of the traffic lane through intersections to avoid collisions with unaware crossing traffic. Wear bright -colored clothing during the day and reflective accessories at night to help drivers see you. Also, use headlights and taillights for visibility at night. California law requires that a bicycle ridden at night must have a rear reflector, a white front reflector, pedal reflectors, and a white headlight that can be seen from 300 feet away. However, reflectors and reflective gear only work if a light is shining on them: taillights are advisable as well for side visibility. BE PREDICTABLE Unpredictable and sudden movements, such as weaving in and out of traffic and jumping on and off sidewalks, can frighten and confuse drivers and cause collisions. Communicate your intentions to other road users so that they are not caught off guard: scan behind you for traffic and signal before merging into a lane or changing your lane position. Choose a lane position that will enable you to ride in a straight line.
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