Avoid debris. If your tires contact debris such as sticks, rocks, trash, or any
other loose object on the road, the debris can flip up. If the debris gets into
your wheels, it could cause you to lose control or crash. It could also get
caught in your spokes or chain, possibly damaging your bicycle.
Watch the cars you are preparing to pass. If a car suddenly enters your lane,
or someone unexpectedly opens the door of a parked car, you could be
involved in a serious accident. Mount a horn or bell on your bicycle, and use it
to alert others of your approach.
Be careful when riding in low light conditions. Your bicycle is equipped
with a full set of reflectors. Keep them clean and in position. As useful as these
reflectors are, they do not help you see, nor do they help you be seen, unless
light is directed on them. Use a working headlight and tail light when you ride
in poorly lighted or low visibility conditions. Also wear light, bright, and
reflective clothing, especially at night, to make yourself more visible.
The important thing is to see and be seen. If you do any amount of riding at
dusk, at night, or in any conditions with poor visibility, find appropriate
products to aid your vision and make you more visible.
WARNING: A bicycle rider without proper lighting and safety precautions
may not have good vision and may not be visible to others, which can cause a
collision resulting in severe injury. Use front and rear bicycle lights and
additional safety procedures when riding in poor visibility conditions. Failure
to provide visibility for yourself and be visible to others will increase your
chance of being involved in an accident in low light conditions.
Avoid unsafe or harmful conditions. Bicycles are not designed to be used in
all conditions. Be careful when riding in wet conditions
No brakes, whatever their design, work as effectively in wet weather as they
do in dry. Even properly aligned, lubricated, and maintained brakes require
greater lever pressure and longer stopping distances in wet weather;
anticipate the extra distance it will take to stop.
Wet weather causes reduced visibility for both you and motorists, and
reduced traction. Use slower cornering when traction is reduced, like when
riding over wet leaves, painted crosswalks, or manhole covers.
Avoid introducing water to any bearings of your bicycle. The metal
bearings in your bicycle allow the parts to rotate smoothly. Water in contact
with metal causes corrosion, which will make the bearings lose their
