Bike Safety Tips
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Cape May is a very bike-friendly town – it’s flat, it has plenty of side streets to explore, and lots of bike racks around town. But before you hop on that beach cruiser, take a minute to review our bike tips to make sure that you enjoy the ride safely.
Before Your Ride
- Always Wear a Helmet: A properly fitted bicycle helmet can save your life. If you don’t own one, you can rent one. Make sure that your helmet is a good fit – click here to learn more about selecting the right size for you.
- Check Your Equipment: Make sure your bike is ready to roll. Adjust your seat height, check your mirrors and tires, and test your bell and brakes before hitting the road. And if you’re riding at night, don’t forget to make sure that your bike has a working light.
- Wear Appropriate Clothing: Wear comfortable attire. Avoid loose pant legs, flip-flops, and untied shoestrings that might get caught in the pedals or chains of the bike.
- Plan Safe Routes: Take time before you ride to plan out a safe route to your destination. Try to select the roadways that are less traveled by vehicles.
During Your Ride
- Ride With Traffic: A bicycle is considered a vehicle so you should always ride with the flow of traffic, not against it.
- Obey Traffic Signals: In many states bicycles are considered vehicles, and cyclists have the same rights and the same responsibilities to follow the rules of the road as motorists. So make sure to always obey traffic signals and laws when riding your bike. That includes yielding to pedestrians who have already entered a crosswalk.
- Stay Alert: Watch where you are going at all times. Pay attention to the cars, bikes, and pedestrians around you. Watch out for road hazards like potholes, puddles, and even small animals. And never use your cell phone while riding your bike – that includes talking, texting, or listing to music on headphones.
- Stay in Control: Always ride with at least one hand (preferable two!) on the handlebars. Use a backpack of bike basket to carry your belongings.
- Watch for Parked Cars: Ride far enough out from the curb to avoid colliding with unexpected doors opening or cars pulling out of a sparking spot.
- Be Predictable: Ride in a straight line; don’t weave in and out of traffic. And always be sure to signal your moves to others.
- Use Hand Signals: When turning left or right, or stopping while on your bike be sure to use proper hand signals.