Bicycle Safety

 

Rules for riding bicycles on the road.

 

Bicycles are considered "vehicles" on Wisconsin roadways. That means bicyclists must obey the rules of the road like any other vehicle and must be treated as equal users by all other vehicles.

Bicycles are particularly vulnerable among road vehicles. There are several simple things bicyclists can do to greatly reduce their risk of crash, death or injury.

The best way is to avoid common bicyclist errors or to be prepared to avoid common motorist errors committed around bicyclists.

The most effective way to prevent head injuries, is to wear a properly fitting bicycle helmet. A helmet worn correctly, just above the eyebrows, on every ride is the best defense against serious injury in a fall or crash.
 
 
Ride at least three feet from the curb or parked vehicles or debris in curb area and in a straight line. Don't swerve in and out around parked vehicles.
   
Always ride in the same direction as traffic.
   
Sidewalk riding for bicyclists past the learning stage and being closely supervised by adults can be more dangerous than on the road, obeying traffic laws. It is also illegal unless the community has passed an ordinance specifically permitting sidewalk riding. This can be age-restricted, location-restricted or based on the type of property abutting the sidewalk.
 
Obey all traffic laws.
 
Be predictable! Let other users know where you intend to go and maintain an understood course.
 
Ride in a straight line three feet out from parked cars. You'll avoid car doors that open in front of you and you'll be more visible to other drivers.
 
You will fare better with other road users if you function like a legal vehicle operator, which you are.
 
Bicycles are vehicles. They belong on the road.
 

There are plenty of places to safely operate your bicycle and see some of the great sites and nature of wisconsin. For guides and maps, Click Here

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
 
 

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