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Better Bicycling
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» Riding Safety
» Health and Environment
» Bicycling for Families
» Laws and Rules

Better Bicycling » Riding Safely

Everyone wants his or her ride to be fun, safe and problem free. This means using common sense and being familiar with the rules of the road.

If you are a parent, safe bicycling also means making sure your children understand and observe some simple rules. By the time children are old enough to ride in the street they should be trained to have habits based on these simple rules:

  • Stop and look before entering a street.
  • Ride with traffic on the right side of the street.
  • Ride in a straight line and look before turning or changing direction.
  • Ride only during daylight hours.
  • Wear a helmet.
  • Be Courteous.

    New York requires everyone under age fourteen to wear a helmet. NYBC recommends every bicyclist wear one regardless of age. This is not only because it adds considerable protection against head injury, but also because adults should set a good example for all the children who see them riding.

    Keep in mind that a rider can always dismount and walk the bicycle in situations where riding is found to be uncomfortable. This could be helpful when, say, making turns at a complex intersection with heavy traffic. The rider then simply uses the crosswalks as a pedestrian.

    When riding at night the law requires head and taillights for safety. Reflectorized clothing is important too. The idea is to be as visible as possible to motorists from as far as possible.

    The laws and rules governing bicycling are comprehensive. While most people don’t study them in lawyerlike fashion, some basic knowledge brings a great deal of safety. First and foremost, when in a roadway bicycles are, with rare exceptions, subject to the same rules as automobiles. Read more on the Laws and Rules page on this website.

    Links found below will provide more information on riding bicycles safely. Parents will also find some useful links that can help them teach their children about staying safe. In addition there are a list of links designed for kids that teach about bicycle safety in a fun and entertaining way.

    Links to Information on Safe Riding:


    Ten Smart Routes to Bicycle Safety
    Cycling In Traffic
    Sharing the Path
    Bicycle Proficiency Handling Exercises

    Links on Bicycle Safety for Parents:


    What Every Parent Should Know
    Family and Children's Safety
    Five Bicycle Safety Concepts for 9-12 Year Olds
    Bicycle Safety Education for Youth
    Bikes and Helmets

    Links about Bicycle Safety Designed for Kids:


    Scruff's Bike Race - Game
    Go on a Bike Safety Tour
    Rad Rider's Safety Test
    Sprocket Man - Kids Bike Comic Book
    Bikes and In - Line Skates Kid's Page
    Fun Bike Safety Quiz
    Fun Bike Safety Quiz - Answers

    » Master Resources Page

  • Did You Know?

    Board Development

    NYBC is actively seeking new board members and volunteers. We welcome activists, planners, and representatives from the private sector. Additionally, we are interested in working with individuals from agencies not traditionally aligned with bike-ped activities but who have a stake in transportation choice, e.g. tourism, handicapped, the elderly, minorities, the environment, smart growth, job training, etc. Our board members do not necessarily represent the organizations they work for, but bring to NYBC experience from many different parts of their lives.

    Interested in becoming part of NYBC's leadership? Send an email to:
    Bill Eisenreich, President
    ikesbike@optonline.net

    Interested in Volunteering? Send an email to:
    Joshua Poppel, Executive Director
    joshua@nybc.net