Part 1 of 2 Parts

Always wear a Helmet. Helmets can prevent head injuries, the primary cause of death and disabling injuries resulting from cycling accidents.

Know your local laws.

Use proper hand signals.

Make eye contact with drivers to be sure you have been seen.

Be visible.  Reflective clothing should be worn, even during the day, just in case the ride goes into the evening or dusk hours.  Bright clothing increases the chance of being seen by other cyclists, pedestrians and drivers.  Wear bright-colored clothing - fluorescent colors are particularly good.

Children should always tell parents where they are going on their bikes.

Teach children to ride in safe areas - avoid parking lots, paths through wooded areas, secluded areas, loose gravel and busy roads.

Look well ahead.  This way you can spot problems before they happen.  Continually check the road for potential hazards.  Never wear headphones when riding a bike.

Never ride with a passenger on the handlebars.

Don't let children ride at night.

Never pull or get pulled by another bike, vehicle, or rollerbladers, etc.

Ride in single file.

Stay on the right side of the road.  Motorists are not looking for cyclists riding on the wrong side of the road.  Also, you can endanger oncoming cyclists.