Ride Smart: Essential Bicycle Safety Tips

Bicycling is a convenient, healthy, and environmentally friendly way to travel around campus and the Oberlin community. Whether you ride every day or only occasionally, following a few basic safety practices can help protect you and everyone with whom you share the road.

Check Your Bike Before Every Ride

Use the ABC Quick Check before heading out:

• A — Air: Make sure your tires are properly inflated.
• B — Brakes: Test your brakes and check that the brake pads are not excessively worn.
• C — Chain and Cranks: Make sure the chain is clean and moves smoothly. Check that the cranks are secure.
• Quick — Quick Releases: Confirm that all quick-release levers are completely closed.
• Check: Take a short, slow test ride to ensure the bicycle is operating properly.

Wear a Properly Fitted Helmet

A helmet provides the best protection only when it fits and is worn correctly.

• Position the helmet level on your head—not tilted backward.
• Leave approximately two fingers of space between your eyebrows and the front of the helmet.
• Adjust the side straps so they form a “Y” just below each ear.
• Fasten the chin strap securely.
• Replace a helmet that has been involved in a crash or shows signs of damage.

Be Visible and Predictable

Ride where drivers, pedestrians, and other bicyclists can see you. Use a white front light and a red rear light or reflector when riding at night or in low-visibility conditions. Bright or reflective clothing can also help others notice you sooner.

Ride in a straight, predictable path and avoid sudden turns or lane changes. Do not weave between parked or moving vehicles.

Signal, Scan, and Communicate

Before turning, changing lanes, or stopping, look over your shoulder to check for traffic and clearly signal your intentions.

• Left turn: Extend your left arm straight out.
• Right turn: Extend your right arm straight out, or raise your left arm at a right angle.
• Slowing or stopping: Lower your left arm at a right angle with your hand open.

Practice looking over your shoulder while maintaining a straight line before using this skill in traffic.

Use Extra Caution at Intersections

Many collisions involving bicycles and motor vehicles occur at intersections. Approach intersections at a safe speed, watch for turning vehicles, obey traffic signals and signs, and make eye contact with drivers whenever possible. Never assume a driver has seen you.

Ride in the right-most lane that travels in your intended direction, unless road conditions, parked vehicles, turning movements, or other hazards require a safer position.

Share Campus Spaces Responsibly

Pedestrians have priority on sidewalks and other shared pathways. Ride slowly, announce yourself before passing, and leave adequate space. When pedestrian traffic is heavy, dismount and walk your bicycle.

Park only at designated bicycle racks. Do not secure bicycles to trees, railings, accessibility ramps, signs, light poles, or locations that block entrances, exits, sidewalks, or emergency access.

Stay Alert

Keep your attention on the road and your surroundings. Avoid using phones, headphones, or anything else that limits your ability to see or hear potential hazards. Never operate a bicycle while impaired.

Ride alert. Ride predictably. Ride smart.

For short instructional videos covering bicycle checks, helmets, signaling, road positioning, intersections, equipment, parking, and driver awareness, visit the League of American Bicyclists’ Smart Cycling Video Library.

Adapted from educational resources provided by the League of American Bicyclists.