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Bike There Safety Quick Guide 2

As a bicyclist, you have the same rights and responsibilities as a motorist. The document provides many safety tips for bicyclists including riding predictably, obeying traffic laws, using hand signals, and being aware of your surroundings. It also lists resources for maps, bike lanes, locks, and how to report issues.

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Darío Eduardo Martínez
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82 views2 pages

Bike There Safety Quick Guide 2

As a bicyclist, you have the same rights and responsibilities as a motorist. The document provides many safety tips for bicyclists including riding predictably, obeying traffic laws, using hand signals, and being aware of your surroundings. It also lists resources for maps, bike lanes, locks, and how to report issues.

Uploaded by

Darío Eduardo Martínez
Copyright
© Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Safety tips and bike laws

As a bicyclist, you have the same rights and responsibilities as a motorist. Follow these tips to make your ride safe and enjoyable.

Be alert
Ride defensively and expect the unexpected.
Use caution when passing
You may pass slowed or stopped traffic on the right only when it is safe. Be very careful when overtaking cars and stay out of a motorists blind spot as a driver may not signal when turning.

SAFETY TIPS

Be predictable
Ride so drivers can see you and predict your movements.
Obey traffic signs and lights
To be respected by motorists, obey the same traffic laws they obey.

Be prepared for cars pulling out to cross your path at drive


Until youve made eye contact, assume that a stopped motorist in a driveway or cross street has not yet seen you.

Use bicycle traffic detection devices


Look for a small, white bicycle decal in the pavement at an intersection. Place your wheel over it to change the traffic signal.

Know whats behind you


Train yourself to look over your shoulder without losing your balance or swerving, or use a rearview mirror.

Never ride against traffic


Motorists arent looking for bicyclists riding on the wrong side of the road. To be most visible and safe, ride with traffic.

Avoid road hazards


Be on the lookout for rail tracks, sewer grates, manhole covers, oily pavement, wet leaves, gravel and ice. Cross rail tracks at a right angle. Do not ride through large puddles; they may hide a pothole.

Quick guide for better biking

Use hand signals


LEFT RIGHT

Hand signals allow you to signal to motorists a change in direction. You are required to signal 100 feet before turning at an intersection.

Look for bike boxes


Green bike boxes are located at intersections and marked with a bicycle symbol. They create a safe and more visible space for bicyclists to stop at traffic lights.

Dont weave between parked cars


Ride as close as possible to the right. Ride consistently. Always scan parked vehicles for people who may open a door in your path.

Use caution in cycle tracks


Cycle tracks are physically protected lanes for bikes. When riding in one, be watchful when approaching an intersecting driveway or cross street.

Ride in the middle of the lane


You can ride in the middle of the lane at busy intersections or when riding at the same speed as cars. Otherwise, ride to the far right unless you are passing, turning left, avoiding hazards or riding in a narrow lane.

Be equipped
Invest in the necessary gear.
Cover the basics
Your bike should be sized to your height. A hardshell helmet reduces your risk of head injury in a crash. Bicyclists under 16 are required to wear one.

Turn correctly
There are two ways to turn left: signal and turn left from the traffic lane, or keep right until you reach the far corner of the intersection and then turn and wait until its clear to cross (or until the light changes).

Go slowly on sidewalks
You must yield to pedestrians and provide an audible warning as you prepare to pass them. You may not ride on sidewalks in downtown Portland.

Gear up for urban conditions


Front and rear bike lights are required if you ride at dusk, dawn or night. Consider a rearview mirror, fenders for rain and a bell, plus a rack, basket or bike bag to carry groceries, books and necessities.

Quick guide for better biking


Biking is as an excellent way to get around, get exercise and experience the outdoors. Whether youre new to biking or an experienced cyclist, this quick guide provides safety information and resources to make your ride more enjoyable. This is just a taste of what you get with Metros new Bike There! map.

Getting started
Check out these resources to learn more about cycling in the region. Youll find a range of information including how to buy a bike and safety gear without breaking the bank as well as how-to videos on tuning up your bike, using the bike rack on buses and much more. Bicycle Transportation Alliance www.bta4bikes.org City of Portland, Bureau of Transportation www.portlandonline.com/transportation Community Cycling Center www.communitycyclingcenter.org Drive less. Save more. www.drivelesssavemore.com Metro www.oregonmetro.gov/bikethere

Bike There! map


Bike There! is printed on durable, waterproof paper and is available for $9. The map features: detailed commuter maps of downtown Portland and 21 area cities an expanded regional map that shows popular recreational cycling destinations elevation points, steep slopes and transit stations to help you extend your ride. Learn where to purchase a copy and download free maps at www.oregonmetro.gov/bikethere.

Know where you cant go


5 84

I-5 between Delta Park (Exit 307) and Highway 217 (Exit 292) I-84 between its junction with I-5 and Lewis and Clark State Park (Exit 18) I-205 between the Columbia River and the Highway 43 overpass at West Linn I-405, its entire length, including the Fremont and Marquam bridges U.S. 26 between downtown Portland at Southwest 13th Avenue and the west portals of the Vista Ridge tunnels U.S. 30 between Northwest 23rd Avenue and I-405

205

405

Bikes on transit
Regular-service TriMet buses, MAX, the Portland Streetcar, the Portland Aerial Tram and WES Commuter Rail allow bikes on board if there is room; bike spaces fill fast at rush hour. C-TRAN and SMART buses also carry bikes.

Why bike?
Our region has more than 600 miles of on-street bike routes and 235 miles of off-street trails. Half of all trips in the U.S could be replaced with a 20-minute bike ride. Households that walk and cycle as the primary modes of travel save an average of $694 per month. Biking helps weight loss and heightens energy levels.

Bike lockers
To locate bike lockers in or near: Downtown Portland, call 503-823-CYCL (2925) MAX lines, call 503-962-2104 or visit www.trimet. org/bikes Lloyd District, call 503-236-6441 or visit www. lloydtma.com Wilsonvilles SMART Central, call 503-682-7790, ext. 1489 or visit www.ridesmart.com Vancouver and Clark Countys C-TRAN, call 360-695-0123 or visit www.c-tran.com.

Emergencies
To report a collision or crash, call 911. For information on registering a stolen bike online, visit www. oregonmetro.gov/bikethere.

Road hazards
To report a road maintenance issue (gravel, glass or a dangerous pothole) in: Portland, call 503-823-1700 East Multnomah County, call 503-988-5050 Clackamas County, call 503-557-6391 Washington County, call 503-846-7623 State highways, call ODOT at 503-731-4652.
Metro disclaims any responsibility for errors, omissions or inaccuracies in this guide. In no event shall Metro be liable for any damages or losses of any kind related to the data and information contained in this guide. Printed on recycled-content paper. 11084_v2

About Metro
An elected regional government, Metro helps you make the Portland metropolitan area a great place to live, work and ride your bike!

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