How to Safely Use Bike Lanes

Bike lanes are smaller versions of the lanes cars drive in. The lanes are painted onto the roads by local highway departments to enable a buffer zone for bicycle travel. Cars are allowed to enter the bike lanes, but bikers have the right of way in these lanes. It is sometimes difficult to distinguish how to best be safe in a bike lane. Here is your guide.

1. Step 1

   Use the bike lane. This may seem like an obvious step, but most bike/ car accidents occur when cyclists are not in the bike lane. Ride between the dividing lane and the curb or side of the road. Avoid the use of sidewalks.

2. Step 2

   Ride in the bike lane with the flow of traffic. Walk against traffic and ride with traffic. Look at the car to your left and go the same direction as the car. If the car is going north, go north. If the car is going west, ride west. Don't ride against traffic.

3. Step 3

   Know the law and follow it so you'll understand how to correctly yield to cars and pedestrians when they have the right of way. Went there is a green light go. When you have a red light stop. When cars are turning on a green arrow, yield to the car. If a pedestrian has a walk sign, stay out of the person's way.

4. Step 4

   Wear a helmet. Choose a helmet that you will wear and that fits your head correctly. Go to a sporting goods store to be fitted for the best helmet. Strap the helmet on correctly each time, fully fastening it snugly. Sit the helmet flat on your head. It should not tilt forward or backward.

5. Step 5

   Wear reflective items and install some on your bike. Purchase a reflective vest or cycling outfit from a local cycling store. Wear the reflectors whenever you go out and especially at night. Attach lights to the bike and turn them on in dark and inclement weather.