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Bicyclist's Safety Principles & Practices to Avoid from Oregon DOT

This booklet was prepared to help adult bicyclists and parents of younger bicyclists understand how to ride
safely and legally on the streets, roads and highways of Oregon. This manual condenses and paraphrases
language in the Oregon Revised Statutes. It also provides safety advice not included in the law. This
manual is not a proper legal authority to cite and should not be relied upon in a court of law. Traffic
regulations in cities, towns and counties may go beyond state laws, as long as they do not conflict with
state law.
For a complete copy of the statutes relating to bicycling, please consult the Oregon DOT. The statutes
relating to bicycling are found in Chapter 814 of the Oregon Revised Statutes.
Congratulations!
Bicycling is an inexpensive and efficient form of transportation for short trips around town. By riding a
bicycle, you are helping everyone by reducing traffic congestion, wear and tear on our roads and the need
for more roads and parking. You are keeping the air clean and neighborhoods quiet, while saving
petroleum. You are improving your own health and well-being through regular exercise.
You have a right to ride your bicycle on Oregon's roads, streets and highways. Some basic safety
principles will help you enjoy a safe ride.
The four basic principles
Most bicycling injuries do not involve a crash with a motor vehicle. Bicyclists are more likely to fall or hit
fixed objects such as a mailbox or a parked car. To avoid these crashes, follow
principle #1
: maintain
control of your bicycle. Never ride while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. DUI laws apply when
you're riding a bicycle.
Most crashes with motor vehicles happen at road intersections and driveways, where bicyclists and
motorists cross paths. To avoid these crashes, follow
principle #2
: ride on the right, with traffic, in a
predictable manner.
When motorists and bicyclists collide, the fault is about evenly split between them. Even if you ride
responsibly, some motorists may not see you. So remember
principle #3
: be visible and ride alertly.
Finally,
principle #4
: protect yourself: wear a helmet to reduce the risk of head injury in the event of a
crash.

PRINCIPLE #1: MAINTAIN CONTROL OF YOUR BICYCLE
There are many things you can do to control your bicycle, even in an emergency.
First, make sure your bike is the right size and adjusted to fit you properly. The right size bicycle is easier
to control and more comfortable, causing less fatigue. Your local bike shop can help you choose the right
size bicycle for you.
Make sure your bike is in good working order. You should inspect it regularly. Here are some important
parts to check:
Brakes must be powerful enough to let you easily bring your bicycle to a stop. You should be able to
easily reach the brake levers. Tires should be in good condition and inflated to their recommended pressure.
Luggage racks and saddle bags let you carry a load while keeping your hands on the handlebars for
steering and braking.
Lights are required by law when riding after dark. You or your
bicycle must have a white light visible at least 500 feet to the front,
and a red light or reflector visible at least 600 feet to the rear.
These are the minimum requirements. More powerful lights will
make you more visible to others, and help you see road hazards. A
rear light is more visible than a reflector. Front white reflectors are
not visible to motorists entering from a side street and do not meet
legal lighting requirements.
Effectiveness of bike lights
Fenders keep you dry and clean. They also prevent lights and reflectors from getting dirty in wet weather.
Mountain bikes and hybrids are easier to control than many older
bikes. They are well-suited for city riding thanks to their upright
sitting position, modern gear shifters and brakes, rugged
construction and maneuverability.
To improve your riding skills, practice in an area away from cars.
Learn to ride while looking ahead, to the sides and over your
shoulder (this is needed to check for traffic before turning). Avoid
distractions such as listening to a personal stereo while riding.
This cyclist has lights, fender,
luggage rack and helmet

Principle #2: Ride With Traffic

In Oregon, a bicycle is a vehicle by law. When riding your bike on a road, you have the same rights and
duties as other road users. With a few exceptions, the rules of the road for drivers apply to you. Consult
the Oregon Driver's Manual to become familiar with these rules.
The most important rule to remember is ride on the right, in the same direction as the traffic next to
you. It's the law. This way you will be seen by others. When drivers enter a
road, change or cross lanes, they know where to look for possible conflicts. If
you are riding with traffic, you are more visible and drivers will more likely yield
to you.
When riding in a bike lane, you are still required to ride in the same direction as
the traffic next to you. Riding with traffic also shows you are responsible and
will help you gain the respect of other road users.
Ride with traffic to be seen
How far to the right you should ride
Riding on the right doesn't mean hugging the curb or edge of the road. This may not be the best place to ride. For example, if you hit the curb, you could lose your balance and fall into traffic. Other times when
you shouldn't ride too far to the right include:
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When avoiding parked cars or surface hazards;

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When a lane is too narrow for a bicycle and vehicle to travel safely side by side;

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When making a left turn;

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When you're passing another bicycle or car;

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On a one-way street, you may ride on the left as long as you are riding with traffic.

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To avoid conflicts with right-turning cars.

The above exceptions also apply to riding in a bike lane.
Road surface hazards
Keep an eye on the road ahead. Avoid running over potholes, gravel,
broken glass, drainage grates or other unsafe road conditions. But
first look over your shoulder to avoid swerving suddenly into traffic. If
necessary, signal before moving over.
To make riding safer for you and other bicyclists, report unsafe road
conditions to local authorities as soon as possible.
Avoid Road Hazards
Parked cars
Ride far enough away from parked cars so you don't risk being hit by an open car door.
Avoid open car doors
Ride in a straight line
This will make you more visible to motorists. Don't weave in and out of parked cars you may disappear
from motorists' sight and get squeezed when you need to merge back into traffic. Don't weave in and out of parked cars
Riding side by side
You and a companion may ride side by side on the road, but only if you don't impede other traffic. If traffic
doesn't have enough room to pass you safely, ride single file.
When you should take a lane
If there is no shoulder or bike lane, and the travel lane is narrow, ride closer to the center of the lane. This
will prevent motorists from passing you when there isn't room. You should also take the lane when you're
traveling at the same speed as traffic. This will keep you out of motorists' blind spots and reduce conflicts
with right-turning traffic.
Occupy more of the travel lane if it is narrow
or if traffic is moving slowly
Obey traffic signs & signals
Stop at STOP signs and red lights. Rushing through a yellow light
may not leave you enough time to make it across the intersection
before the light changes.
Useful tip: Downshift before stopping at an intersection. This will
help you cross the street more easily when you start again.
Making a left turn
There are several ways to make a left turn on a bicycle:
Stop at red lights and stop signs
As a vehicle. As you approach theintersection, look over your left
shoulder for traffic and, when clear, signal your turn (see page 9), move over to the left side of the lane
(on a two-lane road), or into the left lane or the center-turn lane (1). You should be positioned so cars
going straight through can't pass you on the
left. Yield to on-coming cars before turning.
If you are riding in a bike lane, or on a road
with several lanes, you need to look and
signal each time you change lanes. Never
make a left turn from the right side of the
road, even if you're in a bike lane.
"Box-style." Proceed straight through the
intersection on the right. Then stop, and
either cross as a pedestrian in the crosswalk (2), or make a 90 degree left turn and
proceed as if you were coming from the right
(3). If there is a signal, wait for the green or
WALK signal before crossing. Yield to
pedestrians in crosswalk.
How to make a left trun
Turn lanes
When you approach an intersection with
several lanes, choose the one with the arrow
pointing where you want to go. You may get cut off by turning cars if you're in the wrong lane. If there is a
straight through bike lane, use it only if you're going straight ahead.
If you can't make it across traffic to the correct lane, use the crosswalk instead.
Choose the correct lane
Use hand signals when turning
Signal before making a turn to warn traffic behind you. To signal a left turn, look behind you, then hold
your left arm out. To signal a right turn, either hold your right arm out, or hold your left arm up, with bent
elbow. You don't have to keep your arm out through the turn - you may need both hands on the handlebar
to keep control of your bicycle.
Bicyclists hand signals
Passing other vehicles Pass