Whether you bike for fun, for exercise or to get to where you’re going in a greener way, you have a big responsibility to keep yourself and others safe. All bicyclists must obey the rules of the road. Make sure you’re visible to drivers, pedestrians and other cyclists. And, most importantly, watch for others out there – because they might not be watching for you.
Be Safe
Follow the rules of the road as though you were a car.
Obey stop signs and traffic signals.
Always ride on the right in the direction of traffic.
Yield to pedestrians in or at crosswalks.
Avoid riding on sidewalks.
Wear a helmet correctly on every ride to help prevent head injury.
Helmets work only if you wear them correctly. Helmet Fitment Guide
Ride as far to the right as is safe. If there’s no bike lane, ride in the travel lane when necessary for your safety.
Ride single file in traffic if it is not safe to ride two abreast.
Scan ahead for hazards such as drains, potholes, debris, or railroad tracks, and give yourself time to go around them safely.
Give yourself extra distance to stop in slick or sandy conditions.
Stay out of the door zone, by riding 3-4 feet away from parked cars.
Wear bright clothing or reflective gear to increase your visibility.
Reflectors aren’t always enough. Use lights at dusk, dawn, at night, or in rain for maximum visibility. Lights increase your visibility in the daytime, too!
Alert others that you’re approaching or passing by using a bell or calling out “passing on your left,” and allow plenty of space.
Signal all turns. Use proper hand signals in advance to tell others where you are going. Hand Signal Guide
Ride in a straight, predictable manner and don’t weave, swerve, or stop suddenly.
Pay attention and avoid distractions like cell phones and music players. You need the ability of your two key senses, seeing and hearing, to detect cars.
Watch for cars backing up in parking lots and driveways. Brake lights may mean that a car is about to back up.
Look left, right and left again. Look for cars in all directions.
Don’t assume vehicles see you. In fact, it’s safer to assume they don’t!
(Adapted from Bike Walk CT’s “Give Respect, Get Respect.
Share the Road, Connecticut” www.bikewalkct.org)
Bicyclists traveling on roadways have the same rights and responsibilities as motorists.
Bicyclists must ride on the right in the same direction as traffic and a far to the right as is safe.
Bicyclists cannot ride on the right side of the road into oncoming traffic.
Bicyclists can ride on sidewalks and in crosswalks but when doing so have the same responsibilities and rights as pedestrians. For example, they need to wait for the proper cross walk signal.
Bicyclists must obey all traffic signs and signals, including stopping at red lights and stop signs.
During nighttime and times of low visibility, bicyclists must utilize a front light visible from 500 feet, a rear red reflector or light visible from 600 feet, and reflective material on the bike visible from 600 feet on each side.
Bicyclists must use hand or mechanical signals to communicate intended movements, such as turns or stops, with other travelers, but signals need not be given continuously.
CT State law allows cyclists to ride two abreast but no more than two abreast.
Bicyclists must yield the right-of-way before entering or crossing any main-traveled or through highway if the roadway they are on is posted with a “yield-right-of-way” sign.
Motorists must allow a minimum of 3 feet of separation when passing a bicyclist and when emerging from driveways and alleys.
Bicyclists being passed by a motor vehicle or another bicyclist should remain as far to the right as possible and not increase their speed while being overtaken.
Children under the age of 16 must wear a helmet when riding a bicycle on public roads, public paths, and public rights-of-way.
All child passengers under 40 pounds or 40 inches must be seated and secured in a child seat or bicycle trailer.
Parents may not authorize their children to violate statutes related to bicycle travel. In other words, by state law, children under 16 must wear a helmet when riding a bicycle whether their parents want them to or not.
The little ones are not aware of the rules of the road but YOU 🫵 are.
Drivers: Watch for children and always be ready to stop🛑.
Parents: Teach children road safety⛑️🦺.
We must work together to protect their future.
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Not all safety cues can be heard 👂— some can be seen 👀! Here are some ways you can be safe:
✅Always cross at designated crosswalks in well-lit areas with the best view of traffic
✅Obey all pedestrian signals
✅Pay attention and avoid distractions
✅Check your surroundings in all directions
✅Wear bright or reflective clothing
✅Safely make yourself visible to drivers & bicyclists
Learn more: ow.ly/w44150V6rvC
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Throwback Thursday: Last fall, we gathered for World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims in New Haven. Each year, we come together to honor those who have died, support those who survived and take action to save lives. Watch for Me CT is advocating for:
🛑Harsher, more timely penalties for impaired and speeding drivers.
🛑Improvements to the number of safe pedestrian crossings on Whalley Avenue in New Haven through the Bus Rapid Transit project.
🛑Full implementation of Leading Pedestrians Intervals with concurrent phase pedestrian crossing in New Haven.
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The faster you drive, the higher the likelihood that a crash involving a pedestrian could be fatal. Keep yourself and those around you safe. Obey all posted speed limits.
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Reminder for motorists: If you are turning right on red, you MUST yield for bicyclists. 👀Let's keep an eye out for each other!
#WatchForMeCT #DrivingTips #SafeDriving #CyclingSafety ... See MoreSee Less
Pedestrian deaths on our roads have reached the second highest in six years, with New Haven County seeing the most crashes. In this in-depth report, the I-Team uncovers troubling data and explores why pedestrian safety continues to be a growing concern, especially in high-risk areas like Whalley Avenue. Check out the full map and details on our site for real time updates. www.wfsb.com/2025/02/18/where-are-pedestrian-crashes-happening-ct-i-team-maps-them-out/ WFSB - Channel 3 Eyewitness News ... See MoreSee Less
Where are pedestrian crashes happening in CT? I-Team maps them out
www.wfsb.com
The I-Team is digging into the number of pedestrian crashes in Connecticut. Just last year, the state set the second worst record for the number of people killed while walking and riding bikes on our ...As you travel around Connecticut, you are increasingly likely to see Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons (RRFBs) at crosswalks. These signs include flashing lights that turn on when a pedestrian hits the walk button. CTDOT has found that RRFBs can increase motorist yielding rates by up to 98 percent!
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It’s winter in Connecticut, and taking a few simple steps can help keep you, your neighbors and your community safe:
❄️Make sure you clean off your car completely. Even if your windshield is clear in your driveway or parking spot, if there is snow on your roof, it might not be clear for long! Snow on the side of your car can blow off onto other people’s windshields.
❄️Shovel your sidewalks! Sidewalks that are covered with snow are dangerous for pedestrians. Keeping them clear allows for people to travel safely without needing to walk in the road.
❄️Give yourself extra time. When winter weather strikes and the roads get slippery, it is important to drive slower. Making sure you have enough time to get where you're going at a slower speed is important to getting to your destination safely in slippery conditions.
#WatchForMeCT #SnowSmarts #WinterDriving #PedestrianSafety ... See MoreSee Less
Show your fellow drivers and pedestrians that you care this Valentine’s Day!
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