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.
A Road Diet, also known as a Roadway Reconfiguration, is a road safety counter measure that involves turning a four-lane road into a three-lane road with a turning lane in the middle. Road Diets reduce rear end, side wipe and left turn crashes and, according to the Federal Highway Administration, can help reduce crashes by 19 to 47 percent.
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Did you know that ALL intersections are crosswalks? Even if there are no painted lines on the road! According to Connecticut State Law, drivers are required to yield to ALL pedestrians at crosswalks whether they are crossing, entering a crosswalk or waving to indicate the intent to cross.
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Clothing colors impact how well drivers can see pedestrians at night. If a pedestrian wears dark colors, a driver can't see them until they are just 3 feet away, which does not give the driver time to stop. But if a pedestrian wears reflective gear, drivers can see them from almost 500 feet away, giving them 11 seconds to stop. Be seen, be safe.
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Hey, Homeowners! 🏠If it's snowing, remember you have a responsibility to clear snow off the sidewalk in front of your property. Be a good neighbor and help those around you get home safely!
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What's your New Year's resolution? If you don't have one yet, we have a suggestion: Let's make a New Year's resolution to be a safer driver in 2025. Let's watch out for each other and stay safe on our roadways.
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www.ctinsider.com/news/article/ct-2024-traffic-deaths-20006698.php ... See MoreSee Less
2024 was second-deadliest year for CT car crashes in past decade, data shows
www.ctinsider.com
As of Dec. 23, there were 314 traffic deaths in the state, eclipsing 2023's year-end total of 308.There were more than 1,600 crashes involving pedestrians and bicyclists on Connecticut roads in 2024. That's up from 1,200 in 2023. In the new year, let's keep everyone safe.
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Watch for Me CT’s Amy Watkins was interviewed by NBC Connecticut about the disturbing increase in traffic fatalities in 2024. 📺 Watch to learn more: www.nbcconnecticut.com/news/local/deadly-year-connecticut-roads-pleas-traffic-safety/3463712/
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Deadly year on Connecticut roads prompts pleas for traffic safety
www.nbcconnecticut.com
Connecticut is having one of its deadliest years on the roadway, with traffic fatalities already surpassing last year’s number. The 314 traffic deaths through Dec. 23 – the most recently available...Happy New Year! As you celebrate the festivities remember to drive safe, drive sober and stay alert, or make a plan to get a ride.
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