As part of the campaign, be sure to read safety tips and watch a series of videos to learn more about traffic rules and ways to improve your cycling skills. 8. Get creative with your itinerary. If you`re cycling, it`s more important to get there in one piece than to get there faster. Choose roads that are extremely wide or have special bike lanes. Opt for quieter streets in the neighborhood rather than busy streets, especially on weekends when there are more drunk drivers. Drive in the direction of travel. Stay away from sidewalks in business districts. Stop for all red lights and stop signs. If there are traffic lights, wait for the green light.

The walk signal indicates that it is safe for pedestrians to cross the intersection. This signal is not for cyclists. Wait for the green light before crossing the intersection. Failure to follow traffic rules creates dangerous situations for you and others. 31. Use bike paths. You can avoid some of the most dangerous threats to cycling safety by using recreational trails specifically designed for cyclists. Your safety and image as a cyclist depends on you.

They have the same rights and obligations as drivers. Follow traffic lights and stop signs. Travel by traffic; Use the far right lane in the direction you are driving. Boston loves cyclists, so we want to make sure you`re ready for anything. Learn how to avoid common urban hazards. Also know the rules of the road and bike etiquette. Drive smart. Drive carefully.

And most importantly, enjoy. Bicycles are considered vehicles and must comply with all traffic rules. Employees who want to learn more about bike safety or repair techniques can take lessons at any location and receive a refund. Employees should verify their eligibility prior to registering for the course by emailing commuterchoice@harvard.edu or calling (617) 384-7433. One of the best ways to stay safe is to behave predictably. Following traffic and signage rules helps cars, pedestrians and other cyclists understand what to expect from you and where you`re going. 13. Know the bike safety rules for your condition. Check out this list compiled by the League of American Bicyclists.

Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of fatal car accidents in the United States. Not surprisingly, distracted cycling can be just as dangerous. Since you`re already more prone to serious injury and death, distracted cycling can be even riskier. One of the leading causes of bicycle accidents is limited visibility. If a driver can`t see you, an accident is more likely. This is especially true at intersections where your paths are likely to cross. While installing reflectors on your bike can help, it`s also important to wear light-colored and/or reflective clothing. When you increase your visibility, you reduce the risk of a bicycle accident.

29. Cross the tracks in the “right” direction. Railway tracks often cross a road diagonally and not straight. Slow down and tilt your bike so that it is exactly perpendicular to the tracks as you cross them. If you don`t, you`ll lose control of your bike track. Wear your helmet. Use lights, reflectors and bright clothing to see and be seen. Lights are required by law between 1/2 hour after sunset and 1/2 hour before sunrise. You must have at least one white light on the front and one red light on the back of your bike. You must have reflectors on your pedals or on your ankles. You can use as many lights and reflectors as you want. Harvard University has partnered with the City of Boston to promote a new urban bike safety campaign! 28.

Be vigilant at intersections. When you manage to stop, keep left in the lane so that drivers behind and in front of you can see you. If you are at the top of the line when the traffic light turns green, watch for red lights before moving forward. Statistics from the Governor`s Highway Safety Association show that the increase in fatal bicycle crashes began around 2011. Since this year, another 55 drivers have died in crashes each year. In 2015, 818 cyclists were killed on our roads, an increase of more than 12% over the previous year. Recent statistics suggest that roads are not getting safer. In 2016, the CDC reported that more than 1,000 cyclists had been killed in traffic crashes.