Environmental Services
Safe Riding Tips from Madison, Wisconsin
Smart Riding
Know the dangers of the road to avoid them. If you think ahead in traffic, your bike commute will become much safer. This section will also show you how you can ride more predictably for other traffic participants.
 | Obey all traffic signs and signals They apply to all vehicles, including bicycles. Obeying the law is the best way to gain respect from other road users. Bicyclists can be ticketed for traffic violations. |
| Always ride with traffic Riding against traffic is unpredictable. Drivers turning at intersections, exiting driveways or leaving parking spaces are not expecting wrong way bicyclists. |  |
 | Ride as far to the right as practicable, but stay far enough away from the curb to avoid hazards. Ride three feet from parked cars to avoid a suddenly opened car door, and ride in a straight line. |
| Ride further out in the lane when traveling at the same speed as other traffic, when the lane is too narrow to safely share with cars, and when approaching intersections to be more visible. |  |
 | Three feet of clearance is required when passing moving or stopped cars or bicycles. Motorists passing bicycles have to give three feet of clearance, too. |
| Go straight in a through lane, not a right turn only lane. Make left turns from the left lane, if there is one, or the left side of the through lane. Look behind you for traffic and give hand signals before turning. |  |
 | To change lanes, look behind you for traffic and signal first. Traffic in the lane you want to move into has the right of way. Look back and wait for an opening in traffic before moving over. |
| Two ways to make a left turn (1) Look back for traffic, signal, and move to the left side of the lane when safe. (2) Ride straight through the intersection, dismount at the opposite corner and walk your bike across the street. |  |
| Ride single file when other traffic is present. Riding two-abreast is permitted as long as other traffic in not impeded. |  |
 | Cross railroad tracks at a right angle to avoid getting your front wheel caught. Slow down and look behind you for traffic. Change your lane position if necessary to line up to cross the tracks at right angle. Return to your original lane position after crossing the tracks. |
 | Bicycling on sidewalks is permitted, except where buildings abut the sidewalk. Pedestrians always have the right of way on sidewalks and in crosswalks. Give an audible warning before passing pedestrians, and pass with care. |
| Watch for cars crossing the sidewalk at driveways, alleys and intersections. Buildings, fences, poles, trees, shrubs, and parked cars can hide you from traffic and make it difficult for you to see them, too. At intersections, you have the same responsibilities as pedestrians. |  |
 | Stop and scan for traffic before entering the street from a driveway, alley or sidewalk. Look left, right, and left again, and wait for traffic to clear before entering the street. |
| Be visible At night, a white light to the front and a red rear reflector are required. Additional lights and reflectors can, and should, be used. Bright colors help you to be seen during the day. |  |
