Biking Safety

A cyclist wears a helmet while riding along the McDade Recreational Trail (MRT). Protect your noggin by always wearing a helmet that is properly secured. Click on the photo to learn more about bike safety.

NPS Photo

Before riding, make sure you, your family, and the bicycles are ready to ride. When riding, always:

• Go with the traffic flow, riding on right
• Pass on left and give audible sound to alert others of intent
• Obey all traffic laws
• Yield to traffic and pedestrians
• Be predictable, riding in a straight line and signaling moves
• Stay alert at all times.
• Look before turning.
• Walk bicycles on steep hills and stairs.

Wear a Bicycle Helmet
Every person at every age should wear a properly fitting bicycle helmet. Children 12 years old and younger must wear a bicycle helmet.

Secure loose clothing
Check clothing, such as shoe strings and pant legs, to ensure they will not become entangled in bicycle gears.

Adjust the Bicycle to Fit
Stand over the bicycle. There should be 1 to 2 inches between the rider and the top tube (bar) if using a road bike and 3 to 4 inches if using a mountain bike. The seat should be level front to back, and the height should be adjusted to allow a slight bend at the knee when the leg is fully extended. The handlebar height should be level with the seat.

Check Your Equipment
Before riding, inflate tires properly and check that the brakes work.

See and Be Seen
Make yourself visible to others. Wear neon/fluorescent vest when riding to be most easily seen. Remember, just because you can see others doesn't mean others can see you.

Control the Bicycle
Ride with two hands on the handlebars, except when signaling a turn. Place snacks and other items in a bicycle carrier or backpack.

Watch for and Avoid Hazard
Look for hazards such as potholes, broken glass, gravel, puddles, leaves, and dogs. All these hazards can cause a crash. If you are riding with others and you are in the lead, yell out and point to the hazard to alert the riders behind you.