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Bicycle Safety – Traffic rules, Helmets, Security

Bicycle safety is not just for the young! Everyone riding a bicycle needs to practice safety, follow the traffic rules and always wear helmets. Special care should be given during the summer when school is out and children are engaging in outdoor activities, like bicycling. Community members are encouraged to reacquaint themselves with bicycle safety rules Teach children the following bicycle and motorbike safety rules:

  • Wear a bicycle or motorcycle helmet on every ride. Check to see if your helmet should have a safety certification.

  • Ride so drivers and cyclists can see you.

  • Look both ways for oncoming vehicles before turning or crossing a street. Go only when it is clear.

  • Watch out for potholes, cracks, rocks, wet leaves, storm grates, railroad tracks or anything that could make you lose control of your bike.

  • Make sure your bike fits your height, weight and age.

  • Inflate tires properly.

  • Check brakes before riding.

  • Bikers should ride behind one another and with the flow of traffic.

Know and Follow the Rules of the Road:

  • Know and follow the rules of the road contained within the California Vehicle Code (CVC). Vehicle Code handbooks can be obtained through your local Department of Motor Vehicles Office or Automobile Club. Remember, bicyclists must obey the same laws as drivers of motor vehicles.

Ride with the Flow of Traffic:

  • Always follow lane markings and use appropriate hand signals. Ride single-file when in heavily congested areas.

Avoid Riding at Night:

  • If it becomes necessary to do so, wear light-colored or reflective clothing. Make sure your bicycle is properly equipped with reflectors and a front light, if possible.

Be Alert While Riding:

  • Watch for cars, pedestrians, and hazards in the roadway like potholes, drain grates, etc. Don’t assume other people will yield to you. Be courteous and give the right-of-way to other bicycles and pedestrians.

Walk Your Bike when Crossing A Street in a Crosswalk:

  • Always look left, right, then left again—even when the light gives you the right-of-way.

Always Wear an Approved Bicycle Helmet:

A bicycle helmet should sit low on the forehead, just above the eyebrows. It should fit snugly and the two side plastic pieces on the straps should fit just under the ears. The buckle should be just under the chin, with one finger’s width of space between the strap and chin. The helmet must always be buckled while riding. The helmet should not move more than ½ inch in any direction.

BICYCLE HELMET EFFECTIVENESS

Head injuries account for:

  • 60% of bicycle-related deaths

  • Two-thirds of bicycle related hospitalizations

  • One-third of bicycle related hospital ER visits
    (-NSKC, 2004)


Stay Safe

In the Stay Safe section of our website, you can find a number of tips and ideas to do just that. Stay safe! We believe at the Lincoln Police Department that education is a key factor in crime prevention. In this section you can find ways to keep yourself, your children, you homes, and your businesses safe.

You can also take a look at crime statistics, recent activity, and crimes that have taken place in your neighborhood. Just go to the Special Services tab on the left and you can take advantage of the tools we've provided on our site.