Bicycle Safety
Due to the general nature of college communities and the distances between campus locations at SIUE, many students at SIUE utilize bicycles as a primary means of transportation on campus. Following are some tips that can help keep you safe while cycling:
- Always wear a helmet and never wear headphones while riding a bike.
- At night time always wear bright, reflective clothing.
- Use lights at night. Illinois law requires a front light that is visible for 500 feet and a rear reflector or light that is visible for 600 feet.
- Remember, the bike trails close at dusk.
- Obey all traffic signs and signals. Bicycles must follow the rules of the road like other vehicles.
- Ride about 3 feet from parked cars to allow for the opening of vehicle doors.
- Never ride against traffic. Always ride in the same direction as traffic.
- Follow lane markings. Don’t turn left from the right turn lane and don’t go straight in a lane designated as a turn lane.
- Don’t pass cars on the right.
- Scan the road behind you. Even if you use mirrors, look back over your shoulder periodically to be fully aware of what is behind you.
- Keep both hands ready to brake. You may not stop in time if you brake one-handed.
- Allow extra distance for stopping in the rain, since brakes are less efficient when wet.
- Use hand signals as a matter of law, courtesy and self-protection.
- Ride in the middle of the traffic lane when:
- You are moving at the same speed as the vehicular traffic; or
- At busy intersections.
- Choose the best way to turn left:
- Like a car, signal to move into the left turn lane and then turn left; or
- Like a pedestrian, ride straight to the far crosswalk and walk your bike across.
- Be on the alert for road hazards, such as parallel slat sewer grates, gravel, ice, sand or other debris.
- Cross train tracks at right angles.
- Pedestrians have the right-of-way. When passing a pedestrian from behind:
- Give an audible sound to announce your approach; and
- Approach and pass to the left of the pedestrian.
- Keep your bicycle in good repair. Check the brakes and tires regularly.
- Adjust your bike to fit you:
- Handlebars should be set so they block your view of the front axle when you are seated on your bike with your hands on the handlebars.
- To determine whether the seat height is appropriate, sit on the bike and push one pedal all the way down. With the ball of your foot on the pedal, your knee should be slightly bent.
- When not in use, make sure your bike is securely locked to a stationary object.
Many crashes involving a vehicle and a bicycle are not the fault of the cyclist. Be sure to watch out for other drivers. Don’t assume that they see you. Always assume that other drivers don’t see you until you are certain that they do. Try to make eye contact with drivers to assure they see you.
