It also provides safety advice not included in the law. This manual is not a proper legal authority to cite and should not be relied upon in a court of law. Traffic regulations in cities, towns and counties may go beyond state laws, as long as they do not conflict with state law. This booklet was prepared to help adult bicyclists and parents of younger bicyclists understand how to ride safely and legally on the streets, roads and highways of Oregon. This manual condenses and paraphrases language in the Oregon Revised Statutes. It also provides safety advice not included in the law. This manual is not a proper legal authority to cite and should not be relied upon in a court of law. Traffic regulations in cities, towns and counties may go beyond state laws, as long as they do not conflict with state law. You can obtain additional copies of this brochure by contacting your local DMV office, or by writing: Traffic Safety Section Mill Creek Office Park 555 13th Street NE Salem, OR 97310 Phone: (503) 986-4190 Parents of younger riders may wish to teach them a more defensive style of riding. For this audience, ODOT publishes a booklet called “Say, you’re not from this planet, are you?”. It’s available at the above address. This manual was prepared by the Oregon Bicycle and Pedestrian Program in cooperation with DMV. Comments and suggestions are welcome. Please contact: Bicycle and Pedestrian Program Manager Room 210 Transportation Building Salem, OR 97310 Telephone: (503)986-3555 Copyright 1997 by the Oregon Department of Transportation. Permission is given to quote and reproduce parts of this document if credit is given to the source. 2 CONGRATULATIONS! CONGRATULATIONS! You have a right to ride your bicycle on Oregon’s roads, streets and highways. Some basic safety principles will help you enjoy a safe ride. The four basic principles Most bicycling injuries do not involve a crash with a motor vehicle. Bicyclists are more likely to fall or hit fixed objects such as a mailbox or a parked car. To avoid these crashes, follow PRINCIPLE #1: maintain control of your bicycle. Never ride while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. DUII laws apply when you’re riding a bicycle. Most crashes with motor vehicles happen at road intersections and driveways, where bicyclists and motorists cross paths. To avoid these crashes, follow PRINCIPLE #2: ride on the right, with traffic, in a predictable manner. When motorists and bicyclists collide, the fault is about evenly split between them. Even if you ride responsibly, some motorists may not see you. So remember PRINCIPLE #3: be visible and ride alertly. Finally, PRINCIPLE #4: protect yourself: wear a helmet to reduce the risk of head injury in the event of a crash. You can ride safely on busy streets by following some basic principles 3 4 4 : MAINTAIN CONTROL OF YOUR BICYCLE There are many things you can do to control your bicycle, even in an emergency. First, make sure your bike is the right size and adjusted to fit you properly. The right size bicycle is easier to control and more comfortable, causing less fatigue. Your local bike shop can help you choose the right size bicycle for you. Make sure your bike is in good working order. You should inspect it regularly. Here are some important parts to check: • Brakes must be powerful enough to let you easily bring your bicycle to a stop. You should be able to easily reach the brake levers. • Tires should be in good condition and inflated to their recommended pressure. • Luggage racks and saddle bags let you carry a load while keeping your hands on the handlebars for steering and braking. • Lights are required by law when riding after dark. You or your bicycle must have a white light visible at least 500 feet to the front, and a red light or reflector visible at least 600 feet to the rear. These are the minimum requirements. More powerful lights will make you more visible to others, and help you see road hazards. A rear light is more visible than a reflector. Front white reflectors are not visible to motorists entering from a side street and do not meet legal lighting requirements. • Fenders keep you dry and clean. They also prevent your bicycle from getting dirty in wet weather. Effectiveness of bike lights Bicyclist A Bicyclist B Bicylist B, without a front light, can’t be seen; a reflector is ineffective here. Bicyclist A, with a front light, is visible to approaching motorist. Mountain bikes and hybrids are easier to handle than many older bikes. They are well- suited for city riding thanks to their upright sitting position, modern gear shifters and brakes, rugged construction and maneuverability. Mountain bikes and hybrids are easier to handle than many older bikes. They are well- suited for city riding thanks to their upright sitting position, modern gear shifters and brakes, rugged construction and maneuverability. tions such as listening to a personal stereo while riding. PRINCIPLE #2: RIDE WITH TRAFFIC In Oregon, a bicycle ...